Enhancing cross-cultural leadership competencies through experiential learning: a study of Inderaloka International Festival

As global societies become increasingly interconnected, effective leadership requires not only decision-making skills but also cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and inclusive collaboration. This study examines the impact of experiential learning on cross-cultural leadership competencies through the Inderaloka International Festival. A total of 458 students from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan participated in a pre- and post-festival assessment measuring self-perceived attributes including communication, teamwork, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, with results indicating statistically significant improvements across all domains. Regression analysis further demonstrated that pre-festival confidence was a strong predictor of post-festival leadership development. Complementing these findings, qualitative reflections underscored the importance of real-time multicultural collaboration in shaping leadership outcomes. Overall, the study affirms the transformative potential of experiential learning in cultivating cross-cultural leadership competencies essential for the next generation of global leaders.