After nearly a decade of telling stories from bustling newsrooms in Beijing and Istanbul, Natasha Hussain has returned home to help shape Malaysia’s digital future.
Now part of a national payments network, PayNet’s, communications team, Natasha channels the lessons she learned on the global stage into work that supports Malaysia’s transformation into a society. Her journey is one filled with courage, curiosity and a deep sense of purpose, proving that coming home can be the start of a whole new story.
New Beginnings in Foreign Lands
When Natasha left Malaysia for Beijing in 2016, she had no idea how transformative the move would be. “I remember landing at the airport thinking… is this real or am I being scammed?” she laughs. From interviews to contract negotiations to hefty paperwork, the journey to get there took well over a year to come to fruition. It was truly a leap of faith as she was only 3 months in on a new job at The Star Malaysia.
It didn’t take long for reality to set in. Beijing was fast-paced, unfamiliar, yet exhilarating! At China Global Television Network (CGTN), Natasha started as a copy editor before moving up to sub-anchor. It’s a role she never imagined for herself. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be presenting news at a global level.”
Two years later, when a former colleague invited her to join Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) World in Istanbul, she jumped at the opportunity. “I started as a senior producer at the rolling news desk, covering everything from political events to natural disasters.” Eventually, Natasha had the chance to present her own show. It was a completely new challenge. She built a new programme from the ground up, assembled a team and led its editorial direction.
Lessons From The Global Stage
Her time working in international newsrooms shaped her approach to communications in profound ways. As the standards and work culture there were extremely high, she learned to focus on what was newsworthy. She had to cut through the noise, spot the right angles and deliver a story that’s simple for viewers all around the world, while working effectively with her team.
Those years honed her storytelling discipline where accuracy, accountability and empathy became second nature. “You also become aware of how people from different backgrounds interpret stories differently,” she adds. “That sensitivity helps me now because effective communication isn’t just about facts, it’s about connection.”
Today, the skills she gained abroad are what Natasha apart at PayNet. – whether complex, technical or human-interest – in a way that resonates.
The Turning Point: A Calling Home
After more than eight years abroad, Natasha had done everything she set out to do in the news industry. She felt a growing pull to return home and be part of Malaysia’s growth story. “I wanted to take everything I learned and contribute back to Malaysia,” she mentions. However, the decision to move back home depended on viable job opportunities.
“I only heard about PayNet through a MyHeart Returning Expert Programme (REP) Zoom networking session,” she adds. “When PayNet’s offer came through, the decision to stay in Malaysia became even more compelling thanks to the support and benefits provided under the REP.”
At PayNet, Natasha found a workplace that mirrored the best aspects of her global experience. In just six months, she has had the opportunity to present communication plans to Bank Negara Malaysia, oversee MoUs with market leaders like CelcomDigi, and work with global partners. “I’ve managed press outreach, built PayNet’s media fact box, and helped strengthen our brand presence,” she says.
She finds particular meaning in PayNet’s mission to accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation.
The work, she says, feels deeply personal. “After years of telling other countries’ stories, it’s special to finally be part of my own country’s story.”
Home, Heart and Forward Vision
Now settled back in Kuala Lumpur, Natasha is focused on building a long-term career in Malaysia. “I’m genuinely happy here,” she says. “Of course, I’ll always stay open to new opportunities for growth, whether at home or abroad. But right now, this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
As for the Returning Expert Programme (REP), Natasha credits it for making her transition smoother and more meaningful. “REP doesn’t just ease your journey home, it helps you find your place again,” she says. “It makes you feel seen and valued for what you’ve gained abroad, and that support makes all the difference.”
From telling the world’s stories in global newsrooms to now shaping Malaysia’s digital transformation Natasha embodies what it means to bring global experience home for local impact.
If you’re looking to return home to be part of Malaysia’s growth story, kickstart your journey and register on MyHeart today.
