SYDNEY, May 10 — Selangor students studying abroad demonstrated significant potential by presenting creative ideas and critical thinking at the 2026 Selangor Student Convention Abroad Australia (KOMSEL).
Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Australia Datin Paduka Sharrina Abdullah said the initiative served as an important platform for uncovering students’ potential while providing space for them to express their views in a mature and forward-thinking manner.
“Sessions such as the innovation seminar linking academia and industry, leadership discussions, and forum dialogues have opened up space for mature and forward-looking discourse.
“Through the 'Young Innovators Venture Challenge', we were able to witness their courage and creativity in presenting ideas. This is something truly commendable,” she said.
Sharrina was speaking at the closing ceremony of KOMSEL 2026 at the PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Hotel in Sydney last night. Also present was Universiti Selangor's president and vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Dato' Hassan Basri.
During the event, she also presented prizes and certificates to the winners of the Young Innovators Venture Challenge, which involved 15 students from various universities across Australia.
Meanwhile, Hassan said he was impressed by the resolutions presented throughout the convention and believes it can become an important platform for voicing the aspirations of the younger generation in a mature and inclusive manner.
The ideas and views put forward clearly demonstrate that students wish to play a more active role in Selangor's development, particularly in areas like education, innovation, employment opportunities, youth well-being, and community development.
“We have always regarded students as strategic partners in the state’s development. Therefore, the findings and resolutions will be translated into practical, inclusive, and high-impact actions,” he said.
Held since Thursday (May 7), KOMSEL 2026, themed 'Young Innovators Shaping Malaysia’s Future', concluded with a series of programmes featuring 140 students from 12 universities in Australia.
Its main highlights included the Selangor Future Dialogue, the Innovation Seminar, the National Lecture Discourse, the Young Innovators Venture Challenge, and a sharing session with Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) or MBI.
The fifth edition of the convention served as an intellectual platform for overseas students to exchange ideas, strengthen their role as agents of change, and cultivate a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking among Selangor’s younger generation.
