Business Administration alumna shares studying and working experience in Taiwan

Woon (middle, with short hair) partaking in a company visit during her MBA studies (photo was taken in Taiwan, 2018)

Ralph Emerson, an American philosopher, once said, “Do not go where the path may lead, instead leave your own trail on the non-existent path.” That is what former Business Administration alumna, Woon Jia Hui, did, since successfully completing her mutual recognition in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme.

After first joining UTAR’s Foundation programme in 2013, Woon completed her Bachelor of International Business in 2017 and subsequently did her MBA the year after. After completing her first year of the programme at UTAR, she was given the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Taiwan’s Tunghai University (THU) to complete the remainder of her master’s course, which she graciously accepted. Since graduating in 2019 summa cum laude, she has gone on to have a flourishing career in Taiwan.

After leaving her alma mater several years ago, Woon has now returned to Malaysia. Reminiscing her first career in Taiwan after graduate, like many UTAR alumni, Woon found success in Taiwan, as she worked as an overseas salesperson. Speaking about her job scope, Woon stated that she basically keeps an eye out on the business market in other countries, particularly Asian ones, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Korea and the Philippines. Her time studying in UTAR and THU certainly paid off, as she had the opportunity to travel across Asia as part of her company’s visits, which has helped broaden her horizons. Moreover, the willingness of not just her colleagues but also her manager in showing her the ropes has definitely left Woon with a good impression of the Taiwanese workplace.

When asked about her experiences in both universities, the UTAR alumna stated that the lecturers she had throughout her time in UTAR and THU have been nothing but helpful and supportive. Woon expressed her gratitude towards them, stating that they helped her in every step along the way, from aiding in her studies to adjusting to a new life in Taiwan. She also pointed out that while the learning conditions in both countries were distinct, the opportunities and academic facets provided by UTAR and THU to all students were nonetheless beneficial and comprehensive. “I have seen UTAR constantly giving students the opportunity to participate in industry visits and to study internationally, and the same goes with THU. Not to mention, both universities offer the chance for us to learn about international cases in different industries, which can often be an eye-opener,” said Woon.

When adjusting to life in a new overseas, oftentimes people can experience culture shock and may struggle to adapt to their new surroundings. Luckily for Woon, she had little to no difficulty in finding her feet during her time in Taiwan, as she had the support from her newly met friends in Taiwan. Their amicable nature proved to be a great help, as she adapted to the new environment in no time. Not only that, despite being a thousand kilometres away, Woon found solace in her family and UTAR friends too, who encouraged her through it all. She also praised Taiwan for its safe and secure environment, which had relieved her anxieties of living there alone.

Woon (centre) meeting new friends in Taiwan (photo was taken in Taiwan, 2018)

Woon also shared her experience working as a part-time retail assistant in a pet shop when studying in Taiwan to support her daily expenses. She personally enjoyed working part-time because it helped her to adapt to Taiwan’s working environment earlier and her study life became more fruitful with the experiences from the part-time job.

Finally, Woon ended on a positive and hopeful note, as she left a piece of advice for her juniors who are interested in taking the mutual recognition in the MBA programme and studying abroad in Taiwan. “The learning environment in Taiwan is fantastic. Everyone is so helpful and enthusiastic. They really helped me to adapt to my new environment quickly, plus I have learned a lot of new things just living in Taiwan. I would genuinely recommend my juniors to be brave enough to take a leap and study in Taiwan, since it is a great learning experience and you get to expand your social network,” advised Woon.

Woon enjoying her free time in Taiwan (photo was taken in Taiwan, 2018)

Woon visiting Taiwan’s Taipei 101 (photo was taken in Taiwan, 2018)