Your Durham Inspiration

Do you remember why you first chose to study at Durham?

The Collegiate system is the main reason why I chose Durham. My parents both experienced college life and they wished I could have the same. There are definitely other factors taken into consideration, such as school's ranking, reputation, graduates employability, the modules offered, etc. but there are only a few universities that have this traditional collegiate system, which made Durham the most attractive offer compared to the rest.

Tell us about any sports, societies or clubs you were involved in at Durham.

I have joined several clubs and societies on both University and College level. To name a few, I was the catering officer for St Aidan's toastie shop, reponsible for employability and event planning for Arts and Humanities society, I was also an active member of the Law society, DUCK (Charity committee) and InStep (DU dance society). However, the Malaysian Society is the community that I was most invested in during my years in Durham. I was elected the president of Malaysian Society from 2017-2018. As the president, I led the committee and organized more than 3 big cultural events full year round for Malaysians. Our mission is not only to connect Malaysian students and make a home away from home, but also to share our traditions and values to the rest of Durham students. There is so much to offer from Durham Student Union, you will find a place that suits you and meet people of the same interest.

What work or moment were you were most proud of at Durham?

I would say, I am most proud of being the first president of DU Malaysian Society to connect all Malaysians in the North-East region. I led the first collaboration with other Malaysian Society from Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Teeside University and Sunderland University to present the biggest Malaysian cultural showcase in history. I built strong relationships with the committees from other universities, and our society members often attend each other's event and organize sports activities together. Stronger bond among Malaysian societies in the North-East region had also welcome new opportunity for social and networking events to be held up North, instead of the usual hub in London.

What are your fondest memories from your time here?

St Aidan's Hill! Our 85 steps stairs, our college chant during fancy formal dinners, me being the DJ for JCR during toastie shop shift, corridors politics (Ha! you can literally tell a person by which corridor they stay in college). The weather getting warmer during exam seasons and we get to study outdoors on picnic mats. Meditating with friends outside beer garden and overlooking Cathedral from the hill, praying we could all make it alive. Living out with friends next to a Thai restaurant during second year and end up ordering Thai food take away for almost every meal during assessment deadlines.

You

What have you been up to since you left Durham?

I accepted a graduate program offer from Astro and is now working as an Associate in Digital business. Astro is Malaysia’s leading content & consumer company in TV, OTT, radio, digital & commerce space with growing ASEAN presence. The Astro Graduate Programme is a 18-month rotation-based programme, I had the opportunity to work as Brand manager for International Business and Chinese content, Analyst for Customer Experience, Finance Business Advisor for Njoi and Broadband, and also participated in an innovation project to reinvent entertainment for youth.

What are you doing that is most meaningful to you now?

Customer centric business transformation and improving digital customer experience is what I am passion about now. Amid global competition and threats of piracy in the content production industry, we inspired to innovate and transform to be the undisputed entertainment destination for Malaysians.

Is there anything from Durham that has stayed with you and still inspires you now?

The close knitted community and lifelong friendships I have gained. People I have met and built relationship with in Durham have always inspired me, and their achievements after graduating continue to do so.

Tell us about your latest news or developments.

I have recently completed my graduate program and is moving into a permanent placement in Digital Journey. I will be overlooking company-wide digital sales and marketing performance, monitor acquisitions and work on improving user journey.

Personal interests

Museums and art galleries, stage performance, food markets, movies, phone and Nintendo Switch games, Korean culture, oh well, K-pop, Korean dramas and shows, Korean food, Korean beauty products you name it. I am not shy to talk about it, and it is actually the reason I got my graduate program offer.

Pass It On

What would be your top piece of advice for current students and/or recent graduates?

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school - Albert Einstein. I think about this a lot when I'm lost. Don't worry if you're not sure what you want to do and become in the future, but it is important to equip yourself, because opportunities favours those who are prepared. Also, opportunity sometimes surprises you.