Empowering democracy through education: the role of student leadership at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

This study explores the impact of student representative leadership at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) on promoting democratic values and civic engagement within Malaysian higher education. Student leadership is recognized as a platform for nurturing future leaders with integrity, accountability and ethical awareness which is the qualities that are increasingly important in both national governance and global diplomacy. The research aligns with Malaysia’s broader commitment to democratic principles and its role in advancing soft power through educational institutions. Using a cross-sectional survey approach, data were collected from final year students in two academic programs at UMT. The study examines how demographic factors such as gender, age and ethnicity influence perceptions of student leadership and democratic awareness. It also investigates the relationship between student leadership experience and understanding of democratic practices. The findings aim to provide valuable insights into the role of higher education institutions sustaining democratic citizenship and participatory governance. By reinforcing student engagement in campus governance, universities contribute not only to domestic educational reform but also to Malaysia’s international image as a democratic and diplomatically engaged nation. Using leadership theory, tthis study proposess the potential of student leadership as a strategic tool in shaping youth diplomacy and fostering a more inclusive, informed and participatory academic culture.