Journey from Academia to Entrepreneurship and Community Leadership
During my time at Sunway University, I wasn't among the top-performing students academically. Nonetheless, my educational journey took me on a reflective exploration of self-discovery.
I learned the value of applying theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, thanks to both classroom teachings and practical insights from my dedicated lecturers. This practical wisdom proved to be invaluable in my day-to-day activities.
After graduating from Sunway University, I embarked on a career as an event specialist, overseeing and organising corporate events. However, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, drastically altering my perspective on the hospitality industry. Rather than dwelling on the situation, I found an opportunity to apply my hospitality knowledge and skills to serve a younger demographic through entrepreneurship in the education industry. This marked the beginning of my first company, which has since become an indispensable tool for managing and leading my team.
In addition to my business endeavours, I currently lead a youth community (NGO) that promotes unity through sports, charity, and training within my local area. These efforts, inspired by my introduction to the hospitality industry, demonstrate that these skills extend far beyond the traditional boundaries of hotels and tourism-related sectors. They can be applied effectively in social contexts to expand our networks and make a positive impact. The knowledge I gained in Malaysia have proven to be universally applicable. I have also engaged with international organisations, contributing to human resource development through training and development programmes, all thanks to the skills I acquired during my studies at Sunway University.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the lecturers and administrators at Sunway University for their dedication to providing quality education, especially for international students like me who have always felt welcomed in Malaysia.
The most important skill I acquired during my time at Sunway University is independence. Being an international student from Indonesia, I learned how to take care of myself, organise my schedule for classes, work, other commitments, and prioritise responsibilities. These skills have been instrumental in shaping my career as an individual, a leader in my company, a community leader, and a responsible husband and father.
Today, I run an education centre with two offices and actively participate in community initiatives aimed at youth training and development in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. This allows me to continue learning from people of diverse backgrounds, which I can then apply to benefit my community and workplace. Running my own company has shifted my focus from self-promotion to considering the sustainability of my business, the growth and well-being of my team, and delivering high-quality services to students.
Reflecting on my years at Sunway, I began coaching cheerleading for kids around a year later. Looking back, I see that I've been following a path of continuous personal development. Rather than teaching sports, I now run an education centre focused on cognitive development.
In summary, I have learned to stay open-minded, humble, and committed to lifelong learning. I strive to be kind, sincere, and faithful in my interactions with others, valuing the importance of these qualities in both personal and professional endeavours.
Dicky Larson
BSc (Hons) International Hospitality Management
2013
