Growing up, I was fascinated by anything related to computers, the internet, and technology. I once imagined an age before computers – how did people survive without these technologies? How did my father communicate with his parents in Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia when he was miles away from home completing his diploma practical training in Narita, Japan in the year 1980s? I remember asking my aunt how she received news from Malaysia when studying abroad for seven solid years in Illinois, United States of America, and there were no smartphones at that time. How did they communicate? And how did they complete complex tasks? I wanted to know how the technologies developed and evolved rapidly throughout these years. From algorithms and programming, this is precisely what interested me in enrolling myself in the Information Technology (IT) field.
My name is Nurin Annisha binti Abdul Razak, and I am a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons.) in Software Engineering from Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. One of my goals is to cultivate a successful career by merging technology with rigorous attention to detail and relentless innovation related to online banking platforms, as I believe that fintech is one of the fastest-growing fields in global business today. Therefore, I am keen to apply for MSc in Financial Technology (FinTech) to broaden my knowledge and skill sets with IT as well as financial services through a variety of tools.
Throughout my four years of undergraduate studies, I have been exposed to a comprehensive knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle that will help me provide a solid foundation and overview of software systems and real-world applications as a whole. During my sixth semester at UniKL MIIT, I participated in a boot camp named University Start-Up Challenge Idea Camp organised by Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) where my groupmates and I initiated a product called “Railway & Safe (R&S)” – an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) solution. R&S was proposed specifically for Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Malaysia was under Movement Control Order (MCO), to break the infectious disease called COVID-19 that has spread globally throughout almost all countries. This proposed product helps improve LRT service to comply with COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) set by the Malaysian Government. The solutions proposed included implementing real-time sensors for people counting sensors with specialised algorithms, maintaining the total of passengers under a specified limit, and preventing new passengers from entering the LRT when it reaches its limit by closing the LRT doors. We managed to strategize our own branding, marketing plan, channel and presented the features prior to product development. I was able to improve both my leadership and teamwork abilities due to my involvement in this boot camp.
In my final semester of undergraduate studies, I was nominated to undergo International Student Exchange Mobility – Internship Mobility Programme as an exchange student for the Spring 2022 Semester at Semyung University, South Korea after completing a short internship at UniKL Business Centre. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity benefited me in so many ways, from gaining better education skills in one of the countries for technological expertise in IT, to developing my soft skills and making new connections while living in a totally different environment. This one challenging semester has moulded me into becoming emotionally stronger while facing unexpected challenges during my time there. I pulled it through, stepped out of my comfort zone and become a more patient and mature individual once I completed this program.
Upon completion of my bachelor’s degree, I embarked on a career in the IT industry, which I am currently employed at UST Global, a leading multinational IT services and consulting company, as a junior software developer. I have been exposed to the practices of software development using numerous latest tools, technologies and frameworks such as Spring Boot, Postman, Angular, and Cloud Deployment. At present, I am fully responsible for a full-stack mini-project related to a retail banking system with my team members, where we are required to adhere to the design considerations stated in the software requirement document. My excitement for FinTech definitely sparked when I discovered banking solutions such as the creation of customers, accounts, transactions, and banking rules within the bank during the development of this project. During this period, I am able to improve my critical thinking skills and teamwork when handling the project.
In addition to that, I equip myself with wide exposure to co-curricular activities in order to be a well-rounded individual. I enjoy participating in sports events. Coming from a family that is passionate about sports, I discovered that these outside-classroom activities can increase my self-esteem and improve my ability to engage with others. Back during my high school days, I represented the school and state in various swimming championships, besides making swimming, cycling, and running as my hobbies during leisure time up until now. Other than being active, I believe that by reading, I can improve my vocabulary and see things in a totally different way. Reading may take us to places that I have never been before, and meet people that we are not able to meet. Reading can really develop my mind and gives me excessive knowledge and lessons in life. Not just that, but it keeps my mind active and enhances my creative ability.
Also, I contributed to volunteering programs with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). I had done a few since my high school days such as giving out basic needs and meals to the hardcore poor around Kuala Lumpur City Centre, organizing activities with the children who were vulnerable and marginalized, cleaning the prayer halls, and cleaning the houses that were badly affected by the flood. The experiences gained truly helped me increase my social and relationship skills.
Given my strong desire to explore more about FinTech, my experience of studying abroad for one semester, my desire to expand and have a good grasp of my English language skills, my knowledge of numerous programming languages, my interest in exploring the unique diversity and culture of the United Kingdom while representing Malaysia, my desire to develop personal skills are the main reasons why I always wanted to pursue MSc in Financial Technology (FinTech) in the United Kingdom. Other than that, earning a degree from the United Kingdom will be recognized and acknowledged globally as firms usually seek for employers with a solid command of the English language.
Studying abroad has always been one of my life goals ever since I was in high school besides having supporting parents that never fail to encourage me to chase my dreams. I believe that FinTech will provide me with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this field and achieve one of my long-term career aspirations. Enrolling in this program would be one of the defining moments in my life and future. I believe that I am a promising candidate and I am ready to comply all rules, be responsible, and be active throughout my postgraduate journey and utilize the knowledge to make a positive impact in Malaysia.