Nor Syareena Yem is an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer with 18 years of experience with the Ministry of Finance in Malaysia. She began her career in 2006 as a government officer and has spent nearly five years with the Ministry of Finance and 11 years with the Ministry of Agriculture. She was also responsible for overseeing tax incentives aimed at developing various industries in Malaysia.
She graduated from Management and Science University (MSU) in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science (Hons). Reflecting on her time at MSU, she describes it as a transformative experience.
“At the time, the facilities were limited compared to other private universities,” she shared. “We had to compete for hostel placements, and some rented housing off-campus. These challenges matured me and taught me the importance of self-management.”
During her studies, she met her husband, whose intelligence and support became integral to her life both academically and personally. Their first interaction occurred when he helped her resolve a fee calculation error, which marked the beginning of a lasting partnership.
Before joining the Administrative and Diplomatic Service, Nor Syareena worked as a Database Engineer in Kuala Lumpur. Despite her passion for IT, the job's late-night shifts raised concerns within her family. When she was offered a role in government service, her family encouraged her to pursue it, assuring her that her IT knowledge would remain valuable. Their advice proved pivotal, as she continued cultivating her interest in IT and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“During my research, I learned about Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and its potential for creating job opportunities,” she explained. "I decided to study Computer Science because of its versatility and future potential, even though I had no prior background in the field.”
AI was still in its infancy and was not popular with students at the time, but Nor Syareena eagerly embraced it.
“AI intrigued me, and joining a class on the subject provided me with foundational knowledge that has proven invaluable,” she said.
She remains a staunch advocate for leveraging AI’s positive potential.
“While there are concerns about technologies like deepfakes and tools that might hinder critical thinking, we should view AI as a tool to enhance our skills and build solutions,” she said.
Nor Syareena believes Malaysia must develop its own AI technologies to reduce dependency on external systems.
“For example, we have excelled in e-sports, and those skills can be leveraged to create AI applications,” she said. “Building local AI systems allows us to manage and control the data collected.”
Her advice for the younger generation is build mental strength and embrace criticism as an opportunity for growth.
“Success requires adaptability, determination, and a willingness to keep learning, no matter the circumstances,” she said while highlighting the importance of resilience when transitioning from university to the workforce.
“In university, you may not fully understand the challenges that await in the workforce. A strong mindset and adaptability are crucial for success,” she said.
Nor Syareena’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Nor Syareena Yem is an Administrative and Diplomatic Officer with 18 years of experience with the Ministry of Finance in Malaysia. She began her career in 2006 as a government officer and has spent nearly five years with the Ministry of Finance and 11 years with the Ministry of Agriculture. She was also responsible for overseeing tax incentives aimed at developing various industries in Malaysia.
She graduated from Management and Science University (MSU) in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science (Hons). Reflecting on her time at MSU, she describes it as a transformative experience.
“At the time, the facilities were limited compared to other private universities,” she shared. “We had to compete for hostel placements, and some rented housing off-campus. These challenges matured me and taught me the importance of self-management.”
During her studies, she met her husband, whose intelligence and support became integral to her life both academically and personally. Their first interaction occurred when he helped her resolve a fee calculation error, which marked the beginning of a lasting partnership.
Before joining the Administrative and Diplomatic Service, Nor Syareena worked as a Database Engineer in Kuala Lumpur. Despite her passion for IT, the job's late-night shifts raised concerns within her family. When she was offered a role in government service, her family encouraged her to pursue it, assuring her that her IT knowledge would remain valuable. Their advice proved pivotal, as she continued cultivating her interest in IT and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“During my research, I learned about Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and its potential for creating job opportunities,” she explained. "I decided to study Computer Science because of its versatility and future potential, even though I had no prior background in the field.”
AI was still in its infancy and was not popular with students at the time, but Nor Syareena eagerly embraced it.
“AI intrigued me, and joining a class on the subject provided me with foundational knowledge that has proven invaluable,” she said.
She remains a staunch advocate for leveraging AI’s positive potential.
“While there are concerns about technologies like deepfakes and tools that might hinder critical thinking, we should view AI as a tool to enhance our skills and build solutions,” she said.
Nor Syareena believes Malaysia must develop its own AI technologies to reduce dependency on external systems.
“For example, we have excelled in e-sports, and those skills can be leveraged to create AI applications,” she said. “Building local AI systems allows us to manage and control the data collected.”
Her advice for the younger generation is build mental strength and embrace criticism as an opportunity for growth.
“Success requires adaptability, determination, and a willingness to keep learning, no matter the circumstances,” she said while highlighting the importance of resilience when transitioning from university to the workforce.
“In university, you may not fully understand the challenges that await in the workforce. A strong mindset and adaptability are crucial for success,” she said.
Nor Syareena’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to learning.