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Perdana Fellows Alumni Association
June 14, 2025
🌍 The Future of EU-Malaysia Relations: What Young Professionals Need to Know
PFAA Speaker Series Recap | Featuring H.E. Rafael Daerr, EU Ambassador to Malaysia
On 13 May 2025, the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association (PFAA) hosted a special edition of the PFAA Speaker Series featuring His Excellency Rafael Daerr, the European Union Ambassador to Malaysia. Held at the cozy and vibrant Liberal Latte, this intimate session brought together alumni and young professionals for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on the future of EU-Malaysia relations.
Moderated by Ms. Fanitsyara Kam Phon, Vice President of PFAA, the dialogue centered around trade, sustainability, and the evolving role of youth in diplomacy and global partnerships.
🔑 Key Takeaways from the Session:
💡 1. The EU-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Offers Predictability
Ambassador Daerr emphasized the importance of a rules-based, predictable trade framework through the FTA, especially for businesses and entrepreneurs. This stability is key to attracting long-term investment and allows for better planning across sectors.
🗺️ 2. Youth Should Be Bold in Exploring Opportunities
Young Malaysians must see themselves not just as beneficiaries but also as drivers of EU-Malaysia partnerships. From digital innovation to green tech, new doors are opening—especially for those who stay informed and globally engaged.
🌿 3. Sustainability is Non-Negotiable
Sustainability was a central theme. Ambassador Daerr stressed that green initiatives must go beyond trade—they must be embedded in policymaking, business development, and regional cooperation. As future leaders, Malaysian youth are well-positioned to lead this transition toward a low-carbon, inclusive economy.
✨ Why It Matters
As Malaysia deepens its ties with the European Union, it is essential that youth voices are not just heard—but actively shaping the agenda. Whether it's in policymaking, innovation, diplomacy, or sustainability, young professionals have a critical role to play.
📢 What’s Next?
The PFAA will continue to create platforms for young leaders to engage with key stakeholders, exchange ideas, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building and global affairs.
Let’s stay informed. Let’s stay involved. Let’s lead the change.
📝 Written by the PFAA Communications Team
📸 Photos from the event available on our social media
🌟 PFAA Special Speaker Series with YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir MohamadOn 19 June 2024, the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association (PFAA) had the rare honour of hosting YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s longest-serving Prime Minister and Bapa Pemodenan Malaysia, for an unforgettable evening of reflection, purpose and inspiration.Held under the theme “Hope, Sacrifice and Legacy” and moderated by PFAA President Syed Mohamed Arif, the session was a heartfelt conversation that went beyond politics — touching on values, conviction, and the kind of leadership our country needs.💬 Key Moments That Moved Us:Tun shared his thoughts on leading Malaysia through times of great change, always guided by vision and duty.At 92, his return to public office wasn’t about ambition — it was a sacrifice, made out of love for the nation.He reminded us that leadership comes with cost — time, comfort, and sometimes popularity.Most of all, he urged the youth to lead with integrity, humility, and a true spirit of service.The stories he shared reminded everyone in the room that legacy isn’t about what we leave behind — it’s about the values we live by every day.🎥 Missed the event or want to rewatch the session?Catch the full conversation here:🔗 Watch on YouTubeThank you, Tun, for your time, your wisdom, and your unwavering belief in the next generation.📝Written by the PFAA Communications Team📸 Event photos available on our social media
🌟 PFAA Scholar Series: Chevening Scholarship Information Session 2024🌟On 26th September 2024, the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association (PFAA) proudly hosted a Chevening Scholarship Information Session as part of our PFAA Scholar Series, aimed at guiding and empowering future leaders in their academic and professional pursuits.We had the pleasure of welcoming Gurpreet Kaur, Chevening Partnerships Officer, and Maryam Spahic, Chevening Alumni Officer, from the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, who shared valuable insights into the prestigious Chevening Scholarship—a fully-funded opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.💡 Key Highlights from the Session:📋 The Application Process DemystifiedGurpreet and Maryam provided a detailed breakdown of the Chevening application process, from eligibility criteria to the types of courses and universities available. They also clarified the scholarship’s highly competitive nature and the qualities of a strong candidate.✍️ Tips, Tricks & Real-Life ExperiencesParticipants gained actionable tips for writing compelling essays, choosing the right references, and demonstrating leadership and networking capabilities. A few attendees who had previously applied for the scholarship also shared their own experiences—making the session interactive and relatable.🌱 Inspiration to Aim HigherThe session concluded on a hopeful and encouraging note, with the speakers emphasizing that Chevening is not just about academic excellence, but about a strong vision, personal growth, and the ability to drive change.🙌 Final ThoughtsWe hope this session left all participants informed, encouraged, and inspired to take the next step in their journey to becoming global leaders. Whether you're applying this year or preparing for the future, remember: the Chevening community values vision, leadership, and impact—qualities we know many of you already have.Best of luck in your application, and we look forward to seeing more Malaysian changemakers become Chevening scholars!📝Written by the PFAA Communications Team📸 Event photos available on our social media
💻 PFAA Speaker Series: Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship & Leadership in the Digital AgePowered by Sea LimitedOn 3rd June 2025, the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association (PFAA) hosted an exciting edition of the PFAA Speaker Series powered by Sea Limited, exploring how youth can thrive in the digital economy through innovation and leadership.The panel featured a powerhouse of speakers:👨💼 Terence Siau, Country Head at Sea Limited🌐 Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)🗣️ YB Syed Saddiq, Member of Parliament for Muar🎤 Moderated by Fanitsyara, Vice President of PFAA🔑 Key Takeaways from the Session:🌍 Youth entrepreneurship must uplift society, not just create profits. Social impact should be at the heart of innovation.🕒 Start small and start now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment — fail fast, learn faster, and pivot with purpose.📶 Digital adoption in Malaysia must accelerate. Youth are ready — the challenge lies in building a supportive ecosystem.🤝 Everyone has a role to play. As young changemakers, we are the drivers of inclusive, tech-driven progress.This thought-provoking session served as a reminder that Malaysia’s youth are not just beneficiaries of the digital revolution—we are the architects of it. With the right tools, access, and support, we can build a future that is inclusive, digital-first, and powered by purpose.Let’s be the change. 🚀📝 Written by the PFAA Communications Team📸 Photos from the event available in our social media
