Life & career opportunities in Penang! – by Mohammad Fitri Bin Azmi (PFF 2017 Scholar)

Born a Kedahan, I had the chance to study in Penang after my father was posted to the Pearl of the Orient. My link to Penang became even stronger when my academic achievements enabled me to apply for the PFF scholarship award. Having been interviewed by the PFF Selection Committee and members of the industry, I was honoured to be chosen as one of the selected scholars for year 2017. Together with other talents from within and outside of Penang, we are on our way to a strong future with Penang’s evolving industries.

The PFF scholarship is not only about achieving strong academic credentials. As a PFF scholar, we were also exposed to many activities. One of them was the PFF Annual Bootcamp and Luncheon. Through this programme, I got to meet other PFF scholars from various universities and disciplines. We participated in activities that, among others, enhanced our self-confidence in public speaking. These activities allowed us to improve on building friendships regardless of our backgrounds. We also had the opportunity to meet industry leaders (and potentially our future employers) at the luncheon.

I cannot stress how important these events are in building up our future. As university students, we can easily disappear in a sea of undergraduates looking for career opportunities. However, being a PFF scholar sets us apart as the PFF brand  is recognized by multi-national companies. With Penang’s long-standing status as the Silicon Valley of the East as well as consistently being one of the top states in Malaysia in respect of foreign direct investments, states in Malaysia, I am confident that Penang is the perfect stage for my career.

But all work and no play makes a dull human! While my weekdays are spent as an apprentice engineer, I am truly enjoying my free time exploring and appreciating everything that Penang has to offer. The State’s abundance of heritage and history is further complemented by Nature’s gift of beaches and hills. There is always something exciting to look forward to!

In my day-to-day work, I am constantly exposed to interactions with various nationalities. Exchanging of ideas and constantly learning from each other are the tools which will chart my professional growth.

For university students out there, I hope you will strive to be the very best version of yourselves.   Don’t miss your chance of becoming a PFF scholar! I am proud to be one, and will always be grateful to the Penang State Government for the opportunities that I have received to build a better future!