“Don’t worry about what you study – it’s not what you’ll do in life.” That’s how Norfahreen Azfy reflects on her shift from a technical engineering student in New Zealand to a corporate affairs expert in Dubai. Life has taken her through unexpected paths, and she’s embraced every turn with determination, humour, and an ability to thrive in diverse environments.
Engineering to Corporate Communications
Norfahreen left Malaysia in 1999 to study in New Zealand, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering from the University of Auckland. “I have a technical brain,” she says, “but at the same time, my personality is like a communications person.” Despite her engineering background, it became clear that she wasn’t destined to stay in that field forever.
She began working as an electrical engineer at Opus, now known as WSP, in New Zealand, specialising in lighting design, a niche she embraced for several years. “I wasn’t there for long,” she shares. She later worked briefly in New York in theatre lighting before a new opportunity led her to Dubai in 2010. “New York became a little bit crazy,” she recalls, “and Dubai offered opportunities that I couldn’t pass up.”
The Corporate Climb in Dubai
By 2013, Norfahreen had made a significant career shift when she joined PETRONAS in Dubai as a Senior Executive in Corporate Affairs. “I didn’t have the oil and gas technical skills,” she admits, “but my interest in stakeholder management and corporate communication opened doors.” At PETRONAS, she managed critical responsibilities, from corporate communications to crisis management during events like the South Sudan evacuation in 2013 and the Malaysians’ evacuation in 2015.
Her role was demanding but rewarding, and it introduced her to the complex world of corporate social responsibility (CSR). “I was heavily involved in CSR efforts during my time at PETRONAS, which brought me a sense of accomplishment,” she says, citing PETRONAS’s Best CSR Award at ADIPEC 2014 as one of her proudest moments.
In January 2023, she transitioned to Amanie Advisors, a global advisory firm. As the Head of Corporate Affairs, she oversees branding, communications, and stakeholder management. “My role is all about managing perceptions and relationships,” she explains. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the Middle Eastern business landscape have made her an excellent fit for the role, where she excels.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit
Norfahreen’s corporate success is only one side of her professional life. In 2017, she co-founded The Smart Tailor, a Dubai-based tailoring business that offers door-to-door service to cater to busy professionals. “Here, people are ‘lazy’, so we go to their house, do everything and send it back,” she laughs, explaining the convenience-driven model of her business. Despite not knowing how to sew, she’s built the business into a thriving venture with 13 employees.
The Smart Tailor also reflects her commitment to CSR, as many of her employees come from underprivileged backgrounds. “These people struggle to get jobs elsewhere, so we’re helping support them and their families,” she explains.
But her passion doesn’t stop at entrepreneurship. In 2024, she co-founded Amal CSR, an initiative addressing Dubai’s stray animal problem. The organisation works as a bridge between the government, companies, and residents to find sustainable solutions. “Animal welfare isn’t a priority for the government here,” she explains. “So we work with companies to manage the stray animals, where costs are high and attention is lacking.”
Bridging Home and Abroad with MyHeart
Despite living abroad for over two decades, Norfahreen’s connection to Malaysia remains strong. “I left Malaysia in 1999, but I come back for Raya and maybe three or four times a year,” she says. Malaysia is her home. “You always come back to where you started,” she reflects.
As a Malaysian Business Council board member in Dubai, Norfahreen helps foster ties between Malaysians and the local business community. “We’re always organising events or hosting Malaysian delegates,” she explains. Being part of such initiatives allows her to stay connected to her roots while making a difference as a Malaysian living abroad.
When asked about MyHeart, her face lights up. “It’s like Facebook but more structured,” she laughs. Following the platform closely, she appreciates how it offers a structured space for Malaysians abroad to stay connected, collaborate, and contribute. “At the end of the day, it’s about giving back,” she says.
As she continues to build her career and businesses in Dubai, her heart remains firmly tied to Malaysia. “I’m so thankful Malaysia is our home,” she shares. “I might not live there full-time, but everything I do is with the intention of one day bringing my experience and opportunities back to where it all started.”
Like Norfahreen, your experiences can inspire others. Join the MyHeart community and share how you’re making a difference, no matter where life has taken you.
