12.10.2025
Exclusive: GC Up Close & Personal with YAM Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin on leadership, culture, and gentlemanly excellence in modern Malaysia
GC presents an exclusive dialogue with YAM Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz on Malaysia’s cultural renaissance, democratic evolution, and the timeless principles of refined leadership. A masterclass in intellectual reflection and national vision.
Words: GC Editorial Team
GC is honoured to present an illuminating discourse in our distinguished series GC Up Close & Personal: Preserving Legacy, Shaping the Future, featuring YAM Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz - An advocate for constitutional restoration and institutional reform in Malaysia, Tunku Zain is Founding President of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), a think tank seeking public policy solutions based on the principles of rule of law, liberty and justice.
In the corporate sphere, Tunku Zain held directorships and committee memberships at Allianz Malaysia Berhad, Allianz General Insurance Company, Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia, Kian Joo Can Factory Berhad, Omesti Berhad, Excelerate Malaysia, UCSI Group and Prima Gading Corporation.
In the field of education, Tunku Zain is Chancellor of UCSI University, Pro-Chancellor at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, President of ICAN College, Royal Fellow at the National University of Malaysia (UKM), Associate Fellow at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Patron of the Arts in schools in Negeri Sembilan.
Tunku Zain is also a Trustee of Yayasan Chow Kit, Yayasan Munarah, Yayasan IDEAS and the Genovasi Foundation.
He is also an advisor, patron or committee member of numerous cultural organisations, including the Euroasia Association of Performing Arts, the Chopin Society of Malaysia and Society of Malaysian Contemporary Composers.
He was educated at the Kuala Lumpur Alice Smith School, Marlborough College and the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he obtained his MSc in Comparative Politics. He then worked in the UK Houses of Parliament, the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, KRA Group and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Since 2008 he has maintained a newspaper column across five newspapers, currently #abidinideas in the Star, Sinar Harian, Sin Chew and Borneo Post. From these articles three books have been compiled.
Tunku Zain also authored a book commemorating the Installation of the Eleventh Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan and led a major project to revitalise the State Anthem. A keen pianist, he has performed or recorded with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Dato’ Zainalabidin, UiTM Chamber Choir, Tunku Kurshiah College Wind Orchestra, Choir of Gonville & Caius College Cambridge, Mei Yi Foo, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Hael Hussaini, Jamal Abdillah, Waris, Khatijah Ibrahim and others.
An Eisenhower Fellow, he has been selected for various leadership programmes and speaking tours by the governments of Australia, France, the European Union, Singapore, Canada and Cuba and has received awards for integrity and impact among young leaders.
His public speaking engagements have included the inaugural lectures of the Tunku Zain Lecture Series, the Speakers’ Lecture Series of the Malaysian Parliament and the Constitutional Law Lecture Series at the University of Malaya, as well as the third Raja Aziz Addruse Memorial Lecture at the International Malaysia Law Conference, and the Cultural Diplomacy Lecture Series at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations.
He enjoys racquet sports, serving also as President of the Negeri Sembilan Squash Association and Advisor of the Negeri Sembilan Tennis Association and Negeri Sembilan Pickleball Association.
YAM Tunku Zain in conversation with GC Editor-in-Chief Raja Izz.
In this profound dialogue, Tunku Zain articulates with characteristic intellectual rigour his vision for Malaysia's cultural renaissance and democratic maturation. Drawing upon his deep understanding of civilisational heritage and contemporary governance, Tunku Zain explores the indispensable role of high culture, artistic expression, and historical consciousness in nurturing a society worthy of its aspirations.
As we commemorate the spirit of Merdeka, this conversation transcends mere policy discourse to examine the very essence of refined citizenship and moral leadership. Tunku Zain offers penetrating insights into the cultivation of civic virtue, the pursuit of excellence in public life, and the timeless qualities that define authentic gentlemanliness in our era of rapid transformation.
This exclusive feature represents more than an interview - it is a masterclass in thoughtful reflection, delivered by one of Malaysia's most distinguished public intellectuals. The complete video interview can be watched below, offering readers an opportunity to engage with ideas that shape not merely our present discourse, but our collective future.
Watch the full interview below.
YAM Tunku Zain in conversation with GC Editor-in-Chief Raja Izz.
GC extends its deepest appreciation to Tunku Zain for this invaluable contribution to our ongoing exploration of leadership, culture, and the pursuit of the examined life.
Editor-in-Chief: Raja Izz
Words: Raja Izz
Videography: Amir Benzaki
Photography: Amir Benzaki
Coordinator: Wan Shariz