Kuhandran Samudrapandiyan from Sri Lanka and Mario Hermawan from Indonesia, who pursued their higher education at INTI International College Subang and INTI International University respectively, are now successful working adults in Malaysia.
Kuhandran Samudrapandiyan from Sri Lanka is currently working in Maybank as a Software Engineer.
For many professionals, including those who are just beginning their careers, working internationally is an ultimate career goal. After all, who wouldn’t want the chance to experience different cultures and lifestyles while learning the ropes with established organizations? This aspiration lingered in the minds of Kuhandran and Mario when they completed their degree programmes.
Kuhandran, who completed his Bachelor of Science, majoring in Software Engineering and Digital Systems Security, has come a long way since he arrived in Malaysia in 2013. Currently working with Maybank Banking Berhad (Maybank) as a software engineer, Kuhandran has always been passionate about the nuances of cybersecurity, as well as web and software development.
“I really like being in the headspace of programming. Hours can tick by quickly while I work through coding sequences and I can see the results of my labor right away. Most importantly, they are verifiable,” said Kuhandran, who sees computer programming as one of the only ways to make a tangible thing without the risk of dropping something on your foot.
“Programming is like making art using mathematics. It’s creative yet precise,” added Kuhandran.
Working in Malaysia has exposed Kuhandran to the various values and traditions that are not widely practiced in Sri Lanka.
“Throughout my years of living here, I’ve learnt to become a confident person. I’ve adapted to the local cultures and behaviours. This in return has helped me to do well at work too,” he shared.
“At Maybank, there are people of various backgrounds. Initially I did lack confidence as I was unsure if I would be accepted by my local colleagues, but it turned out to be otherwise. My colleagues have been nothing but helpful. They have enabled me to step out of my comfort zone and I appreciate the room it has created for me to grow career wise,” expressed Kuhandran.
Sharing about his journey to join Maybank, Kuhandran mentioned that he was offered an internship placement after winning the Code Fest 3.0 competition organised by INTI. After acing his internship, Maybank offered him a contract job and then converted it into a permanent job as they were impressed with his performance.
Kuhandran who is enjoying his time building his professional pathway said, “It goes without saying that relocating abroad for work is a big step and might be intimidating for many people; nevertheless, if you want to fully experience new cultures and understand what it’s like to live and work in an environment that was previously out of your comfort zone, there’s no better option.”
“It is no secret to anyone that the world is more globalized and connected than it has ever been. Those who are curious and ambitious have more opportunities nowadays to study, live, travel, and get to know different cultures,” said Mario who is working at Accenture as a Business Process Delivery Associate.
Mario expressed, “Working in a foreign land has always been my choice for a long time and I couldn’t ask for more as Malaysia was on top of my list. I chose Malaysia because I wanted to gain more experience and improve my interpersonal skills in a diverse and multicultural country.”
Mario Hermawan who is currently enjoying his work experience at Accenture, is excited to learn more about Malaysia.
Mario pursued his Bachelor of Financial Planning degree at INTI as he wanted to become a valuable asset to the financial services industry, especially in financial planning. Furthermore, INTI’s collaboration with different industry partners helped him enhance his understanding in the finance sector through the various career fairs and employer projects held throughout his course.
He also shared his experience as a student and said, “As an international student, I was part of a rich academic community with a range of perspectives and knowledge-bases. This offered students like me an education that books can’t give. For instance, I learnt how to relate to global communities, and gained respect for people from different backgrounds. INTI taught me these values which I will carry with me for life.”
Mario is determined to return to Indonesia as an entrepreneur but he is also keen to contribute to the society he has become a part of, contributing to its growth and spending in its economy.
When asked to share about his experience working in Malaysia with younger peers, Mario said, “Remember every moment is an opportunity to learn from everyone around you, no matter their title. Pay attention when things go well; pay extra attention when they don’t, and watch how people react to it. I have also learnt that we should build relationships with the people who face problems by being their solution.”