Dancing Through Numbers: A Ƶ Alumna’s Story of Growth and Resilience
For many, finding the balance between passion and profession can be challenging. For Nur ‘Aliah Syamimi Binti Muhammad Sazali, or simply Aliah, her journey at Ƶ University and beyond has been defined by resilience, growth, and the ability to translate her love for mathematics into a meaningful career.
Turning 24 this November, Aliah grew up in Kuala Lumpur and spent a few years in Jakarta before moving to Shah Alam, where she has lived for nearly a decade. Outside of academics, she has always had a flair for the arts and fitness—she is a certified Zumba instructor since the age of 17, having led classes in gyms and fitness studios across the Klang Valley. Her talent has even taken her to the stage of large-scale events, including the Watsons Get Active Carnival 2023 and the Zumba Masterclass Neon Fit Party 3.0 Varsity Showdown. While fitness energises her, mathematics has always been her true intellectual passion.
Discovering Actuarial Science
Aliah’s fascination with numbers began early. Additional Mathematics was her favourite subject in high school, and she initially aspired to pursue chemical engineering. However, a pivotal experience during her A-Levels—a lab session at Taylor’s College—made her reconsider her future. She explored alternatives and briefly considered a Pure Mathematics degree in the UK. Yet, the idea of studying too far from home led her to re-evaluate her options.
It was through career portals that Aliah first encountered actuarial science, a field that promised to combine her love of mathematics with real-world applications in insurance and finance. With the support of her JPA 9A+ Sponsorship Program, she committed to the path of actuarial science at Ƶ University.
Mentorship and Friendship
Reflecting on her academic journey, Aliah is especially grateful to Ms Aimi Syairah Saat, who taught her Derivative Securities 2 and Advanced Actuarial Finance and Mathematics. Ms Aimi provided not only academic guidance but also emotional support, particularly when Aliah faced difficult personal decisions in her final year.
Equally important were her friends, who stood by her through both triumphs and struggles. They were the first to celebrate her achievements and the first to offer comfort in challenging times. “Without them,” she recalls, “I wouldn’t have had anything to look forward to each day as I stepped into class.”
Beyond the Classroom
For Aliah, many of her most cherished memories were created outside lecture halls. She recalls spontaneous outings to Ƶ Pyramid, late-night dinners after long study sessions, and birthday celebrations filled with laughter.
Volunteering also played a key role in shaping her university life. Through the Gift of Tomorrow program, she tutored underprivileged children in mathematics, finding joy in their excitement and curiosity. Another meaningful experience was volunteering at S.I. Home Shelter, where she and her friends spent a day caring for abandoned cats. As a cat lover with five rescued pets of her own, the experience resonated deeply with her and gave her a sense of connection to something larger than herself.
Group presentations and academic projects further helped her uncover a love for public speaking, eventually leading to opportunities to serve as an emcee at IFOA networking events and ceremonies.
Lessons Learned
University was not without challenges. Aliah candidly shares how she often felt overshadowed by peers who were just as talented in mathematics, which forced her to reframe her outlook. “I learned to fail with grace and rise without applause,” she says. Instead of chasing recognition, she began striving to outdo only herself. This lesson of humility and persistence has since become the foundation of her personal and professional growth.
A Stepping Stone into the Profession
During her studies, Aliah completed an internship with PwC Malaysia in the Assurance department under the Actuarial team. There, she was exposed to auditing, model point testing, and compliance with MFRS4 and MFRS17. The role tested her attention to detail and adaptability, as she worked with Takaful and life insurance products, alongside learning new technical skills. Despite initial struggles, she grew more confident through the guidance of colleagues and fellow interns. Her persistence and proactive attitude earned her praise and gave her a valuable glimpse into the corporate actuarial world.
Moving Forward
Today, Aliah is beginning her career as an Underwriting Associate at Accenture Technology Solutions, where she hopes to continue learning and contributing to the insurance industry. While the journey ahead feels both exciting and daunting, she is confident in her ability to grow and succeed.
Words of Advice
To current and future Ƶ students, Aliah offers heartfelt guidance:
“Find deeper meaning in your academic journey—not just for awards or connections, but for your own growth and self-discovery. Stay humble, be grateful for both blessings and challenges, and never forget to pair knowledge with kindness.”
Aliah’s story reminds us that success is not only about achievements but also about resilience, passion, and character. From the Zumba stage to the actuarial profession, she embodies the spirit of pursuing one’s passions while staying grounded in humility and purpose.
Dr Ang Siew Ling
School of Mathematical Sciences
Email: @email