The United Nations’ history is an ongoing narrative, much like Amelia Shafinaz’s own journey.
The fascination with the broad sphere of diplomacy can commence early in life for some individuals, although it is not a path for everyone. Being exposed to international affairs at a young age might be deemed weighty due to its context, which might seem unsuitable for their age. Yet, immersing oneself in a distinct realm, comprehending complex theories and philosophies, nurturing curiosity, seeking solutions, and embracing a variety of perspectives all stem from voracious reading, which demands substantial time and effort.
Amelia Shafinaz Azmi Faez stands as a living illustration and an ideal role model for her generation and those to come. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation has undeniably borne fruit, as exemplified by her participation in the 28th Youth Assembly Preliminary International Affairs at the United Nations.
Liberal Arts is driven by its extensive curriculum, which covers a variety of social sciences subjects, such as history, psychology, philosophy, and politics. It opens doors to a multitude of personal and professional opportunities, allowing undergraduates to cultivate soft skills, including but not limited to communication, critical, creative, and problem-solving skills. The programme’s flexibility and adaptability render it a prime selection for those in search of dynamic and multifaceted academic experiences.
This interdisciplinary approach harmonises with Amelia’s aspiration to become a diplomat, offering her a solid basis for her diplomatic journey.
The 24-year-old lady achieved two remarkable lifelong goals when she arrived in the United States’ most populous metropolitan city and visited the United Nations headquarters in New York. As a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor in Liberal Arts degree in the School of Education and Social Sciences (SESS), she has consistently shown a deep passion for public relations and diplomacy. In fact, the aspiration to become a diplomat took root shortly after she completed her secondary education.
“My path felt uncertain until I reached the age of 20. That was when I realised the importance of networking to secure a position with an international organisation, such as the United Nations. I decided to take a leap of faith and applied through their fellowship programmes, which mandated a strong academic record, an essay illustrating my passion for working at the UN, and a track record of community involvement.
“I consider myself fortunate that my engagement in extracurricular activities, such as event planning through my organisation “Dascendant”, and my advocacy for autism awareness with the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), perfectly matched the requirements of the programme. Following a month of anticipation and interviews, I was chosen to be my country’s representative in the Youth Assembly, allowing me to engage in discussions related to international conflicts, network with individuals who shared my interests, and champion the cause of youth empowerment.”
The essay, which was instrumental in securing her place at the United Nations, revolved around her brother, who is living with autism. Amelia is of the opinion that awareness and acceptance of autism in her nation are not as well-established as in other developing countries. Eager to take her advocacy to the next level, she focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) 2: Quality Education and 17: Partnership for the Goals. In addition to her one-week assembly involvement, she actively sought out workshops to broaden her diverse network and stayed well-informed about current events to make informed decisions.
“Raising awareness often commences with having conversations with your family and friends. It may also require finding like-minded individuals and establishing a complete non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to the cause. Taking the initiative yourself is key, rather than waiting for others to initiate a project and only then joining in.”
Amelia was given an opportunity to discuss North Korea’s nuclear threat and the Russia-Ukraine conflict among other youth participants in the assembly. In the former topic, she represented France, a Permanent Five (P5) country, while in the latter, she represented Malaysia. Known for her outspoken nature, Amelia was determined to exercise her right to express her thoughts on such consequential international matters.
True to her passion for networking, she established a significant contact when the representative of the United States in the UN Security Council approached her and handed her his card, assuring her that he would be all ears if she sought to engage in discussions on global affairs. It did not stop there, as Amelia was even offered a recommendation letter should she decide to pursue a master’s degree in the United States.
This dream of hers would have been unthinkable if it were not for the Scholarship for Mobility and International Learning Experiences (SMILE). Amelia’s desire to make a positive impact on society and embark on a transformative journey that prepares her to thrive in an interconnected and dynamic world earned her the SMILE scholarship.
Management and Science University emphasises internationalisation as the prime essence of the institution. The SMILE programme has the principal goal of offering financial assistance to students at MSU and 350 affiliated universities, which encompass myriad faculties, colleges, and offshore campuses. This scholarship programme nurtures a growing interest among students to explore opportunities beyond the campus, allowing them to gain unique knowledge and a wealth of enriching experiences that are crucial for their future endeavours via the Global Mobility Programme (GMP), Global Leadership Programme (GLP), and Global Internship Programme (GIP).
The GLP programme, through Amelia’s participation in the 28th Youth Assembly Preliminary International Affairs at the United Nations, has been instrumental in moulding her into a holistic, balanced, and well-rounded undergraduate. Additionally, it further solidified her belief in the power of networking to drive success.
“I express my profound appreciation for the unwavering support and mentorship received from MSU President Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira, Dr. Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, along with the support of Yayasan MSU. The SMILE programme introduced me to an array of unprecedented opportunities that will remain etched in my memory, and it played a pivotal role in shaping my career path and fueling my ambitions. Although international prospects may seem distant, connecting with the right people and engaging in effective networking can make them a reality.”
“I share my story to motivate others to pursue their dreams and goals, as they hold the potential to define who we become,” said the SMILE scholar.
The aspiring diplomat understands the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Her passion for horseback riding, which she has nurtured for almost two decades, offers a welcome escape from the pressures of assignments and responsibilities. When the demands of her work become overwhelming, she turns to horseback riding to find solace, treasuring the serene moments shared with her father as they ride together. Their preferred locations for strengthening their family bond are often places like Janda Baik and MAEPS.
In light of her remarkable academic performance, Amelia received the accolade of Best Student for the Bachelor’s degree at the Dean’s List Award Ceremony 2023, hosted by SESS.
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The United Nations’ history is an ongoing narrative, much like Amelia Shafinaz’s own journey.
The fascination with the broad sphere of diplomacy can commence early in life for some individuals, although it is not a path for everyone. Being exposed to international affairs at a young age might be deemed weighty due to its context, which might seem unsuitable for their age. Yet, immersing oneself in a distinct realm, comprehending complex theories and philosophies, nurturing curiosity, seeking solutions, and embracing a variety of perspectives all stem from voracious reading, which demands substantial time and effort.
Amelia Shafinaz Azmi Faez stands as a living illustration and an ideal role model for her generation and those to come. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation has undeniably borne fruit, as exemplified by her participation in the 28th Youth Assembly Preliminary International Affairs at the United Nations.
Liberal Arts is driven by its extensive curriculum, which covers a variety of social sciences subjects, such as history, psychology, philosophy, and politics. It opens doors to a multitude of personal and professional opportunities, allowing undergraduates to cultivate soft skills, including but not limited to communication, critical, creative, and problem-solving skills. The programme’s flexibility and adaptability render it a prime selection for those in search of dynamic and multifaceted academic experiences.
This interdisciplinary approach harmonises with Amelia’s aspiration to become a diplomat, offering her a solid basis for her diplomatic journey.
The 24-year-old lady achieved two remarkable lifelong goals when she arrived in the United States’ most populous metropolitan city and visited the United Nations headquarters in New York. As a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor in Liberal Arts degree in the School of Education and Social Sciences (SESS), she has consistently shown a deep passion for public relations and diplomacy. In fact, the aspiration to become a diplomat took root shortly after she completed her secondary education.
“My path felt uncertain until I reached the age of 20. That was when I realised the importance of networking to secure a position with an international organisation, such as the United Nations. I decided to take a leap of faith and applied through their fellowship programmes, which mandated a strong academic record, an essay illustrating my passion for working at the UN, and a track record of community involvement.
“I consider myself fortunate that my engagement in extracurricular activities, such as event planning through my organisation “Dascendant”, and my advocacy for autism awareness with the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), perfectly matched the requirements of the programme. Following a month of anticipation and interviews, I was chosen to be my country’s representative in the Youth Assembly, allowing me to engage in discussions related to international conflicts, network with individuals who shared my interests, and champion the cause of youth empowerment.”
The essay, which was instrumental in securing her place at the United Nations, revolved around her brother, who is living with autism. Amelia is of the opinion that awareness and acceptance of autism in her nation are not as well-established as in other developing countries. Eager to take her advocacy to the next level, she focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) 2: Quality Education and 17: Partnership for the Goals. In addition to her one-week assembly involvement, she actively sought out workshops to broaden her diverse network and stayed well-informed about current events to make informed decisions.
“Raising awareness often commences with having conversations with your family and friends. It may also require finding like-minded individuals and establishing a complete non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to the cause. Taking the initiative yourself is key, rather than waiting for others to initiate a project and only then joining in.”
Amelia was given an opportunity to discuss North Korea’s nuclear threat and the Russia-Ukraine conflict among other youth participants in the assembly. In the former topic, she represented France, a Permanent Five (P5) country, while in the latter, she represented Malaysia. Known for her outspoken nature, Amelia was determined to exercise her right to express her thoughts on such consequential international matters.
True to her passion for networking, she established a significant contact when the representative of the United States in the UN Security Council approached her and handed her his card, assuring her that he would be all ears if she sought to engage in discussions on global affairs. It did not stop there, as Amelia was even offered a recommendation letter should she decide to pursue a master’s degree in the United States.
This dream of hers would have been unthinkable if it were not for the Scholarship for Mobility and International Learning Experiences (SMILE). Amelia’s desire to make a positive impact on society and embark on a transformative journey that prepares her to thrive in an interconnected and dynamic world earned her the SMILE scholarship.
Management and Science University emphasises internationalisation as the prime essence of the institution. The SMILE programme has the principal goal of offering financial assistance to students at MSU and 350 affiliated universities, which encompass myriad faculties, colleges, and offshore campuses. This scholarship programme nurtures a growing interest among students to explore opportunities beyond the campus, allowing them to gain unique knowledge and a wealth of enriching experiences that are crucial for their future endeavours via the Global Mobility Programme (GMP), Global Leadership Programme (GLP), and Global Internship Programme (GIP).
The GLP programme, through Amelia’s participation in the 28th Youth Assembly Preliminary International Affairs at the United Nations, has been instrumental in moulding her into a holistic, balanced, and well-rounded undergraduate. Additionally, it further solidified her belief in the power of networking to drive success.
“I express my profound appreciation for the unwavering support and mentorship received from MSU President Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira, Dr. Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, along with the support of Yayasan MSU. The SMILE programme introduced me to an array of unprecedented opportunities that will remain etched in my memory, and it played a pivotal role in shaping my career path and fueling my ambitions. Although international prospects may seem distant, connecting with the right people and engaging in effective networking can make them a reality.”
“I share my story to motivate others to pursue their dreams and goals, as they hold the potential to define who we become,” said the SMILE scholar.
The aspiring diplomat understands the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Her passion for horseback riding, which she has nurtured for almost two decades, offers a welcome escape from the pressures of assignments and responsibilities. When the demands of her work become overwhelming, she turns to horseback riding to find solace, treasuring the serene moments shared with her father as they ride together. Their preferred locations for strengthening their family bond are often places like Janda Baik and MAEPS.
In light of her remarkable academic performance, Amelia received the accolade of Best Student for the Bachelor’s degree at the Dean’s List Award Ceremony 2023, hosted by SESS.