Our Proud Alumni

Confused, I started looking into careers that would allow me to be different. And that quest led me to realize the substantial demand for actuaries not just in Malaysia, but around the world. As glamorous as it looked, I was also forewarned of the difficulties that were to be faced while pursuing this degree. I knew many friends who had taken up actuarial science but had dropped off due to the intensity of the course. But thanks to the flexibility of the AUP program, I was allowed to have a balance in my educational pursuit as well as my personal growth.

To be honest, I had not thought about INTI as my potential alma mater. I was selected to go through matriculation in one of the nearby institutions in Nilai, and had gone for a visit. As I was driving back from the institute, I saw the banners of INTI along the road, and had thought of stopping by. And that changed everything. I remember meeting Ms. Sri Suriyani, and with clear guidelines of courses and potential universities to go outlined by the advisor, I had no second thoughts when it came to choosing INTI as my tertiary educational center.

Looking back, I still remember failing calculus during the first semester in INTI. I also remember vividly the commitment my lecturers in calculus, Ms. Betsy and Mr. Koong, had towards me. They saw my struggle and kept motivating me; to the extent of allocating time to have me at their office for additional tutoring. INTI had eventually become a conducive environment that allowed me to major in Actuarial Science, Statistics & Finance at University of Northern Iowa, and pursue my dreams to fruition.

There are many who have taught me valuable lessons throughout my journey of becoming who I am today. However, the lessons were learnt only because I was taught to be receptive towards the knowledge and lessons that were around me. Look at any job or task that is given as an opportunity to gain knowledge. Find passion in that, in which you will undertake instead of looking at it as if it’s a chore. When you do that, you would not only contribute towards the institution that you are in, but also garner great self-development skills that will make you a formidable person in any field that you pursue. May it be now, or in the future.

As for the three important traits that I believe all successful leaders in today’s world should have, they would definitely be perseverance, an inquisitive mind and creativity.

To sustain myself during my time at INTI, I balanced studies with a side business that helped people materialize their travel dreams through trip proposals. In return for my travel consultancy, I got to travel the world, and meet a wide array of people. I met clients who were in the insurance business, and fell in love with their careers. My passion for financial planning sparked there, and it’s how I eventually got on “Nasi Lemak Kopi O” on TV9. After I started doing my Khalifa Hanif project, a photoshoot overseas blessed me with the ability to clear my stocks and gain international brand recognition. I felt unbelievably blessed during that time in my life as all my ventures were coming to fruition.

After graduating from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in Psychology & Religious Studies, I proudly worked as a translator at the Women’s Aid Organization, which was funded by the UN. I learned a lot about women’s rights, and civil laws along the way. As someone who took 16 subjects for SPM and majored in Psychology in college, being able to learn about laws and legislation helped me further complete my education portfolio. It opened up a new horizon of knowledge for me, and pushed me to continuously grow.

My leader in the insurance industry, Dato’ Akmar also has been my huge motivator. I believe a successful leader has to be understanding, transparent, and always lead by example. Dato’ Akmar possesses all these traits, and is someone I aspire to be. My advice to any student reading this is; take your time in figuring out what’s best for you. Always keep your financial future and mistakes in mind. Make sure you have both substance and surface, and place importance on your spiritual happiness. Never ever stop taking risks, as it may just lead to unimaginable growth.

It all started with the first science demo I watched in my first semester at Purdue University. It was an eye-opener for me to see how an effective scientific communication could be established through the demonstration of research findings, and ideas (e.g. climate change data) to the general public in a relatable, fun educational setting. I knew immediately that this was how I wanted to use my Chemistry degree – to raise awareness on the global grand challenges, communicate research findings, and bring solutions to the public. I then joined a research group in my junior year to better prepare myself for graduate school and future career. During my undergraduate research, I found my passion for renewable energy, particularly artificial photosynthesis, and decided to pursue it in my Ph.D., as well as postdoctoral research.

To be honest, there were times where I thought I could not make it – both during undergrad and grad because I felt that I lack the fundamentals in certain subjects compared to my peers. In the end, I found that it is what you know, and what you have that shapes who you are as a person. Everyone’s experience is unique, so always be open-minded. Dr. Neil Dasgupta, who was my postdoc advisor in the States, had a great impact in my life. When I met him in 2015, I was still a grad student and we collaborated on a project. His enthusiasm for science, attention to detail, love for knowledge, and strong mentorship inspired me greatly and helped shape me into the kind of scientist I wanted to be. After my Ph.D. studies, I joined his research group in mechanical engineering as a postdoc research fellow. His philosophy, both in research and teaching, continue to inspire me to become a better version of myself professionally.

Through my experiences at INTI, Purdue University and University of Michigan, I’ve learned that when you learn something new, learn it well. There are many resources available to you, such as the library, office hours, internet, Youtube videos and so forth. So, there is really no excuse for not learning a topic well. Also, stay focused and listen to your inner voice more often. Ask yourself, ‘What do I want in life? What is preventing me from achieving what I want?’ You will then make better judgements and decisions for your career.

I’m glad to have accomplished many things in my life. Like graduating with my degrees, getting permanent postdoc positions, authoring a few published journal articles, receiving awards and honors, and developing several undergraduate curriculums.

When it comes to the most important traits that successful leaders in today’s world should have, it would definitely have to be confidence, eloquence, and the ability to stay in focus.

While I was climbing the corporate ladder, I also started my own company. It is a social innovation firm that aims to increase productivity, efficiency, and capacity amongst working professionals and entrepreneurs – leading to an increase in organizational performance. I am also an activist and actively engaged in community building programs, where I am the President of Lean in Malaysia, mentor at FutureLab, Global Shaper, and Axiata Young CEO Development Program Participant.

I have always had a strong interest in quantitative data, which led me to choose Actuarial Science as a major. And that is why I decided to enroll at INTI. Because they offered me a twinning program that allowed me to transfer my credits to universities in America. And in America, I was able to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science program at University of Central Oklahoma. I find the American degree more wholesome because I was able to take different electives whilst still pursuing my major, which eventually enabled me to graduate with four minors as well.

Overtime, I became more inquisitive about the entrepreneurial world. I discovered that my analytical skills, exposure to different job functions, and experience in various organizations combined with my strong interpersonal skills would provide a strong foundation when I run a conglomerate someday.

Few years ago, I rejected my acceptance to University of Columbia to do my Masters in Actuarial Science, because I wanted to come back to Malaysia and start working. At the time, I thought I gave up on a huge opportunity that could contribute to my success in the future. But I overcome that by making the most out of the situation and really putting myself out there. I always aim to exceed expectations in everything that I do, and be determined to achieve anything that I set my mind to. My family and friends were also a strong support system that have empowered me to be where I am today.

During my time with INTI and in university days, I have learned that you need to always be grateful for any job that you are in. Work hard and use the resources your company has provided you with, as a platform to display your strengths and skill sets. Utilize everything you have learned to produce the best quality of work you can, and always aim to exceed expectations, and take everything you do to the next level. Surround yourself in an environment where you are constantly growing, either in knowledge or character, for the better.

Last but not least. Humility, perseverance and determination – these are the three traits that I personally think every successful leader in today’s world should practice.