On 31st December 2019, while everyone was celebrating with their loved ones and eagerly awaiting the stroke of midnight to exchange hugs and wishes for a happy new year, I found myself on a plane, returning to Malaysia to embark on my university life. Anticipating a more enjoyable time and the opportunity to make new friends in university compared to my experiences at Sunway College (which, by the way, had been one of the best experiences of my life), little did I know that I would only have the chance to physically attend classes during the first and last semester. This unfortunate situation was a direct result of the global pandemic, which, as everyone is aware, has significantly impacted our lives.

Initially, I felt deeply disappointed upon learning that our study method would be fully transitioning to online. However, I understood that Sunway Education Group's decision was driven by its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students. Despite the challenges posed by the sudden shift to online learning, the lecturers and staff went above and beyond to provide us with all the necessary materials to facilitate effective studying. They offered recorded lectures, quizzes, and extra practice questions, among other resources, demonstrating their dedication to supporting our learning experience in this new format.

Two academic staff members have profoundly influenced my student life. The first is Associate Professor Dr Shehnaz Tehseen, who served as my programme leader. I consider her to be the best programme leader I could have ever hoped for. Driven by her unwavering support, she guided me through challenging times, whether it was related to my Final Year Project (FYP) or any other subject. Her dedication was evident as she even responded to my emails late at night to ensure I didn't face delays with my assignments. The second staff member is Dr Siti Munerah Abd Karim, initially my marketing lecturer, but eventually, she became a close friend. Her motivational spirit was a constant source of encouragement whenever I felt stressed due to assignments.

During my degree, I have acquired numerous skills that have proven beneficial not only in my academic journey but also in future employment opportunities. Among them, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills have been particularly noteworthy. The intelligently designed modules challenged me to think creatively and critically while tackling assignments, honing my ability to think outside the box.

Additionally, cross-cultural communication stands out as another essential skill I have developed. As an international student, I had the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. This experience has effectively prepared me to work on a global scale and equipped me with the competence to engage with clients from different cultures, should the need arise.

In addition to academics, I actively engaged in various extracurricular activities during my time at Sunway University. Despite being confined within four walls for most of the time, I am immensely grateful for the numerous opportunities that came my way. From serving as a Sunway International Student Ambassador to being a part of the Sunway University Student Council, Sunway Student Volunteers, and Sunway Student Ambassador, participating in future leadership programs, and finally, co-founding and managing the Sunway International Business Society (SIBS), each experience has been invaluable and close to my heart.

Balancing assignments, society meetings, and tasks was a challenging endeavour, but it compelled me to dedicate myself fully to my university life. The involvement with SIBS proved instrumental in enhancing my skills, as it provided a practical platform to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in classes, including teamwork, clear communication, and leadership skills. Overseeing the events department and serving as treasurer, I had the responsibility to ensure the seamless execution of planned events. This experience not only honed my abilities but also made me aware of my capabilities, which I might not have discovered without the invaluable opportunities presented by SIBS.

Throughout my journey at Sunway University, I encountered numerous highs and lows, both in academics and non-academic pursuits, but the challenges and hardships never deterred me from persisting. Embracing the wisdom of Stephen Richards, who stated that "The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow," I found the motivation to continue striving. As a result of excelling both academically and personally, my holistic experience culminated in graduating with first-class honours, making me one of only two students in my degree to achieve this distinction in July 2023.

Today, as I write this testimony, marks the momentous occasion of my graduation from the university. This signifies the official conclusion of my journey as a Sunway University student. As I reflect on this milestone, I am reminded of Dr Seuss's wise words: "Do not cry because it is over. Smile because it happened." I cherish the delightful memories and experiences I had during my stay at Sunway University, and I am truly grateful for the pleasant and fulfilling time it provided me.
 

Edited by
Arumugam Muthusamy
Sunway Business School
Email: @email