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From Jelebu to Berlin: Making Waves in Finance

Growing up in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, Mohd Firdaus Kamaruddin, affectionately known as Firdaus, would not have predicted the international journey ahead of him. Reflecting on his origins, he says, “I was raised by my grandparents and lived with them for the first 12 years of my life, which shaped my core fundamentals. I then moved to Kuala Kangsar to attend boarding school, and from there, my academic path led me to accounting, with the backing of a local scholarship from PETRONAS.”

The Global Experience at GE

With credentials in hand and fire in his belly, Firdaus joined GE’s ‘Financial Management Program’ after a short 2-year stint with PETRONAS. The programme, which he proudly shares, was over a century old and presented him with a golden ticket to a whirlwind of global experiences. The programme’s constant rotation took him from Malaysia to Singapore, Hong Kong, and back, eventually leading him to GE’s Corporate Audit Staff, a well-established finance career accelerator in the company.

“I spent most of that time in the US, being sent on assignments from Mexico to Shanghai, Bristol, Abu Dhabi, and several US cities, among others.” But it wasn’t just about work for Firdaus; it was a cultural immersion. “Every country has its unique culture,” he emphasises. The experience honed his adaptability, teaching him to “assimilate but also remain true to oneself.”

He recalls the biggest culture shock came during his time in the US, where the fierce “Type A” Americans challenged his introverted nature. “I felt insecure about my accent and English skills,” he confesses. But, determined as always, he took to heart the advice of supportive colleagues: emphasise effort over perfection.

“My experience with GE took me around the world. It was intense but enriching for my career and personal development.”

Middle Eastern Adventures

Qatar was a brief but crucial chapter as a springboard to his Dubai stint in 2014. His work with GE, especially his involvement after the Alstom acquisition, saw him tackling roles of increasing responsibility.

“Starting as the Middle East region’s Financial Planning and Analysis leader, I eventually oversaw the entire Middle East Africa as the Finance Leader,” Firdaus explains. He described his role: “Nothing is ever the same in my role because I run a region, so I learn something new every day.”

Firdaus’s heart lies not just in numbers but also in discovering the stories of places. “I appreciate history,” he says. In Dubai, he takes solace in long walks, whether inside malls to escape the heat or outside to marvel at the Emirati architecture. On weekends, he dives into books, explores investments, and embarks on travel adventures, relishing art, museums, and historical sites.

A Strong Malaysian Connection

No matter where his journey took him, the flavours and stories of Malaysia remained close to his heart. “Food is my tether to Malaysia. I have a small group of Malaysian friends wherever I go. We’d gather, discuss home, and indulge in Malaysian delicacies,” he reminisces. “Whenever I find myself in a new place, I search for Malaysians or at least a hint of Malaysian cuisine.”

Berlin Beckons

Having recently accepted the Finance Leader role for Grid Systems Integration Central Europe at GE Grid Solutions, Firdaus is embarking on new adventures in Berlin. “The European focus on renewable energy is captivating, and we’re at the forefront with several mega projects. It’s an opportunity to merge my experiences from the Middle East with the challenges of Central Europe,” he shares.

Lessons and Reflections

When asked about advice for Malaysians considering an overseas move, Firdaus emphasises the importance of adaptability. “You can’t expect to stay with a Malaysian mentality without assimilating,” he advises, highlighting the need to research local nuances and customs.

However, his love for his homeland remains unwavering. “I love Malaysia as my home. Malaysia has its strengths and flaws, but it’s still my home, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he declares with pride.

Looking to the Future with TalentCorp’s Initiatives

Firdaus appreciates platforms like the MyHeart portal. “It’s a fantastic start,” he observes, “The challenge is to keep the momentum and use this platform to strengthen connections among Malaysians and optimise our global relations.”

As he continues his international journey in Berlin, he leaves us with a resonating thought, “Success isn’t tied to a place, it’s a journey. It’s about aligning with your visions and goals, wherever you may be.”

If you’re a Malaysian residing abroad like Firdaus, join MyHeart to be part of a global community with Malaysians at its heart.

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Dr Catheryn Lim

Who is Dr Catheryn Lim?

Currently a Senior Research Fellow at Matthew Wood group and Chair, Early-Mid Career Researchers Committee at Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford. Received her Ph.D., Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry from UNSW Dr. Lim is now working on understanding disease mechanisms and developing genetic treatments for neuromuscular diseases. Two of these strategies are now at later stages of development where she is collaborating with industrial partners to optimise the strategies in preparation for first-in-human clinical trials.

Format of the sharing session

The participants for the session consisted of students and academicians coming from various biological and related sciences background.

During the session, Dr. Lim shared about her experience and journey in the research world and delved into the new developments being made in genetic treatments (specifically in neuromuscular diseases). She also shared some tips and advice on how to be active in the biotechnology research industry.

Outcome

The session has exposed 183 participants to new development in genetic treatments (specifically in neuromuscular diseases).

Dr Aid Fawzal

Who is Dr Aid Fawzal?

Experienced CFD Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the automotive, energy and oil & gas industries. Strong professional background with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering from Coventry University. Invented a constant number which is called the Fawzal Number (Fa) which is used to optimize supercar’s cooling system.

Format of the sharing session

Our participants consist of students from various engineering field and various level of studies, from bachelor’s degree to PhD.

During the session, Dr Aid shared with us the step-by-step process involved in designing a car using a simulation software where he explained why certain components are designed in such ways and the importance of each component. He also shared some tips to students who are planning to go into the automotive field.

Outcome

The session has benefited 284 participants with new knowledge and exposure to the automotive world and inspire our future engineers to pursue and improve our automotive industry.

Samantha Chong

In 2022, we collaborated with KL City Opera and organised a masterclass with Samantha Chong, a Malaysian mezzo-soprano based in Hong Kong

Objective

To develop the performing arts scene in Malaysia via a collaboration with a leading name in classical Italian opera.

Format of the masterclass

The masterclass was held over 2 days, where 4 participants were selected to perform an aria or duet. Samantha then provided verbal and demonstrative feedback to each participant for 7-9 minutes each, which included song and scene interpretation, and stage presence.

Outcome

Samantha made a conscious effort to focus her sharing NOT on singing, but on the various aspects of performance, something that Malaysian performers lacked. So, MyCollabs acted as a medium for her to guide the students in navigating the world of classical opera, including dealing with different stakeholders like conductors, music directors and repetiteurs.

The students, on the other hand, received a rare opportunity to undergo a masterclass conducted by a seasoned performer for free. They could then use the knowledge they gained to enhance their opera skills and hopefully, pursue a career as full-time professional opera singers, something which is a rarity in Asia.