Beyond Hospitality: Expanding Horizons Across Industries and Borders
Sunway University played a significant role in shaping who I am today and laid the foundation for a career that has taken me across industries and borders. My decision to pursue a Diploma in Hotel Management was driven by my passion for travel, exploring different cultures, and the dynamic nature of the tourism industry. While the programme may have appeared hospitality-specific, it actually provided a strong foundation in essential business subjects such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations. These transferable skills later became the stepping stone that allowed me to transition confidently into different industries. The lecturers were more than educators; they were mentors who challenged us to step beyond our comfort zones.
After graduating, I pursued a Master’s in International Business at Leeds Beckett University. It was a strategic move to broaden my knowledge and increase my flexibility in the job market. The business fundamentals I learned at Sunway University helped me adapt quickly, opening new doors for my career.
My professional journey began at BMW Group Malaysia as a management trainee. Soon after, I moved into a Sales and Marketing role with a British-owned manufacturing company, managing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market. This position proved to be a major turning point in my career. I was promoted to Regional Manager and later stationed in Dubai, where I led business development and operations across the MENA region for eight years. This became one of my proudest achievements, as I was the first female and youngest manager to be appointed. I was also personally selected by the Southeast Asia CEO to represent the company at its 160th anniversary celebration in Paris, an unforgettable moment in my career.
Keen to diversify my industry exposure, I later joined a French multinational in the environmental services sector, where I managed global sales and operations. During this time, I became more intentional about learning languages and am currently developing proficiency in French. I also picked up some Arabic while based in the Middle East and had previously studied Spanish for three years. These skills eventually helped me build stronger cross-cultural connections.
Today, I head business development for the Malaysia office of another French multinational in the consulting sector. The communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills I first developed during my time at Sunway University continue to serve me well in navigating complex projects and diverse teams.
Ultimately, my advice to young graduates is to focus not only on building technical expertise but also on developing the right mindset. Qualities such as discipline, curiosity, adaptability, and a genuine willingness to learn are just as important. These traits not only help you navigate challenges but also open doors to unexpected opportunities and long-term success.
Natasha Yusof
Diploma in Hotel Management
2012
