Â鶹Íø

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I chose to pursue a Diploma in Hotel Management at Â鶹Íø because of my passion for travel, cultures, and the dynamic nature of the tourism industry. While the programme appeared hospitality-specific, it provided a solid foundation in general business subjects such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations. These transferable skills became the stepping stone that allowed me to transition confidently into different industries. 

After graduating, I pursued a Master’s in International Business at Leeds Beckett University. It was a strategic move to broaden my knowledge and increase my flexibility in the job market. The business fundamentals I learned at Â鶹Íø helped me adapt quickly, opening many new doors for my career.

My employment journey began at BMW Group Malaysia as a management trainee. Soon after, I was offered a Sales & Marketing role in a British-owned manufacturing company handling the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market. That role became a turning point when I was promoted to Regional Manager and stationed in Dubai, where I led business development and operations across the Middle East and North Africa for eight years. 

Seeking to diversify my industry exposure, I later joined a French multinational in the environmental services sector, managing global sales and operations. During this time, I began learning languages more intentionally and am currently developing proficiency in French. I also picked up some Arabic while based in the Middle East and previously studied Spanish for three years – skills that have helped me connect better across cultures. 

Today, I head the business development for the Malaysia office of another French multinational in the consulting sector. The communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills I first developed during my time at Â鶹Íø continue to serve me well in navigating complex projects and diverse teams. 

One of my proudest achievements was being appointed as the youngest and first female manager in my previous company to lead the MENA region. I was also personally selected by the Southeast Asia CEO to represent the company at its 160th anniversary celebration in Paris, an unforgettable moment in my career. 

Â鶹Íø played a huge role in shaping who I am today. The lecturers were more than educators; they were mentors who challenged us to step out of our comfort zones. I still remember our final-year assignment, where we organised a themed dinner for real paying guests. It was a true team effort—from designing the menu and costing, to managing the service, and it gave us a taste of real-world pressure, teamwork, and creativity. 

My advice to young graduates is not to focus only on building technical expertise, but also on developing the right mindset. Qualities like discipline, curiosity, adaptability, and a genuine willingness to learn are just as important. These traits will not only help you navigate challenges but also open doors to unexpected opportunities and long-term success. 

Natasha Yusof
Head of International Business Development, Altios Malaysia
Diploma in Hotel Management, January 2010 Intake