Have you always dreamed of becoming a leader who inspires others and drives change? Have you held significant leadership roles before, whether in an existing organisation or in an endeavour of your own making? Do you passionately believe in making a difference in Malaysia? If so, this programme could be for you!

For further information, please review the FAQs below or contact YLA_Malaysia@mckinsey.com.

1. What is the Youth Leadership Academy?
2. Do you qualify? For whom is the programme intended?
3. How do you sign up?
4. Other frequently asked questions

A. What is the Youth Leadership Academy?

The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is dedicated to nurturing and building capabilities of future young leaders. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to improve your leadership skills and form mentoring relationships with young professionals and senior business leaders. The programme consists of:

• Two full-day workshops led by faculty consisting of colleagues from our Kuala Lumpur office, with proprietary curriculum centred around leadership development. (The workshops will be held on a Saturday in July and August 2011)
• Access to mentors from a select pool of young professionals and successful leaders of Malaysian companies who will participate in the delivery of the programme
• Teamwork on a community-based project of your choice

This programme is about developing the next generation of Malaysian leaders. As one of the world's leading management consulting firms, McKinsey is a trusted adviser to leaders of companies, governments, and institutions in 50 countries the world over.

McKinsey is at the centre of the world's most influential global leadership network and is a firm that develops distinctive leaders. Many of our alumni are influential business leaders, representing virtually every business sector in more than 100 countries.

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B. Do you qualify? For whom is the programme intended?

YLA is a diverse and select group of 20 to 30 of the most talented and driven Malaysian undergraduate students currently studying at a university in Malaysia.We are looking for candidates who have demonstrated strong leadership potential, personal drive, and a passion and energy for making a difference in our community and country.

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C. How do you sign up?

Students will be asked to sign up via an online application form here.

Apart from personal particulars and your academic record, you will be expected to write a 200-300 word essay on their interest in a specific area (i.e. Business Entrepeneurship, Social Entrepeneurship, Sustainable Development). Upon screening, successful applicants will be invited to attend a one- to two-hour interview either in person or over the phone before mid-June 2011.

Feel free to also contact us at YLA_Malaysia@mckinsey.com with specific queries should you have any.

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D. Other frequently asked questions

1. Is this programme only for those interested in the corporate sector?

Not at all. While many of our mentors are from the corporate sector, they are also deeply involved in leadership roles in their community. The YLA programme aims to develop future leaders of Malaysia across all fields and sectors.

We recognise that there are many ways to create positive change and are committed to helping you work toward achieving your leadership vision, whatever that may be.

2. Are there minimum academic criteria I need to meet?

YLA participants will be selected based on a combination of their personal achievements, leadership experiences, and communication skills in addition to their academic track record.

3. What are some tips for writing a good essay?

Through the assigned essay, we seek to understand you better as a person and discover your leadership potential. Be honest and use the essay as a way to tell us about you. Also, make sure to check for spelling and grammatical errors.

4. How much time am I expected to devote to the programme?

This programme comprises two one-day workshops, coaching sessions, and a few short conversations between you and your mentor. Most activities including selection interviews will occur between late May and late August of this year.

5. What is the fee for the programme?

The YLA programme is free of charge. In addition, within limits, our office will reimburse travel and accommodation expenses for participants located outside of Klang Valley.

6. Can I obtain copies of the programme brochure and/or poster?

Sure. Just download the relevant files from the following links:
Programme poster (PDF - 166 KB)
YLA programme brochure (PDF - 166 KB)

7. Whom do I contact if I have any additional questions?

If you have any further questions about this programme, please send an e-mail to YLA_Malaysia@mckinsey.com.

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