That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality;
And that service to humanity is the best work of life
To provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to createpositivechange JCI MISSION
To be the foremost global network of yound leaders JCI VISION
LETTER FROM 2025 JCI MALAYSIA NEVP JCI SENATOR ALICIA NG
Where It All Begins: The First Step of Area South’s Legacy
Greeting from JCI Malaysia,
As we close the first quarter of 2025, I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to every Local Organization in Area South Your dedication, commitment, and passion have driven us to achieve remarkable milestones together. The journey so far has been filled with challenges, yet through collaboration and perseverance, we have accomplished so much.
We have successfully achieved a lot together in our first quarter, proving our commitment to excellence Our efforts in completing the 100% surat lengkap for ROY ensure that we stay on track for recognition, and with 20 award entries submitted for APBN, we continue to showcase the outstanding impact of our LOs on a national level Additionally, our first Area South Team Building has strengthened the bond among leaders, reinforcing the unity and synergy we need to move forward as one
While these accomplishments are worth celebrating, we must remind ourselves that there are only six months left in the term Now is the time to buckle up and sprint toward achieving our goals JCI is about one year to lead, and every moment counts If there are targets yet to be met, initiatives to be pushed forward, or changes to be made, we must act now with determination and a clear vision
This year, as we embrace the national theme, "Change Begins With Me," let us take ownership of the impact we want to create Change does not happen by waiting for the right moment it happens when each of us steps forward and takes action. We must be the driving force behind transformation in our communities, in our organizations, and in ourselves. Together, we can create meaningful change that lasts beyond our term
Let’s continue this journey with even greater energy and purpose I look forward to seeing all of you at JCIM Area South’s First Convention, where we will celebrate our achievements and set the foundation for even greater success ahead Together, let’s make this year truly extraordinary!
Message from National Vice President
LETTER FROM 2025 JCI MALAYSIA ASSIGNED NVP SHARRIE LIM
A Quarter of Growth A Year of Impact
Dear JCI Johor Bahru Entrepreneur,
As we mark the close of the first quarter of 2025, I'm filled with gratitude for the remarkable strides made by your Local Organization President Lynn Yap, alongside your committed Board of Directors and members, truly deserves acknowledgement for your dedication.
Your combined efforts have significantly propelled JCI Malaysia's development objectives for the year I firmly believe that there's more we can achieve in the days ahead Let's prioritize areas requiring immediate attention and concentrate on fostering membership growth and ensuring the sustainability of our community impact through these projects.
Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to our objectives Together, let's continue building a stronger JCI Johor Bahru Entrepreneur a leadership platform for the youth of Malaysia South Area
Wishing you all the best as we pursue our shared vision!
LETTER FROM 2025 JCI JOHOR BAHRU ENTREPRENEUR PRESIDENT LYNN YAP
From Intention to Action: Lead the Change
Greeting from JCI Malaysia,
2025 is a defining year for us as individuals, and as a community With JCI Malaysia’s national theme “Change Begins With Me”, we’re reminded that transformation starts from within with the choices we make, the values we uphold, and the actions we take.
At JCI Johor Bahru Entrepreneur, we proudly position ourselves as the go-to local organization for business and entrepreneurship development in Johor Bahru But that’s not all we are an all-rounded platform that nurtures community impact, personal growth, and global exposure for young leaders aged 18 to 40
Our theme this year, “Lead The Change,” reflects our belief that change needs direction and that every one of us is capable of steering it. Whether it’s empowering startups, running impactful initiatives, or representing Malaysia on the world stage, our members don’t just adapt to change they drive it.
We are building a future where purpose meets progress Where passion turns into action And where leadership is a way of life
Let’s make this the year we rise together stronger, bolder, and ready to lead
Like a Butterfly, We Evolve Embracing Change to Soar Higher
In many ways, the butterfly perfectly captures the spirit of transformation that every entrepreneur experiences Its journey from caterpillar to chrysalis to full flight is a powerful metaphor for the entrepreneurial path. Just like the butterfly, entrepreneurs go through phases of challenge, growth, and eventual emergence.
As we continue to navigate a fast-changing and often unpredictable business environment, one thing becomes clear change doesn’t just happen around us; it starts within us In line with our 2025 National President theme “Change Begins With Me,” we are reminded that real transformation begins the moment we take ownership of our growth Embracing change isn’t just about surviving it’s about unlocking innovation, adapting with purpose, and discovering new strengths, both in our ventures and in ourselves
The following is te Dynamic Logo Set which can be used in various visual design:
Resilience in Leadership Resilience in Leadership 领导者的韧性 领导者的韧性
1
Great leaders grow by facing challenges and staying strong through tough times, showcasing the true spirit of JCI’s in Leadership Development
2
Creating smart solutions for cities supports Business & Community Development in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Urban Innovation Urban Innovation 迈向都市化 迈向都市化
Forward Thinking Thinking 迈向都市化 迈向都市化
Thinking ahead and adapting to change helps young leaders stay competitive and ready for the future by .hosting high impact Business & Entrepreneurial Development events
3 4
Mentoring others through personal growth programs and giving back promotes Community Impact and International Collaboration Pay iIt Forward Pay iIt Forward 迈向都市化 迈向都市化
LETTER FROM 2025 JCI JOHOR BAHRU ENTREPRENEUR ALUMNI CHAIR LIM WEE KIAN 光续旧章，⼼启新程
As a JCI member for less than a year, I’m deeply honored to serve as VP of Local Organization Management (LOM). When President Lynn encouraged me to take on this role, she told me:
“If you want change, don’t just give opinions lead by example ” That became my mission
In Q1, I’m proud to have completed three engaging GMMs, which boosted participation and brought in many non-members leading to a strong start in recruitment. But none of this would’ve been possible without your support Thank you for believing in me
Q1 had its challenges too time, people, pressure but with each obstacle, I grew stronger True to our theme：启动新篇 突破极限
And this is only the beginning What doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.
Q2 bring it on! ��
JIA UAN
VICE PRESIDENT
NDIVIDUALDEVELOPMENT
LEE JIA QUAN
Johor Bahru Entrepreneur（JCI JB neur）的个⼈副会⻓，回顾第 季度， 了不少经验。
Recently, influencer marketing has emerged as one of the most effective strategies for businesses aiming to connect with their target audience
As we move into 2025, this marketing approach continues to evolve, presenting both new opportunities and challenges To stay competitive, it's essential to keep up with the current trends and learn how to effectively utilize influencer partnerships
Why Influencer Marketing is Rising?
The growth of social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has paved the way for individuals with numbers of followers to sway purchasing decisions These influencers serve not only as content creators but also as trusted figures for their audiences Research indicates that consumers are more likely to trust recommendations from influencers than traditional advertisements Consequently, brands are increasingly reallocating their influ reco a h audi
Tips for Successful Influencer Marketing in 2025
1. Choose the Right Influencers
Don't just chase follower counts Look for influencers who genuinely "get" your brand and whose audience is actually interested in what you offer Think of it like finding the perfect friend to recommend your favorite spot, they need to be a true believer!
2. Create Authentic & Engaging Campaigns
Give your influencers creative freedom to make your brand their own Trust their instincts, they know ates with their audience best Focus on ory that connects with people, not just out a sale.
d Measure Your Results
ope it works Keep an eye on how your are performing Are people liking, g, and actually buying your stuff? Use ools to measure your success and see y working.
hentic
es a forced friendship Make sure your ns feel natural and align with the usual style Authenticity is key, people ake from a mile away
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
From Curious to Capable: The Leadership Edge That Begins With a Better Question
by LYNN YAP
In an era where information is abundant but insight is scarce, the true power of leadership lies not in having all the answers but in asking the right questions This shift toward what scholars now call “Deep Smart” is reshaping the fabric of entrepreneurial leadership, particularly in high-stakes, high-change environments like Malaysia’s evolving SME and startup ecosystems.
How Young Entrepreneurs Can Transform Questions into Expertise
Deep smarts are more than technical skills or clever hacks. They are cognitive, behavioural, and intuitive habits developed through practice, observation, and collaboration They manifest in how decisions are made under pressure, how risks are assessed, how people are led, and how innovation is sustained
For Malaysia’s new generation of entrepreneurs, cultivating deep smarts is not just a personal advantage it is a national imperative And here’s the good news: you don’t need to be born with them You can build them But it starts by asking smarter questions and then, by taking action through what experts call the OPPTY process.
Sources:
Leonard, D and Swap, W, 2004 Deep smarts Harvard Business Review, 82(9), pp88–97
Leonard, D, Barton, G and Barton, M, 2013 Make yourself an expert Harvard Business Review, 91(11), pp127–132
The Art of Asking More Not Knowing More
As explored in the previous article on strategic inquiry, the first step to becoming “deep smart” is shifting your mindset from being answer-driven to being question-oriented Leaders like Jensen Huang of Nvidia have shown us that great leadership today involves “doing nothing but asking questions” not to appear clever, but to draw out clarity, creativity, and contribution from others.
Yet, smart questioning is only one half of the equation The other half is how you learn from those around you and turn that learning into practice
Your Deep Smart Accelerator
Becoming an expert means absorbing not just knowledge, but know-how the habits and mental models that experts use to succeed. This is where OPPTY comes in: a five-step framework that helps you absorb deep smarts from those who have them
Here’s how you can integrate OPPTY into your journey as a change-making entrepreneur:
Deep Smarts are not what you know, but how you think, decide, and adapt when it matters most.
--
Adapted from by Dorothy Leo
POWatch and learn from someone experienced.
Find a role model or mentor
Don’t just look at what they do notice how they think and decide
Ask yourself:
What are they doing that I usually miss? What do they notice that I don’t?
Try it yourself.
Apply what you’ve seen in a real task
Run a project Lead a meeting Try a new approach
Reflect after: What worked? What didn’t?”
What will I do better next time?”
Always ask for feedback!
Work with your mentor, not under them
Co-lead a project or solve a problem together
Ask questions like: How would you handle this differently than I am?”
It’s not just about learning it’s about growing together
Tackle a real issue side-by-side.
Choose a real-world challenge. Think out loud. Be open. Take risks.
Ask bold questions like: What if we tried something totally different?”
Is there something we’re all avoiding?”
Own the outcome.
Step up. Lead. Make decisions. Use what you’ve learned and take accountability.
Ask yourself:
How can I make this work at scale?” What support or tools do I need?”
Use OPPTY in Your Leadership Journey
Learn from experience
Reflect and adapt Grow through collaboration
Lead with wisdom, not just knowledge
Build Habits, Fail Smart, Lead Bold
Right Kind of Wrong: Why Learning to Fail Can Teach Us to Thrive
Author: Amy Edmondson Publication Year: 2023
Atomic Habits
Author: James Clear Publication Year: 2018
Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life
Author: John R. Miles Publication Year: 2024
This book challenges the fear of failure by redefining it as a powerful learning tool. Amy Edmondson explores the idea of “intelligent failure” and how embracing it leads to innovation, growth, and resilient leadership Perfect for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, it offers a framework for turning setbacks into breakthroughs
A practical guide to behavior change, Atomic Habits reveals how tiny, consistent improvements can lead to remarkable personal and professional transformation Through actionable strategies rooted in psychology and neuroscience, James Clear teaches entrepreneurs how to build lasting habits, break bad ones, and shape identity-driven leadership for long-term success
Miles outlines twelve principles for discovering purpose and leading with intention. Drawing on neuroscience and real-life stories, Passion Struck inspires entrepreneurs to take ownership of their journey The book offers a roadmap to unlock motivation, cultivate selfawareness, and create a fulfilling life through conscious, passionate leadership
THANK YOU
Without the generous support from our Annual Patrons, we would not be able to undertake much of the good work that we do Their engagement are highly valued and appreciated.
Without the generous support from our Annual Patrons, we would not be able to undertake much of the good work that we do Their engagement are highly valued and appreciated.
