Sarah Amalina and her daughter visiting the LSE campus
Sarah Amalina’s life is a kaleidoscope of vibrant experiences that defy convention. Rather than fixating on the destination, she finds joy in the journey, daring to live life on her own terms.
Building a strong foundation
Hailing from Perak, Sarah recognised the value of academic excellence from an early age. Her parents ingrained in her the belief that education was the gateway to a successful future. With their guidance, Sarah blossomed into an accomplished individual, showcasing the power of their advice.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for meaning, Sarah sought more than just academic brilliance.
Unleashing leadership potential at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Taiping
At MRSM Taiping, an esteemed collection of boarding schools established by the Malaysian government agency, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Sarah discovered her innate leadership abilities. Her infectious charm and warm demeanour quickly endeared her to her peers, propelling her to positions of influence.
From wing leader to head girl, Sarah thrived under the weight of responsibility, sharpening her skills in public speaking and decision-making.
A journey of self-discovery at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ)
Sarah Amalina’s time at KTJ was a voyage of self-exploration, driven by a desire to participate in activities that extended beyond the confines of academia. Recognising the importance of holistic growth, she immersed herself in a unique boarding experience which provided opportunities for leadership, teamwork and house spirit.
At the age of eighteen, Sarah embraced her role as a mentor, guiding and assisting her younger counterparts. This experience exposed her to the true essence of sisterhood as young boarders sought her guidance for their academic pursuits. The vibrant strata of the KTJ community became a cherished experience.
Embracing opportunities through extracurricular excellence
Immersed in KTJ’s culture of extracurricular engagement, Sarah seized every opportunity to explore new horizons. The British-style boarding education fostered healthy competition through inter-house tournaments. In one such event, Sarah’s prowess on the hockey field propelled her into the role of captain, leading her team to victory.
Pushing boundaries further, she and her friends delved into the world of tap dancing, delivering a synchronised performance at KTJ’s illustrious Speech Day Ceremony, graced by members of the Negeri Sembilan Royal Family.
Finding strength in diversity at KTJ
Sarah enthusiastically recounted her involvement in a Poetry Slam event, an activity that stands out as truly exceptional. The composition of her team, which comprised individuals from various racial backgrounds, proved to be a formidable advantage, ultimately leading them to victory in the competition.
KTJ serves as a haven for a vibrant community consisting of individuals hailing from different corners of the world, encompassing both students and staff. It is the remarkable diversity within the KTJ student body and faculty that grants the school its distinctive character and unwavering strength.
A habit transformed into a passion
What began as a means to unwind, running gradually transformed into a passion for Sarah. She channelled her energy into this pursuit, dedicating herself to the development and cultivation of this cherished hobby.
Exploring the picturesque 80-acre campus of KTJ, she conquered ten-kilometre runs. Later, her travels abroad saw her conquering half-marathons in renowned cities worldwide, including Australia, Barcelona, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.
Sarah’s time at KTJ served as a launchpad, propelling her towards her next ambitious endeavour—attending the esteemed London School of Economics (LSE), one of the world’s top universities.
A PETRONAS scholar at the London School of Economics (LSE)
Sarah’s experience studying abroad at LSE surpassed all expectations. Embracing her unique approach to life, she immersed herself in the vibrant multicultural environment of the United Kingdom. Confidently mingling with locals and international students, she formed lasting connections.
While pursuing her studies in accounting and finance, she found time to be an active member of the travelling society at LSE, organising exhilarating trips with her fellow club members.
Becoming a chartered accountant
Sarah has obtained the prestigious qualification of being a chartered accountant accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). After completing her university education in the United Kingdom, she had the opportunity to pursue her accountancy certification through Kaplan.
Reflecting on her experience, she enthusiastically states, “The exceptional teaching quality and comprehensive study materials provided by Kaplan were truly remarkable. I found the notes to be so comprehensive that I didn’t have to rely on any other sources.”
A powerful perspective on life
“Conventional success can only take you so far. When you’re in a room with ten accountants, it’s the exciting stories that set you apart,” Sarah passionately asserted.
Sarah defies the archetype of a typical corporate executive, embodying a multifaceted persona that transcends boundaries. She cherishes the small joys that give her journey meaning, firmly believing that society’s predetermined ideas of success should not define her path.
“Society has a preconceived notion of what success is – but you should set your own definition,” she concluded.
