Bachelor of Arts in Governance and Public Policy (Honours)

At UNIRAZAK, we proudly celebrate Shaik Irfan, a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Governance & Public Policy (Hons.) from the Tun Ahmad Sarji School of Government & Public Services — a Razakian whose journey is deeply rooted in purpose, service, and vision. Inspired by great Malaysian statesmen such as the late Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Ahmad Sarji, Irfan aspires to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

This passion has guided his academic and professional path, leading him from the classroom to the policy arena. Today, as a Government Relations Executive at the European Union Chamber of Commerce (EUROCHAM) Malaysia and a Board Member of Architects of Diversity (AoD), he continues to build bridges between policy, people, and progress. His story reflects the very values Tun Ahmad Sarji stood for — integrity, service, and an enduring commitment to the nation.

Receiving the Best Student Award is truly an honour and a meaningful recognition of three years of growth, effort, and learning. What kept me going was my genuine curiosity about public policy and governance,

along with a strong sense of purpose — the belief that even small contributions can make a difference. That passion for policymaking and public service gave meaning to every challenge I faced and kept me motivated throughout my journey at UNIRAZAK.

One of my biggest challenges was dealing with self-doubt, or what many refer to as Impostor Syndrome. There were moments when I questioned my own abilities, even when things were going well. I learned to break through this by tracking my progress, reflecting on my experiences, and celebrating small wins.

By reframing setbacks as opportunities to grow, I gradually shifted my mindset from self-doubt to self-belief. To me, “Breaking Through” means having the courage to push past internal and external limits — even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

My most meaningful memory at UNIRAZAK was serving as a Student Representative Council (SRC) member. What began as hesitation turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life — representing students, voicing their concerns, and contributing to a better campus environment. Through this role,

I gained invaluable skills in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and public communication, and I was given opportunities I never imagined, including representing Malaysia in an exchange programme in Iran and speaking on national television about youth issues.

To future Razakians, my advice is simple: don’t compare your journey with others. Every breakthrough is unique. Stay curious, take leaps of faith, and remember that growth often happens when you step outside your comfort zone. The journey matters just as much as the destination.