My journey with Sunway University began with the hope to acquire an in-depth understanding and knowledge of climate change and its effects on the environment, economic and society, a passion that grew during the coronavirus pandemic. The Master in Sustainable Development Management (MSDM) equipped me with multidisciplinary perspectives that connect the five pillars (“5Ps”) of sustainable development: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership. The programme broadened my worldview as I embarked on a career in sustainability and further enhanced my analytical, critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills.

Having since transitioned into the sustainability space for the past six years, I endeavour to pay it forward and continue advocating for resilient and sustainable development that advances a green, low-carbon economy for businesses, humanity and future generations.

I started raising awareness about climate change and its impacts on humanity and planetary health through Instagram and YouTube, and the desire intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic. This inspired my decision to pursue the Master in Sustainable Development Management at Sunway University.

I graduated in 2024 with a Master’s in Sustainable Development Management (MSDM) from the Jeffrey Sachs Centre on Sustainable Development at Sunway Business School. This multidisciplinary programme, which spans multiple sectors, enabled me to examine sustainability through its economic, environmental and social dimensions. It helped me connect the dots and understand the importance of sustainability anchored on the 5Ps to foster resilient and sustainable development and advance a green, low-carbon economy for businesses, humanity and future generations.

Equipped with this academic background, I joined MySDG Foundation, Malaysia’s national trust body, which was established by the Government of Malaysia and seed-funded by the Ministry of Finance (MOF). The Foundation is mandated to mobilise resources to accelerate Malaysia’s SDG ambitions by bridging the gaps to support the marginalised communities at risk of being left behind in line with the Government’s aspiration to achieve the 2030 Agenda. 

The knowledge I gained through the MSDM programme deepened my appreciation of the impact of the Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund and the innovative projects implemented by NGOs and UN agencies that the Foundation supports in partnership with the United Nations.

My professional experience spans the private, public and government-linked sectors, largely in the financial services sector, although I also had experience working in the information technology and media publishing industry early in my career.

My career journey has been enriching, rewarding and challenging at the same time. It has not been linear; at one point, I took a detour into a new field, which ultimately led me to the sustainability sector.

I firmly believe in lifelong learning and cultivating a growth mindset to remain relevant and maintain a modern outlook in a constantly evolving and rapidly changing operating environment.

I am proud to have contributed as a pioneer team member to four organisations linked to or set up by the government, each with its unique national mission to which I dedicated a total of 13 years. They include Danaharta, Malaysia’s first national asset management agency, which was established during the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis; Danajamin, a Ministry of Finance Incorporated agency established in 2009 during the global financial crisis as Malaysia’s first national financial guarantee institution; TalentCorp, which was established in 2011 under the Prime Minister’s Department to drive the country’s strategic talent agenda under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP); and Yayasan MySDG, a national trust body focused on accelerating Malaysia’s 17 SDGs under the UN 2030 Agenda, established by the Government of Malaysia in 2022 and seed funded by MOF.
I believe that the greatest currency one can possess is LOVE.

On a voluntary basis, and as a way of paying it forward, I have served as a mentor for WWF Singapore’s #WeGotThis Youth Sustainability Incubator Programme for three consecutive years, beginning in 2023. In this role, I contribute to the growth and development of the next generation of sustainability leaders. 

I was also appointed by Sunway University as an Industry Success Coach in November 2025 to support undergraduates by providing guidance throughout their learning journey and preparing them for the transition into the corporate world. 

My journey with the University has been a memorable one. I was supported by dedicated professors who generously shared their knowledge, insights and wisdom and tirelessly provided invaluable guidance. Further, the support from the teaching assistants and administrative staff, together with the facilities and resources available, made my learning journey truly meaningful.

The most memorable moment of my time at Sunway was my graduation day in July 2024, when I received a Distinction despite the challenges I had faced along the way, with my son there to witness the momentous occasion.

Edited by
Dr Arumugam Muthusamy
Sunway Business School
Email: [email protected]