Lee Min Hui
Full name: Lee Min Hui
Age: 22
Nationality: Malaysian
Bachelor of Arts (Global)
If you were on a scholarship or received awards, please specify what they are.
Monash High Achiever’s Award
If you are working, who is your current employer and what is your role?
I’m a Communications Consultant at World Bank Group.
Why did you choose Monash Malaysia?
I chose Monash Malaysia because I wanted to gain the relevant knowledge and learning skills to my major, International Studies, and given the wide span of its syllabus, I knew that Monash Malaysia would provide me that while allowing me to be close at home. Having the opportunity to go on an exchange was also a plus because it allowed me to expose myself to a different learning setting and step out of my comfort zone.
While at Monash, what type of opportunities did you participate in?
I participated in the Monash Performing Arts Club – where I performed a total of 3 times – as main character in 2 of the Night of Drama events and once as the lead in the annual musical production.
What insights, skills or experience made a difference to your own life or the lives of others around you?
The nature of the degree I took allowed me to think critically. It made a huge difference to how I began to see the world because I began to dissect and create my own critical takeaways from situations. It helped a lot in my academic growth as it inspired me to learn more. I began to read more and expand my general knowledge. This essentially allowed me to join certain social movements, advocating for a more positive change in society. I hope to expand on this further and be able to be qualified to educate others in the future.
Whilst at Monash, did you have any industry exposure/placements? How has it benefited you?
When I was at Monash, I took an internship placement unit. I worked at M&C Saatchi, an international advertising agency. Here, I gained valuable work experience. Understanding the functions of an advertising agency and having to juggle and accommodate the wants of clients proved to be a useful skill. As a copywriter and social media intern, I was exposed to the importance and need for social media and importance of language in drawing people in. It was a very relevant work experience that has contributed a lot to my current job.
What do you love most about your student life at Monash?
I loved Monash student life for its vibrancy and fun. People at Monash were very friendly and inviting. The same could be said for the lecturers who taught me. I loved the warm and inclusive culture that Monash cultivated for me. It also offered me the time and flexibility to go about and work on my other interests. For me, Monash was a place that really sparked my creativity.
Outside work or study were you able to build on your interest (i.e. volunteering, mentoring other students, other educational pursuit )?
I pursued my dream of becoming a freelance theatre actress. While I was studying at Monash, I joined a prestigious theatre training masterclass for young people and from there, I was able to expand on my skills and was then invited to perform at a few theatre shows.
If you are a graduate, have the experiences you have been talking about above made a difference to the way you approach your work and your career?
Yes, these experiences have been very important in my approach to my career. It has made me more determined and more driven to go the extra mile. Monash has also provided me the confidence to communicate effectively and to have the sufficient knowledge background that I need to assist me in issues cropping up at work.
What is your goal/dream in life, where are you headed to in the future?
I hope to continue working at the World Bank before I apply for a scholarship to study my Masters degree overseas. My goal in life is to do political and socioeconomic research – while at the same time, juggling my freelance acting job!
What is your advice to current Monash Malaysia students?
Work hard, and have pride in your work. University can be a defining time for many and your attitude to your work impacts what kind of person you will be in the future. At the same time, learn to find time to invest in your passions and interests. It’s all a journey of self-discovery in university. But most importantly, don’t compare yourself to anyone else but yourself!