This Sunway University valedictorian has built her career from the ground up, successfully balancing work and play. Since graduating with a computer science degree, Fennie has moved up the corporate ladder with much élan. Epitomizing the values of a Sunway University graduate, Fennie shares her journey.

When things don’t go according to plan but works out for the best

Fennie had planned to become a web developer, but as always, life had other plans. When preparing for the internship interview with Hilti, she felt that improvements were needed on the UI/UX (User Interface/ User Experience) of the website. She raised the issue and proposed some solutions which were then acknowledged by the IT management, thus securing her a role as a UI/UX Designer.

Today, Fennie is employed at Hilti Asia IT Services, the second largest Global IT hub for Hilti Corporation. Having been recently promoted to UX Cohort Lead, she recounts her journey in the company since her internship days in 2014. She is among the pioneering members in the UI/UX domain for her company. Her contributions have brought value and new opportunities in improving user experience which has subsequently brought better usability and productivity. Her role in the company is not just limited to the technical aspects, but she has also contributed to the marketing and branding processes as user experience plays an integral part in customers and stakeholders’ satisfaction. In her current role, she leads a team of UX talents, where she focuses on improving team productivity and maintaining team motivation in order to achieve peak performance.

Creatively geeky

Although passionate about fine arts, music and painting, Fennie’s interest in technology peaked at 16 years of age when she took the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) elective in her high school. She instinctively felt that technology would be the thing of the future and she was determined to be a part of it. Fennie’s ability to combine her love for computers and her love for the arts has provided her an opportunity to excel in her current role at Hilti.

Achievements started from school

Despite her excellent academic achievements (receiving a 1st Class honours in Computer Science and being a valedictorian in her graduating class in 2015, as well as achieving a distinction in her MBA in 2020), Fennie’s humility has helped her stay grounded in a male-dominated field. She attributes her success to her time spent at Sunway University, from the support of her peers, to the dedication of her lecturers as well as her involvement with extra-curricular activities.

Experience to bring on for life

Hailing from the state of Penang in Malaysia, Fennie recalls how she relocated nearly 300 kilometres to attend University. Being so far away from her family meant she had to establish an eco-system that assisted her in her studies with minimal distraction. Fennie lives by her motto of ‘Do your best, No Regrets!’, something that has helped her through her journey as a student and into her career path thus far.

From being a curious teenager to becoming a formidable figure in her company, this strong-willed student exudes humility and resonates joy to the people around her. She credits her time at Sunway University both as an undergraduate and postgraduate student for shaping her worldview. Sunway University is truly proud to have nurtured a young talent who is now a significant contributor to the world of technology. As her favourite quote by Leonardo da Vinci states “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”, Fennie truly embodies this statement to the hilt.