Written by: Dr. Janifer anak Lunyai, FEB UNIMAS
KOTA SAMARAHAN, 29 October 2026 — The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), in collaboration with the Centre for Student Development (PPP), UNIMAS, successfully organized the FEP Starting School Program: “Langkah Pertama ke Dunia Profesional” at FEB, UNIMAS.
Held at the Theatre Multimedia (TMM), the program brought together more than 300 Year 1 and Year 2 FEB students through a combination of face-to-face and hybrid participation. The program provided valuable exposure to the expectations, challenges and opportunities of the professional world, helping students better prepare for their transition from university life to their future careers.
The program featured Dr Sharifah Suzana Wan Shukran, also known as Dr Anna Sue, as the invited speaker. Dr Sharifah Suzana is an entrepreneur with a background in business management and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Management from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). She is also recognized for her involvement in Sarawak’s creative and fashion industry, particularly through initiatives that promote local cultural heritage and entrepreneurship.
Through her professional and entrepreneurial experiences, Dr Sharifah Suzana brought valuable perspectives to the program, highlighting the importance of preparing students not only academically but also personally and professionally for their future careers.
The session emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps towards professional development while students are still at university. It encouraged participants to recognize that career readiness begins long before graduation, through the development of self-confidence, effective communication, professional attitudes, interpersonal skills and a willingness to learn and adapt to changing workplace demands.
For FEB students, the program provided an important opportunity to reflect on their career aspirations and identify the competencies they need to develop throughout their university journey. By gaining a clearer understanding of professional expectations, students can take greater ownership of their personal development, strengthen their employability and approach future career opportunities with greater confidence and preparedness.
The program also reinforced the importance of soft skills, personal branding, professionalism and continuous self-improvement in an increasingly competitive employment landscape. These competencies complement academic knowledge and technical expertise, enabling graduates to communicate effectively, collaborate with diverse individuals, respond constructively to challenges and contribute meaningfully to their future organizations and communities.
The initiative is aligned with UNIMAS’ aspiration to produce future-ready graduates who are knowledgeable, adaptable, innovative and equipped with the skills and values required to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It also supports the Ministry of Higher Education’s (KPT) broader emphasis on strengthening graduate employability, career readiness and holistic student development through relevant and impactful higher education experiences.
In line with the UNIMAS Strategic Plan 2026–2030, particularly Strategic Priority 2: Future-Ready NextGen Graduates, the program reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing graduate marketability through career-readiness initiatives and meaningful exposure beyond the classroom. By introducing these considerations early in students’ academic journeys, the program encourages them to view university not merely as a pathway to obtaining a qualification, but as a transformative experience that prepares them for professional responsibilities and lifelong learning.
FEB remains committed to providing student-centered initiatives that complement academic learning and support the holistic development of its students. Through collaborations with PPP and other relevant stakeholders, the faculty seeks to create opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, competencies, confidence and professional values needed to succeed in their chosen fields
The faculty extends its sincere appreciation to Dr Sharifah Suzana Wan Shukran for sharing her knowledge, experiences and insights with the students. Her contribution enriched the program and offered participants valuable perspectives on preparing for the professional world. Appreciation is also extended to PPP, UNIMAS, for its collaboration and support in making the program a success, as well as to the organizing committee and all students who participated.
The program serves as a meaningful reminder that becoming a future-ready graduate is a journey that begins with the right mindset, deliberate preparation and a commitment to continuous growth. Through initiatives such as this, FEB and UNIMAS continue to nurture graduates who are ready to navigate the world of work with confidence, competence and a strong sense of responsibility.