ºìÐÓÊÓƵ

At 15, I started a sneaker customisation business called Sneaker Durian. What began as a creative hobby soon grew into a real business with real customers. That early experience of running my venture sparked a deep passion for entrepreneurship. I realised that building a business wasn’t just about making money; it was about creating something meaningful from the ground up.

So, when it came time to choose a university and a programme, I knew exactly what I wanted. After completing my Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ College, continuing my education at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University felt like the natural next step. I chose to pursue a BA (Hons) in Entrepreneurship at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School because I wanted to build on the lessons I had learned from running my high school business and develop my skills further through a formal education.

Back at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School, the hands-on learning approach of the Entrepreneurship programme helped me sharpen my practical skills. Each assignment encouraged us to engage directly with the real world, whether it was pitching business ideas, collaborating with teammates, or networking with industry professionals. Along the way, I developed invaluable soft skills such as teamwork, networking, and time management, which continue to benefit me today.

Beyond the classroom, I fully immersed myself in campus life. One of my proudest achievements was serving as the Event Director for Fashion Farm 2022, which was awarded Best Event of the Year by Student LIFE. That leadership role taught me how to manage teams, think quickly to solve problems, and deliver an experience that exceeded expectations. I also had the privilege of learning from outstanding lecturers, particularly Associate Professor Dr Shehnaz Tehseen, whose mentorship and encouragement were pivotal in shaping my journey.

Being named Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 was the highlight of my time at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University. It is an honour I will always treasure and a testament to the unwavering support I received from my family, lecturers, peers, and partner. I am especially grateful to my parents and my brother, who have been my biggest supporters since day one.

My employment journey after graduation was both unexpected and rewarding. Just three months after completing my final exams, I reconnected with one of my former business clients who introduced me to my current employer, a mass-participation sports event company. I joined the Protégé Programme as a trainee, and within four months, I was promoted to a full-time position. Working in the events industry has been an eye-opening experience, allowing me to collaborate with some of the best minds and learn the intricacies of managing large-scale events.

What I love most about entrepreneurship, and what ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School instilled in me, is the mindset of continuous learning and problem-solving. The decision-making, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial skills I developed are not only valuable in my career but also shape who I am every day. Whether I am working on events or planning my next venture, the foundation I built at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ continues to drive me forward.

And this is just the beginning.

All the experiences I have gathered, from running Sneaker Durian to leading campus events, are stepping stones toward a greater future. My ultimate goal is to return to my roots and build a business that creates a lasting impact. I envision a company that offers more than just products or services. I want to create opportunities, empower communities, and make a real difference in people’s lives.
For me, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School was more than just a place of learning. It was a platform where I could test ideas, take risks, and grow as a leader. It is a place where dreams come to life and where you are encouraged to take the first step toward your future.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is this: success does not happen overnight. But if you keep trying, and if you dare to take that first step, you will never know how far you can go.
 

Edited by
Dr Arumugam Muthusamy
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School
Email: @email