Irene Ng Wei Na graduated with first-class honours in BSc (Hons) in Conventions and Events Management and was one of the Valedictorians of Sunway University Convocation in February 2022. She shared how Sunway University has shaped her personality and skills, in preparing her for a fulfilling career.

Irene Ng recalled that the programme has provided students with more than just knowledge of the events industry. During the delivery of subjects, students were given the opportunity to get to know industry professionals and work with them, so that students receive first-hand advice from these professionals. For example, in the Conventions and Events Supports Services module that was taught by the Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer, Dr. Teh Pek Yen, Irene shared, “This subject allowed students to get a glimpse of running events in mega venues”.

As part of the School’s ethos of providing experiential learning, student trips were also part of the student’s academic and professional development. For this particular subject, the students visited a large event space (this took place prior to the pandemic). This enabled students to understand the significant coordination required from many different stakeholders for the creation of a successful event. Field trips such as this also allowed students to build their professional network, where such a network could present internship placement and future job opportunities.

Irene also added, “Besides that, throughout the duration of the degree programme, I met and connected with many entrepreneurs from different industries who generously shared their insights and experiences on how their businesses started and thrived”. Irene also affirmed that the programme not only prepared students for employability but also enlightened students with an entrepreneurial career pathway.

During her time at the University, Irene also actively participated in co-curricular activities. Irene joined the TEDxSunwayUniversity as a volunteer and helped to organise the 30-hour Famine Camp. Later, she moved on to becoming the Assistant Event Manager for the Annual Conference ‘MOSAIC’. Furthermore, she was part of the 2019 World Vision Malaysia Sunway University DIY camp where she designed the activities for the participants.

“I was honoured to be invited as one of the Panellists at the Yolo Happy Hour organised by The HotShoes Asia, to share my ‘beyond-the-classroom’ experiences in a live event in 2020”. Irene was also the Event Leader for Jom DANCE-Jom LOKA where she supervised the event flow. Jom LOKA was a virtual event brought together by the events management students at Sunway University to showcase Malaysian products and services, which particularly became useful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the most notable parts of her education journey at Sunway University was when Irene and her peers represented the University to compete at the 2019 TAITRA MICE Destination Marketing Contest in Taiwan. The team was awarded the Merit Prize for their Marketing Plan at this competition. Irene mentioned that the success of the team would not have been possible without the support of Ms. Hairani M Nur, Senior Teaching Fellow and Associate Programme Leader of Events at Sunway University. The students were coached from the proposal stage up to event pitching.

“The lecturers in Sunway University have made a big impact in my varsity days. I would like to especially thank Dr. Teh Pek Yen and Ms. Hairani for their tremendous support in my learning process and also project execution. When presented with the opportunity to become a panelist at a public virtual event, endless encouragement poured in from these lecturers”. Irene noted that the lecturers also helped to polish her speaking skills prior to the virtual event.

“Throughout the three years of my degree, I realised that teamwork and communication are two very important elements for tasks to be completed on time. Teamwork is essential in the events industry as the creation of events requires an extensive network of work units to create a successful event.”

Irene would also like to express her gratitude towards Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Trustee of Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and Sunway Education Group, for providing first-class facilities which made experiential learning at Sunway University more meaningful and enriching. The tertiary education at Sunway University has enabled students to train and improve on their communication and presentation skills, leadership, and teamwork with people from around the world.

On a closing note, Irene said “All the memories I have with friends and lecturers were truly unforgettable. Our relationship will not end here. The connections built were precious.” Sunway University has provided a platform to develop talents and skills, and shape one’s career path.