Chancellor Award

Annur Syafira Binti Khairus

School of Accounting and Taxation (SAT)

Annur Syafira, from Tanjong Malim, Perak, grew up in an academically oriented family. Her parents, Khairus Bin Alias and Sabariah Binti Yahya, are dedicated high school teachers, specialising in mathematics and biology, respectively. Annur Syafira, the second among four siblings, embarked on her academic journey at UNIRAZAK in 2019. She enrolled in the Foundation in Business programme and thereafter pursued a Bachelor's in Accounting (Hons) degree with CPA Australia accreditation. Her focus and understanding of financial principles led to a strong CGPA, setting a sturdy groundwork for her career in accounting.

Presently, she’s an Audit Associate at Ernst & Young Malaysia, where she applies her knowledge to ensure accuracy and uphold professional standards in auditing. Her experience at UNIRAZAK has equipped her well for real-world challenges in this dynamic field.

What factors do you believe contributed to your selection for the Chancellor's award besides your exceptional CGPA ? What do you think made you stand out as the recipient ?

I believe my selection as the recipient of the Chancellor's Award extends beyond just my CGPA, as UNIRAZAK emphasises a holistic approach to life as a Razakian. My active participation in various clubs and taking on leadership roles, such as serving as the Social Media Strategist for the UNIRAZAK

Tax Club and holding the Treasurer position for Razakian Buddies, would have played a pivotal role in my being considered for this recognition. As the Social Media Strategist, I was responsible for formulating a strategic and innovative plan to raise awareness of the UNIRAZAK Tax Club and its activities. Meanwhile, over at the Razakian Buddies, managing the club’s finances and my responsibilities as its Treasurer underscored my commitment to putting into practice the principles of effective organisational management. I am grateful to the Senate for the recognition of my contributions to the UNIRAZAK community.

It has been years since the pandemic hit us, can you share some of the challenges you went through during those difficult times ?

One major challenge during the pandemic was the switch to online learning. It took me some time to get used to the interface of the Google Meet platform, which has been the main medium for classes in UNIRAZAK. The absence of face-to-face interactions and the most common complaint during that time is primarily connectivity issues, contributing to the complexity of comprehending intricate accounting concepts. The entire experience at that time demanded a greater level of self-motivation and discipline. Nonetheless, this has helped me become more flexible and taught me to become more adaptable to new changes and environments.

"UNIRAZAK empowered me to overcome
challenges, nurture a vibrant community,
and achieve the seemingly impossible.”

What was your favourite part about studying at UNIRAZAK ?

My time at UNIRAZAK was truly enriching, and if I had to pinpoint a favourite aspect, it would undoubtedly be the vibrant and inclusive community. The university provided more than just a learning environment but also a dynamic atmosphere, with ample opportunities for engagement with the local and international students, lecturers, and staff. Moreover, the location of UNIRAZAK, which is at the heart of Kuala Lumpur is indeed a bonus point because I can explore the beauty of the country’s capital city after class.

Which lecturer(s) influenced you most ?

Every lecturer at UNIRAZAK played a pivotal role in shaping my academic journey, and it is genuinely challenging to single out specific names as each one contributed significantly to my success. Their collective dedication, passion, and commitment to imparting knowledge have been instrumental in my academic and personal growth. To all my instructors at UNIRAZAK, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks for your tireless efforts, diverse teaching styles, and unwavering support. I am truly fortunate to have

had the opportunity to learn from such a dedicated and inspiring group of educators.

How has UNIRAZAK empowered you in pursuing your aspirations, and what motivates these dreams ?

UNIRAZAK played a crucial role in realising my dreams, particularly in helping me overcome the challenges of completing my CPA papers. The unwavering support and guidance from lecturers instilled the confidence needed for success. My deep passion for accounting and the desire to make a positive impact drive me to mentor and inspire others in the field. Through dedication and passion, I aim to show that one can make significant contributions to society, both professionally and personally.

My internship experience at Ernst & Young Malaysia ignited my enthusiasm for auditing, as it emphasised the critical role of accountants in ensuring organisational financial health. Leveraging my UNIRAZAK experience, I aspire to excel in my career while sharing knowledge and mentoring young talents, and I aim to positively influence the accounting profession and the broader community.

Any other experiences, anecdotes or advice that you wish to share with current and future Razakians ?

To my fellow Razakians, seize UNIRAZAK's growth opportunities through active participation in clubs and activities for a well-rounded skill set. For those facing uncertainties, such as the challenges of online learning, remember that resilience is the key. Seek support from the lecturers and peers to gain innovative solutions for your hurdles. Last but not least, make the most of your time at UNIRAZAK as the skills, experiences, and connections you cultivate will undoubtedly contribute to a successful academic and professional journey.