Joanne Soo Liyeng
Challenge your limits
Bachelor of Communications (2007)
1. Full name / Age / Nationality.
Joanne Soo Liyeng / 28 / Malaysian
2. Where are you working / studying presently, and describe your general work scope.
Head of Product Innovation, Global Checkouts, Groupon. My goal is to to lead, build and shape products that leverages on technology to help improve lives and communities. For example, Groupon helps make various otherwise expensive and luxurious experiences affordable for the general masses.
3. Why did you choose to study at Monash University Malaysia?
Monash offers one of the best Communications degrees. It is also one of the best quality private tertiary education options in Malaysia.
4. While at Monash, what type of opportunities did you participate in?
I was part of MUSA 2006, as the Student Council's Editor. I was also quite involved in the Christian Fellowship too.
5. How has your degree at Monash prepared to be where you are today?
Firstly, Monash has taught me to be independent. The tertiary education experience was vastly different from all the previous phases of my academic life.
Secondly, my course gave me international exposure. Some parts of the course that I took required interaction with other coursemates in Australia and South Africa. Having a mixture of international students as classmates or friends also helped a lot.
Thirdly, Monash shaped the right attitude for the modern workplace. Questioning the status quo, taking ownership, being bold enough to speak up where necessary were all important traits to have at the workplace.
6. What do you love most about your student life at Monash University Malaysia?
As Monash has quite a number of international students from different parts of the world, the exposure to so many different cultures and having opportunities to meet with folks from different walks of life was a pretty amazing experience.
Monash also has excellent academic staff. I’m still in touch with some of them today.
7. What is your advice to current Monash Malaysia students?
Never limit your challenges - instead, challenge your limits.