“I am advising all students, after your studies, don’t think only of coming back and looking for a job.

“Instead, come back and create jobs. Lead the country, be entrepreneurs, make connections and enhance your potential to the country.

“Be your own master. Learn as much as possible from China, see how they do things, persevere, work hard, be intelligent and get connected,” he said in his public lecture to Malaysian students at Tsinghua University here today.

Johari said Malaysia needs investments in education and talent development, adding that universities should offer courses in sustainable development, technology and entrepreneurship that correspond with future requirements of the country.

“We must all make an effort to develop a culture that values education, supports creativity and values critical thinking. We must give our children the resources and a chance to develop into strong leaders.”

Johari said in the current rapidly changing world, leadership requires flexibility, sensitivity and a keen awareness of the subtleties of culture.

He added that society needs leaders who can motivate people.

“Young people are today’s change-makers and tomorrow’s leaders. They are leading social change, advancing innovation and influencing the future of our countries, so do take these opportunities,” he said.

Johari, who is leading a Dewan Rakyat delegation, is on an official four-day visit to Beijing at the invitation of the chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Zhao Leji, following a bilateral meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on May 18 this year.