Hajar’s journey from Kuantan, Pahang to an undergraduate degree at Imperial College London highlights her remarkable determination to succeed. Supported by the Kijang Emas Scholarship from Bank Negara and Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, she broadened her horizons and excelled at Bank Negara.
Hajar’s story began in the charm of the rural areas of Kuantan, Pahang, where the early seeds of resilience were sown. Growing up on a farm, she was nestled in an environment that was distant from the global lingua franca, English. “My first language was Bahasa Malaysia (BM). I didn’t speak a word of English,” Hajar recounts, illustrating the limited opportunities she had to develop her English skills from an early age. This barrier, however, did not deter her; it fuelled her resolve to bridge the gap and unlock the doors to global discourse and knowledge.
Hajar realised early on that “there were a lot of things that I was missing out on because I wasn’t speaking English.” This awareness ignited a deep-seated desire to immerse herself in the language, to not only grasp its nuances but to wield it as a tool for empowerment and growth. Through self-taught efforts, leveraging resources such as movies, books, and the internet, Hajar embarked on a linguistic journey that would redefine her future.
Seeds of change: the role of Project Kalsom
Although Hajar dreamt of studying abroad, she thought it was out of reach. “I was lucky enough to participate in Project Kalsom. There was a session within that project where they introduced me to scholarships around the world,” she reveals. It was this encounter that sparked the first beacon on her path and made her believe in limitless possibilities.
Projek Kalsom is a motivational summer camp led by students from top universities in the world. It is designed to inspire younger students to aim high and provides guidance on pursuing higher education.
After participating in Projek Kalsom and interacting with mentors who have studied abroad, she felt empowered to break her own limits. She dedicated herself to her studies and achieved 9As in her SPM. This outstanding accomplishment secured her the Kijang Emas Scholarship from Bank Negara in 2015.
A solid foundation at KTJ
It was at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) where Hajar’s aspirations took flight. KTJ was not just an educational institution; it was a crucible for holistic development, where Hajar was able to hone her linguistic skills, academic prowess, and co-curricular interests in a nurturing environment.
“Where I came from, the opportunities were much more limited in variety. I had not heard of fencing, for example, when I was in Kuantan. I did fencing for one whole year, and I also joined the People to People International for the whole two years that I was at KTJ.” Hajar reflects with fondness on her transformative years at KTJ. The school’s vibrant ecosystem of house competitions, music classes, drama, and sports, alongside the academic curriculum, played a pivotal role in shaping her into a well-rounded individual.
The vibrant corridors of KTJ are not just pathways between classes; they are the meeting grounds of cultures and ambitions. “Co-curricular activities also help to expand your social circle, and you tend to meet people with similar interests. I’ve made long lasting friendships that way” she said.
This diverse assembly of students brings a richness of perspectives and motivations, showcasing how “different people are driven by different things.”
Hajar noted that interacting with international students at KTJ broadened her understanding of different cultures and backgrounds, which gave her the confidence to pursue studies abroad after her A Levels.
This environment of determined, goal-oriented peers from across the globe not only fosters a competitive spirit but also cultivates a nurturing space where every student is inspired to chase their dreams with unwavering dedication.
At KTJ, the emphasis on doing something outside of academics resonated deeply with Hajar, who thrived in a setting that valued not just intellectual growth but personal development and community engagement. “There are activities such as swimming, singing where they do competitions between the houses in KTJ,” she shares, highlighting the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork among its students.
At KTJ, the educational approach combines academic rigor with character development, highlighted by the unique etiquette classes offered to students. Led by Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah, one of KTJ’s respected founders, these classes provide students with a thorough understanding of British etiquette. Additionally, Tunku Dara’s etiquette classes are tailored to prepare students for studies abroad, particularly at leading universities in the UK. For students like Hajar, who come from rural areas, these classes offer valuable skills to navigate and thrive in an urban UK environment.
Hajar fondly recalls, “Tunku Dara comes and teaches us etiquette classes… We are taught how to conduct ourselves in a formal dinner,” illuminating the depth of personal development that KTJ aspires for its students. The etiquette class is designed not only to teach proper conduct during dining but also extends to “the company of others, whoever they may be—from friends and family to royals and CEOs,” preparing students for the many types of social interactions of the global stage.
The involvement of the founders from the Negeri Sembilan royal family, including Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin, Tunku Tan Sri Imran, and Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah, goes beyond traditional patronage. Their active participation in the school’s life—marked by frequent visits and shared moments at various events—cultivates a vibrant community ethos.
Hajar reflects on this, saying, “The frequent visits from the founders created a strong community, and the students really looked up to them.” underscoring the profound impact of such interactions on the student body. This hands-on engagement not only endears the founders to the hearts of KTJ students but also serves as a living lesson in leadership, humility, and the value of community, the principles that KTJ cherishes and strives to instill in every student.
The leap to Imperial College London and combining science and humanities
Carrying forward the lessons and experiences from KTJ, Hajar advanced to Imperial College London with a firm foundation and a clear vision. At Imperial College London, her studies in both chemistry and management covered everything from complex chemical sciences to the strategic details of business management.
Hajar mentioned that the co-curricular activities she engaged in contributed to her successful application to Imperial College. They demonstrated that she possesses not only academic strength but also resilience, persistence, and time management skills.
In Imperial, she was immersed in a culture of innovation, where students were not just learners but creators. “Some of my friends were involved in the creation of the latest F1 cars and turbo engines,” she says, capturing the essence of an institution at the forefront of technological advancement.
Hajar’s education path takes a compelling move as she navigates through her academic pursuits at Imperial, initially focusing on chemistry before including management into her field of study.
“I was battling with myself whether to continue with chemistry or expand my knowledge into something more holistic,” she reflects on her decision to explore a broader academic approach that includes both science and humanities. This exploration was fuelled by attending events and lectures across London’s educational landscape, including those at London School of Economics (LSE), where she gained insights into consulting, international relations, and philosophy.
Hajar elaborates that learning both science and humanities enhances analytical and creative skills, promoting well-rounded thinking crucial for tackling interdisciplinary challenges. Humanity subjects like management boost communication, ethical reasoning, and cultural awareness, important in the global science and technology sectors. This integrated education prepares individuals for diverse careers, equipping them with adaptable skills and a lifelong learning mindset, essential in today’s rapidly evolving world.
This strategic shift not only broadened her perspective but also equipped her with a variety of skills and knowledge, laying the groundwork for her future contributions to the corporate world and beyond. The decision to expand into management would prove to be immensely useful in Hajar’s role in Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, BSc Joint Honours Chemical Sciences and Management.
International negotiations at BNM
In her role at BNM, Hajar seamlessly integrates her business school experience in negotiation with her deep interest in ASEAN economics, creating a niche that is both challenging and rewarding. “A key skill I learned in business school was negotiation,” she recalls, highlighting its importance in her work at BNM.
Hajar explained that while exploring her options, she discovered that BNM has a dedicated unit that negotiates banking policies for free trade agreements.
“I was very much fixated on the complex nature of free trade agreements, and was excited to see how I could contribute to negotiations between different economies.”
“We negotiate for free trade agreements, and we open up market access for our banks abroad and bring in foreign banks to Malaysia,” she elaborates on her critical contributions. Hajar’s multifaceted role extends to managing banking relations across ASEAN, advising the government on policy, and spearheading cooperative efforts, all underpinned by a commitment to directly contributing to the economy. “It’s very exciting.”
Her work is driven by more than strategic objectives; it is fuelled by a desire to give back. “While there are many ways to do this, Bank Negara stood out to me as the most direct way to serve my country”.
Hajar reflected on her journey from modest beginnings to playing a crucial role in the nation’s economic development in her current position. She attributes her success to the opportunities she received as a BNM scholar, her A Levels studies at KTJ, and her subsequent education at Imperial.
