By Tianne Ramona Pereira
SELANGOR – “We all love Malaysia, but if we Christians are not involved in nation-building, who knows where we will be headed?” remarked David Yap, the founder of Influencers Malaysia, in an exclusive interview with HERALD. David shared how, during his personal challenges, he was fortunate to have knowledgeable seniors guide him, helping him realise that the Church extends beyond its four walls. This insight inspired him to create a safe space where people from all generations and walks of life could come together and support each other.
In 2017, David started Influencers Malaysia with just a few youngsters and the contacts on his phone. His vision was for young people to find God and meaning in life through the influence of those touched by God. He hoped this Christian-based, non-denominational platform would bring together believers and non-believers to learn from each other, network, seek God, and experience the fullness of Christ.
David emphasised that there are seven domains of influence shaping society: Family, Religion, Business, Education, Media, Government, and Arts & Entertainment. Influential figures from these areas are invited to share their insights, reinforcing that Christ is present in many facets of life. By involving prominent individuals from various sectors, Influencers Malaysia strives to highlight the pervasive presence of Christ and inspire collective efforts toward nation-building. This commitment to diverse perspectives was exemplified by the recent engagement with Most Reverend Julian Leow Beng Kim, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, who was described as a visionary leader who has admirably guided the archdiocese for the past decade with steadfast resolve and exceptional discernment.
Living out our vocation at the service of God’s Kingdom
The Up Close & Personal session with Archbishop Julian Leow was held on Jun 11 at the Victory Centre in Centre Point, Bandar Utama. The theme for the evening’s discussion was Living Out Our Vocation at the Service of God’s Kingdom. The event began with Archbishop Julian giving a brief introduction of himself, sharing his thoughts on the theme, and answering questions from the audience. Here is a summary of the enriching and enlightening evening.
Archbishop Julian Leow, the second child of Daniel and Audrey Leow, was born and raised in Seremban. He received his education at St Paul’s Institution before furthering his studies at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, where he completed a degree in Building. Some of his notable projects include Plaza Pelangi and Sogo.
Despite his success in the corporate world, he felt something was missing and, in 1994, answered the call to join College General Major Seminary in Penang. After eight years of study, he was ordained a priest in 2002. Later, he was sent to Rome to complete his licentiate in Church History, after which he returned to College General Major Seminary as a formator and Dean of Studies. Four years later, he received a call within a call and was appointed Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur.
Archbishop Julian explained that, regardless of our stage in life, we are called to live fully. He emphasised that what we study may not always align with what we do, but that’s okay because God has a plan. He said, “If you question what God’s will is for your life, it is to be holy, to be the best version of yourself, and to share God with others.” He added that his decision to become a priest was not a one-time choice made 22 years ago but a daily commitment he continues to make.
He emphasised the essential role Christians need to play in Malaysia: to be peacemakers, to speak up for the voiceless, and to love God and our neighbours as we love ourselves. He challenged the audience to consider how they use their success and resources: Do we serve the greater public? We are called to be the salt of the earth, adding flavour to the lives of others. Am I living a lukewarm life, or am I making a difference where God has planted me?
Archbishop Julian also highlighted his close collaboration with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST). Using nasi lemak as a local analogy, he explained how the dish’s diverse colours and flavours — the brown nuts, red sambal, white rice, green cucumbers, and yellow egg — brings together the sweet, spicy and salty flavours to create a unique and iconic taste. If one ingredient is missing, it’s no longer nasi lemak. This, he said, is what being Malaysian is all about. “We are all in an orchestra; if we play in harmony, it makes a beautiful symphony. We are in Malaysia for a purpose,” he added. The archbishop said that despite being offered a place in a seminary in Sydney, he chose to return and serve his country, Malaysia. Stressing the need for unity, he said, “We are all a work in progress; we need each other and God’s grace for this journey.”
Archbishop Julian spoke on the importance of quality and diversity in relationships, calling it a great investment to deepen and broaden our life journey. As a bishop, many doors have opened for him, allowing him to meet politicians, religious leaders, and laypeople, all of whom have taught him valuable lessons.
Addressing the topic of non-believers, the archbishop emphasised the need to respect all individuals. “I have the faith, but how do I treat those who do not believe the same as I do?” he asked. With one billion Catholics in the world, three-quarters of the world may not know Jesus. “Am I called to convert everyone? No, I am called to share who Jesus is to me with my friends and companions. I am called to share my story. Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit,” he explained. “I propose my faith; I never impose my faith on others. When meeting people, let us be transparent, ethical people of the Gospel with no ulterior motives, genuinely wanting to build friendships. Don’t see a person as a soul to be saved, but as a friend to be made. Just do ordinary things in extraordinary ways. They will know we are Christians by our love.”
The archbishop also addressed one of the most pressing challenges faced by the Church: unity. Despite the many denominations within Christianity, he asked, “How do we unite?” He pointed out that Malaysia is a nation of diverse religions and doctrines, but there may be greater threats that bind us together. He explained that the Christian Federation of Malaysia, of which he is a member, represents 95 per cent of Christians in the country, while the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) represents 90 per cent of all religions in Malaysia. The Buddhist group and the Church have collaborated on many occasions. He urged everyone present to seize opportunities for unity and collaboration.
In response to a question about working with spiritual people and those who serve the Church, Archbishop Julian acknowledged the challenge. While the Church is called to be compassionate, understanding, and considerate, he noted that it can be more difficult in a working environment. He tries to reiterate to his staff that working for the Church and for Christ is a significant responsibility, and that they are part of something bigger. “It is about winning hearts and minds,” he said, admitting that while he has faced many failures, he continues to strive for improvement.
Recalling the day he was appointed archbishop, he vividly remembered being at a petrol station fuelling up when he received a call from the nuncio, asking him to come immediately. A few hours later, he met the Nuncio who informed him that Pope Francis had appointed him Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur. When he asked for time to consider, he was told he could take as much time as he needed, as long as he gave his answer before leaving the Nuncio’s office. He asked for permission to use the chapel, after which he accepted the role, knowing he would shepherd over 120,000 parishioners and more than 70 priests.
Archbishop Julian shared that his mother had always supported his decision to join the priesthood, while his father not so much. His father had even prayed for him to leave the seminary but became his biggest supporter after his ordination, proudly telling everyone, including random nurses during hospital visits, that his son was a priest.
In response to another question, he explained the symbolism in his coat of arms, which includes the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, and the Tree of Religion. While some people misunderstood the Tree of Religion as symbolising that all religions are the same, he clarified that he chose it to represent the Divine presence in all creation. Every person, regardless of race or religion, bears the image of God.
The evening concluded on a high note of gratitude and admiration. As an attendee, I can confidently say that Archbishop Julian left the audience in awe with his wit, knowledge, and gentle nature. – Herald Malaysia
