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Nur Ashikeen binti Iqbal

Master of Business Administration
,

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

Year of Graduation: 2022

Currently employed as:

Verification Analyst at ToCert Sdn Bhd

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My journey as a Master’s student with a disability is a story of resilience, inclusion, and continuous growth. Seventeen
time
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years ago, I met with an accident that left me paralysed from the waist down. Since then, I have been a full
wheelchair user. Adjusting to a new life while pursuing education and building a career was both physically and
emotionally challenging, but it has become one of the most meaningful chapters of my

life.

Receiving the AUNDPPnet scholarship changed everything. It wasn’t just financial support; it was a powerful message
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that persons with disabilities (PWDs) belong in higher education and leadership spaces. This scholarship enabled me
to pursue my Master in Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) with

confidence and dignity
.

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While studying, I continued to work parttime at Genashtim, a sociallydriven enterprise that champions remote work
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and disability inclusion. Managing academic responsibilities, work commitments, and my physical health wasn’t easy,
but it helped me grow immensely as both a student and a professional. During my MBA, I worked three days a week at
Genashtim while attending classes, completing assignments, and managing my health. This balancing act taught me
resilience, time management, and how to deliver under pressure. It also helped me apply classroom t
heories directly
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to my realworld professional context. That handson experience became one of my greatest strengths as a
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postgraduate student.

A proud moment during my postgraduate studies was being selected as a Liaison Officer during the Tunku Zain Lecture
Series: Unplugged, hosted at UKM. This prestigious event welcomed esteemed guests including Tunku Zain Al
‘Abidin,
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alongside professors, student leaders, and community figures. As a wheelchair user, being appointed to this
leadership role was a powerful moment. It proved that inclusion isn’t just symbolic, it’s about trust, responsibility,
and visibility. I proudly represented UKM, ensuring smooth coordination and guest engagement. The experience gave
me a deep sense of belonging and professionalism.

In 2025, I was honoured to return as a guest speaker for the AUNDPPnet Scholars and Alumni Online Career
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Development Workshop. I shared my story, from being a scholarship recipient, to completing my MBA, to building a
decadelong career at Genashtim. I also spoke about the value of inclusive employers and the importance of believing
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