THP FBF academic shares career insights with Form 6 students of SMK Sultan Yussuf

As part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement and educational outreach, UTAR, through the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF), proudly contributed to a meaningful programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Yussuf, Batu Gajah, Perak.

On 12 June 2025, THP FBF academic Dr Mah Pei Yew was invited as the guest speaker to address 211 Form 6 students on the topic The 21st Century Career World: Challenges and Opportunities. The session aimed to equip students with valuable knowledge about the current and future job landscape while motivating them to prepare for life beyond school.

The programme was made possible with the support of key personnel from SMK Sultan Yussuf and the Perak State Education Department. Among those involved were Pn Aenizawati binti Abdul Samad (Senior Assistant for Form 6), Pn Zarina binti Razally (Coordinator for Form 6 Semester 1), and En Mohd Hafifi bin Abd Hafidz (Assistant Director, Secondary School and Form 6 Unit, Perak State Education Department). Their involvement highlighted the importance of guiding pre-university students as they begin to shape their educational and career aspirations.

The day’s agenda was designed to be interactive and thought-provoking. It began with an ice-breaking session to build rapport and set a friendly tone for learning. This was followed by a discussion titled Is Form 6 the Right Choice?, where students reflected on their academic decisions and the opportunities offered by Form 6. Dr Mah then shared her personal and professional journey in the Experience Sharing session, providing real-life examples of success, failure, and perseverance in the workplace.

Another key segment, Keys to Success, emphasised the importance of soft skills, resilience, and adaptability in today’s fast-changing world. The session concluded with a Personality Test activity, allowing students to explore their traits, career interests, and future pathways based on their strengths and inclinations. This hands-on exercise encouraged self-awareness and informed decision-making among the participants.

The students participated actively and appreciated the opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of their potential career paths. Dr Mah’s engaging and motivational approach helped them reflect critically on the demands of the modern workforce and how to prepare themselves effectively.

This initiative reflects UTAR’s broader mission of giving back to society through education and outreach. By sharing practical knowledge and inspiring students to plan for the future, the programme successfully empowered the young minds of SMK Sultan Yussuf to take confident steps towards their goals.