- Kindly brief us in short about you and your journey since the beginning of your career.
I started out in the creative industry venturing into advertising, publishing, and public relations before I decided to join the academia. When I was pursuing my PhD, I was teaching part-time at a private university and my first class was Public Speaking. Once I see the changes in my students at the end of the semester; going from not being able to complete a sentence at the beginning to being able to stand in front of the public and perform a speech, I feel I will always be an academic and contribute to students’ growth and learning. Now, I am leading a faculty, partnership programs, technology adaptation, global affiliation, and many more. It has been an amazing journey; from a single class of public speaking to all that I have done today.
- How do you use technology in the classroom?
Firstly, technology is embedded in my teaching and learning processes and not necessarily only in the classroom. Students were to be expected to run through activities, notes, chatroom, or any other form of online learning prior to coming to the physical class. In the physical class, we will focus more on the practical approach. Without familiarizing themselves with self-paced learning via technology that is absolutely critical, it will be difficult to produce a technology-savvy community.
- What has been one of your greatest contributions to the institution you have worked in for their development?
One of my greatest contributions would be organizing a global academic conference it generated 3,128 live session viewership with participants across 27 different countries and over 30 notable speakers in both industry and academia. I was working with the best team members and it will be one of the unforgettable experiences at the institution.
- Please tell us about your organization in brief.
Owned by 2 prestigious universities, the International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW) was established based on a mutual partnership between the University of Malaya (UM) & the University of Wales, UK in 2013. Since then, the University has experienced tremendous growth and remains committed to developing students who are ready to contribute to the next industrial revolution.
- How have you dealt with challenges, and what are some ways you have resolved them?
My method is not to fear any obstacles and welcome the challenges with open arms while keeping an open mind about the whole scenario or situation.
- What motivates you?
I have always been an achiever and I will not settle for anything less than the best results. I feel that motivation always starts within yourself, and there is nothing specific that I can pinpoint. Of course, at the back of my head, I would like my children to be proud of their mother and hopefully be able to be a positive role model in their lives. But even at a young age before I was a mother, my motivation always comes from the competitive spirit that I have within myself.
- Being in the industry for a long time, enlighten us with the educational scenario of your country and the ever-changing education sector.
Malaysia is a wonderful country to live in and a lot of effort has taken place to ensure the youth will be able to receive access to education. A lot of assistance, benefits, grants, scholarships, and many other opportunities are available for Malaysian youth. The pedagogy however I feel can be improved. The speed towards the advancement of teaching pedagogy especially at the school level should progress further than what it is now. Nevertheless, it is still a learning curve and I believe improvement will take place.
- Who has most influenced you to become an educator/administrator, and how did they influence you?
Not any specific person, but similar to what I mentioned above, the satisfaction during my first teaching experience; teaching students public speaking – is the starting point for me to decide to excel in the academic line.
- What are your professional goals for the next 5-10 years?
To keep loving what I do – regardless of the position, location, or profession.
- What message would you like to portray to the student universally?
Do not let what you cannot do, stop you from doing what you can do!