Global Student Leadership Summit 2026: Co-Hosted by University of Tsukuba and University of Malaya
The University of Tsukuba and the University of Malaya jointly hosted the Global Student Leadership Summit (GSLS) from January 9 to 11, 2026, at the Tsukuba International Congress Center and Tsukuba Campus. This event was organized in collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and attracted participants from numerous partner universities outside Malaysia. Notably, the summit was held in Japan for the first time, following previous events in Indonesia (2023) and Turkey (2024).
Theme and Participation
The theme for this edition of the summit was “Fostering Future Global Leaders,” with a total of 159 participants. This included 87 students from approximately 20 national universities in Malaysia, 71 students from the University of Tsukuba, and one student from Doshisha University. In addition, 30 faculty and staff members, including 14 from the University of Tsukuba, participated, making the summit a significant venue for international academic exchange and leadership development. The event received strong backing from Malaysian authorities as part of the Multicultural Campus Project Toward Social Impact.
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Addresses
Mr. Zainal Azlan Mohd Nadzir, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister at the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo, delivered a welcome address during the opening ceremony. This was followed by keynote speeches from Mr. Zamri Radzi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Malaya; President Kyosuke Nagata of the University of Tsukuba; and Professor Yoshiyuki Sankai, President and CEO of CYBERDYNE. The discussions at these events focused on fostering global partnerships for peace and sustainability and highlighted the significant contributions of youth in addressing global challenges. President Nagata emphasized interdisciplinary approaches in education, while Professor Sankai underscored the importance of resilience and innovation in overcoming obstacles.
Keynote Lectures and Presentations
On the second day, a keynote lecture by Ms. Yuko Ueno from Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. discussed the essential roles of individuals with Ph.D. degrees in the industrial sector. Additionally, Mr. Hirman Awang from MOHE provided insights in a presentation titled “New Perspectives on Student Empowerment in Malaysia.”
Parallel Sessions and Themes
The summit featured parallel sessions that addressed seven key themes, including climate change, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, healthcare, youth civic engagement, and the digital economy. Faculty members from both Malaysian institutions and the University of Tsukuba served as session chairs, facilitating student presentations that were followed by extensive discussions.
Cultural Exchange and Leadership Development
Leadership development workshops organized by MOHE were integral to the event, culminating in a Cultural Exchange Night. This segment promoted collaboration and cultural understanding among participants and included traditional performances from Malaysia alongside Japanese cultural presentations, enhancing interaction among attendees.
Closing Ceremony and Future Aspirations
The closing ceremony recognized exemplary student presentations, with Mr. Zamri Radzi expressing appreciation to the University of Tsukuba for its contributions and acknowledging the efforts of students and staff in ensuring the summit’s success. Provost Mitsuyasu Kato concluded the event by thanking the participating students and affiliated organizations for their roles in fulfilling the summit’s objectives.
The GSLS 2026 has been regarded as a successful, student-focused international event that fostered academic exchange, leadership education, and cross-cultural understanding. The University of Tsukuba aims to continue strengthening its partnerships with global universities and play an active role in developing future leaders worldwide.
(Source: University of Tsukuba)
