Kimberly Wan Mei Wah
Course: Bachelor of Arts and Social Science (International Studies), 2014
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: CEO, Otomate Me
Please tell us about your role in your current organisation.
In 2016, I co-founded a start-up by the name of Otomate Me with my business partner (an alumnus of Monash University Malaysia). What we do is develop and deploy value-nurturing automation software for brands and businesses. My role in the business is multi-faceted and requires me to wear many hats at different times of the day. This can range from:
- business development to win a client
- brainstorming with existing clients on how to add value to their business by way of using our tools
- internal and external people management
- project management
- marketing direction and execution
- ensuring personal and professional development for both myself and my team, and more.
How have your studies helped to prepare you for the working world?
To a degree, I believe that my study at Monash Malaysia has helped mould me into an informed and educated citizen who can contribute to the world, but attending university isn’t enough to prepare one for the working world as this also has to come with work experience. However, what the SASS degree gave me was the opportunity to broaden my horizons intellectually by learning and critically dissecting events that occur in the real world.
Additionally, I believe that the Arts degree attracts individuals who are inquisitive by nature. As a result, I found that being around fellow coursemates with varying perspectives was mentally stimulating and thought-provoking.
Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities?
I completed an internship with an Australian organic skincare company in Sydney and its counterpart in Malaysia. This helped me to gain real-world insights into the mechanics of their business and how working environments differed in both countries.
I went on a student exchange to the Clayton campus in Melbourne, Australia. I was able to compare and contrast the teaching methods between both Australian and Malaysian counterparts. Being abroad also meant that upon returning to Malaysia, employers viewed my time abroad as a plus in comparison to only having studied in Malaysia.
I also participated in Model United Nations, representing DISEC (Disarmament and International Security Committee) to deal with issues regarding the promotion, establishment, and subsequent maintenance of global peace while simultaneously working to present weapon proliferation.
What did you enjoy most about your student life?
The diversity of my fellow coursemates. I was exposed to different worldviews, styles of thinking and debating, and at the same time, gained some lifelong friends.
What I believe needs more attention at the university level is the importance of skill development and cultivating the mindset for it, as the world changes rapidly. Networking is essential because five to ten years down the line from your university days, there will always be a bond that can lead to joint business ventures or business opportunities. And finally, we must continuously find ways to overcome adversity and reinvent ourselves.