With an accounting background, I began my career in the conventional banking industry. Over the years, I gained valuable experience in managing various types of projects and funding for business banking, mainly in infrastructure development, corporate banking, and SME financing. These experiences provided me with a foundation in finance, risk management, and business strategy, while also exposing me to the realities and complexities of the banking industry.
Although I had built a rewarding career in conventional banking, I knew that my long-term goal was to move into Islamic finance. As a Muslim, I wanted my profession to reflect my faith and values by contributing to a financial system founded on Shariah principles. At that time, in the early 2000s, opportunities in the Islamic finance industry were limited, so I decided to prepare myself through higher education. Rather than waiting for the right opportunity to come along, I chose to equip myself for it. Pursuing the MBA with a specialisation in Islamic Banking and Finance at GSM IIUM became the bridge that enabled me to achieve that aspiration. I believed that when opportunities eventually emerged, I needed to be ready, not just with experience, but also with the right knowledge and qualifications.
The journey was far from easy. I was working full-time while raising three young children, balancing the responsibilities of being a wife, mother, banker, and student. Evenings and weekends were spent attending classes, assignments, and family commitments. It demanded discipline, perseverance, and countless sacrifices, not only from me but also from my family. Looking back, every challenge was worth it. Upon completing my MBA, I successfully transitioned into the Islamic banking industry, fulfilling an aspiration that had inspired me for years. The MBA did not simply earn me another qualification, it opened the door to a career that aligned with both my professional ambitions and my religious values. The MBA also became the foundation for the next chapter of my journey. Building on the knowledge I gained at GSM IIUM and 15 years of industry experience, I pursued a PhD in Islamic Banking and Finance. Today, I am honoured to serve as an academic, sharing both theoretical knowledge and practical industry insights with students at a higher learning institution.
Looking back, I realise that every meaningful journey begins with a single courageous step. What I have achieved today did not happen overnight. It started with a decision that required courage, sacrifice, and faith in Allah. By His grace, that decision transformed not only my career but also my entire life. What we have today often begins with small, courageous steps taken in uncertainty. At the time, choosing to pursue Islamic finance through further study was a risk. Yet, it was that very step that opened doors to opportunities I could never have imagined then. To anyone considering an MBA, my advice is simple, invest in yourself. With sincere intention, perseverance, and trust in Allah, even the smallest step today can lead to a future far greater than you expect. My journey with GSM IIUM is a testament to the fact that education is not just about a qualification, it is about transformation, purpose, and impact
