UWA Business School
Over 300 Australian alumni, including graduates from The University of Western Australia, gathered in Kuala Lumpur in mid-October for the Malaysian Australian Alumni Council Gala Dinner.

Among the attendees were UWA Bachelor of Commerce and MBA graduates.

Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia His Excellency Mr Miles Kupa delivered a speech in which he emphasised the importance of maintaining an active alumni network in Malaysia, while the meal included classic Australian food - Queensland Barramundi and NSW Angus Beef.

Sheryl Yao is a graduate from The University of Western Australia and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies). Now living and working in Malaysia, Sheryl encourages other graduates to make the most of every opportunity.

‘Life after graduation was different from what I was preparing myself for. I guess it's a matter of realising that our life is now truly in our own hands. There is no map and the goal is not always clear. It's a blank canvas,' said Sheryl.

‘Since graduation, I have had the opportunity to work in a multinational bank and a small advertising firm, but the main highlights are the lessons and experiences I have gained that made me evaluate who I am now and who I want to be in the future and to stimulate me to work on filling in that blank canvas.'

These experiences began at university, where Sheryl was the president of AIESEC UWA - the university chapter of a global youth organisation developing leadership skills through conferences, internships and exchange programs.

‘Apart from forging some really lasting friendships, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in AIESEC. It's one thing studying and doing projects within the classroom and it's completely something else doing it outside of the class. It really connects you with the business world and other important industries within your state,' she said.

‘I was majoring in Marketing and Communication Studies which were already pretty practical within the classroom. So when it came to filming AIESEC promotional videos or developing marketing campaigns for recruitment, I already had some 'practice' in class!'

Sheryl values the support she - along with other students - received while studying at the UWA Business School. ‘More than preparing for a specific role at work though, the encouragement, pursuit of excellence and support network in the Business School provided students the space to do what they wanted, to create what they wanted and to excel at what they wanted. I think it's a spillover effect for life and not just for work,' said Sheryl.

The Malaysian Australian Alumni Council Gala Dinner was held at the Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur on 14 October 2011.

Media references

Catherine Vogel
UWA Business School
T: +618 6488 7340
E: catherine.vogel@uwa.edu.au

Verity Chia
UWA Business School
T: +618 6488 1346
E: verity.chia@uwa.edu.au