Actress and television host Uyaina Arshad is eager to step out of her comfort zone and venture into the world of business.
The 33-year-old mother of two, whose name in full is Saidatul Naseha Uyaina Arshad, took a short course in leadership and entrepreneurship in December last year at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
Describing her course as a valuable experience she will never forget, Uyaina said she feels fortunate to have learned entrepreneurship at Oxford.
"Usually, the (short) courses are offered online, so experiencing the atmosphere at Oxford firsthand made me feel like ‘wow’... extremely happy.
"I learned a lot about business, entrepreneurship and leadership, and God willing, I will apply this knowledge moving forward.
"I am now at a stage in life where I want to start my own business, and running a business is not just about selling but also about how to manage and lead it (enterprise)," she said.
Uyaina, who has a law degree from Universiti Malaya and is also known for her eloquence on social media, said she plans to pursue her Master’s degree someday.
"But I’ve to take things one step at a time," she said, hoping her desire to further her education will inspire the younger generation, especially school-leavers, to continue their studies at higher education institutions and never tire of seeking knowledge.
Uyaina, who has 1.8 million followers on Instagram, also expressed her concern about the current generation’s declining interest in pursuing higher education due to the influence of social media.
"This is the era of social media. However, we don’t know what will happen in 10 or 20 years when platforms like Instagram or TikTok may no longer be relevant. What will happen to them if they don’t have an education?"
Uyaina believes that higher education is not just about strengthening one’s academic credentials but also plays a crucial role in shaping a person’s personality as well as social, leadership and communication skills, ultimately building their identity.
"When we have knowledge, it also helps us to work in teams and communicate effectively. All of these are things we learn through higher education. So, don’t take education lightly or for granted," she added. – Bernama
