From boasting a rich history and diverse culture to offering the most glorious food in Malaysia, it comes to no surprise that Penang is listed as one of the must visit destinations in the world
“Finance is a recession-proof career”, her father would say. While no jobs are entirely sheltered from economic downturns, financial jobs do come close. Since high school, she has had a keen interest in this field, not merely because it provides long-term job security, but because it is a discipline that is at the forefront of business growth, development and evolution.
Her intention of pursuing a degree in finance was, however, weighed down by her family’s financial vulnerability. With her mother being the sole breadwinner of the family, affording a university education was extremely difficult. Trishal figured that the best way for her to progress was to obtain a scholarship, and that’s when Penang Future Foundation (PFF) came to her aid. This scholarship programme, awarded by the Penang State Government, created a path for Trishal to pursue her academic aspirations. Besides sponsoring a scholar’s tuition fees, PFF also provides a generous monthly living allowance that substantially eased her family’s financial burden.
Two years later, Trishal graduated with a degree in Accounting and Finance from Asia Pacific University Kuala Lumpur. The scholarship bonds her to work in Penang but she would not have it any other way. From boasting a rich history and diverse culture to offering the most glorious food in Malaysia, it comes to no surprise that Penang is listed as one of the must visit destinations in the world (CNN, 2017; Los Angeles Times, 2016; Lonely Planet, 2016). Furthermore, its abundance of recreation spots (Batu Ferringhi beaches, Penang Hill, Penang National Park, Botanical Gardens, etc.) has promoted the island as a relaxed alternative to Kuala Lumpur’s hasty lifestyle.
Dubbed the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’, Penang’s strong manufacturing base has attracted many multinational corporations (MNCs) to set up shop on the island. Hence, there are endless job opportunities here. When She received an offer to join Dell’s Finance Development Programme (FDP), Trishal knew she had to take it. The two-year programme is the company’s pipeline for finance undergraduates to launch their careers. It comprises of four different six-month rotational assignments that aim to build solid business skills and accelerate a participant’s development and career via structured curriculum, workshops, networking opportunities and robust performance feedback.
Working in Dell Penang has been brilliant. The company has a great corporate culture and places emphasis on caring for its employees (with work-life balance) and for its society (via various CSR initiatives). All this was made possible by the PFF scholarship, and she is eternally grateful for it.
