Imagine a stone cast into Sunway South Quay Lake. The stone disappears beneath the surface, but the ripples travel on. Giving back is not a grand gesture reserved for titans of industry; it is the accumulation of small, defiant acts of faith. Giving back is my way of paying forward the kindness that shaped me. Growing up as the eldest son in a multicultural community, I learned values of empathy and service early on, whether through family or the iconic Petronas ads celebrating unity. My journey, climbing from a student with a ‘light wallet’ to where I am today, taught me that success isn’t just luck: it’s about self-motivation and the support of others.
That’s why I mentor Sunway students, donate to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship, and join alumni initiatives - sharing Time, Treasure, and Talent to help others turn life’s curveballs into opportunities. Sunway isn’t just my alma mater - it’s home. My lecturers, whom I now call my friends, have became lifelong mentors. The Alumni Relations team cheered me on as I returned to pursue my Master of Marketing, learning alongside a new generation. This bond drives me to be the mentor I once wished for, guiding students through challenges I’ve faced firsthand.
Education is transformative, but access shouldn’t be a barrier. I’ll never forget my classmate who commuted three hours daily on public transport just to attend classes. Their grit mirrors my own journey, and it’s why I now contribute to scholarships because every student deserves a chance to thrive.
To fellow alumni: You don’t need wealth or titles to make a difference. Share your story over coffee. Offer career advice. Even a single encouraging word can spark a student’s confidence. We’re one Sunway family and when we lift each other, we all rise.
Mohamed Safwaan Azmi
BA (Hons) in Communication
2018
