Malaz Elnaiem
Journalist, 2018
Master in Digital Film and Television
"Limkokwing challenged the way I think and perceive certain things, and opened my mind, especially exposing me to the multinational environment here.”
27 February 2018
Malaz Elnaiem fell in love with Malaysia on her first visit to the country in 2006, while on holiday.
It was enough for her to decide to further her studies here one day, and her top choice was Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
Today, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting & Journalism and Masters in Digital Film & Television, graduating in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
The Unexpected Love Affair
Malaz was born in Sudan but grew up in Huddersfield, England. Upon completing high school, she started applying to study in Malaysia. Malaz said she first learnt about Limkokwing from a family friend, and it didn’t take much convincing for her to make a decision.
“I was so attracted to the University the very moment I saw it because it looked so creative and classy,” said the Malaz energetically.
“As much as I was excited about joining Limkokwing, my dad was very much in favour of my decision and he really liked the environment and thought it was a perfect fit for me,” she added.
The Cross-cultural Experience
“Limkokwing challenged the way I think and perceive certain things, and opened my mind, especially exposing me to the multinational environment here,” said Malaz.
Malaz also said the environment on campus was something new to her, but she knew it was all part of growing and being a better person. She reckons the cultural mix at Limkokwing is on a whole different level today, which she believes is a good thing, as she said it was what made her become more tolerant and sensitive of other people’s background and cultures.
Personal Growth
During her days at Limkokwing, Malaz gradually saw herself getting involved in a lot of campus events. As a student ambassador, she took part in a lot of humanitarian campaigns, and one that remains close to her heart was the re-building of a school in the Philippines.
“We worked really hard and had put in a lot of effort and it was really rewarding as we had this sense of satisfaction of giving something back to the community.”
“We worked really hard and had put in a lot of effort and it was really rewarding as we had this sense of satisfaction of giving something back to the community.”
She said one of her greatest achievements was completing her masters, which led to a deeper passion for film that eventually landed her at the New York Film Academy.
Future Projects
Malaz plans to complete her PhD, focused on research into something quite unique.
“I recently found out that I have synaesthesia which is like a gift; I say it’s a gift, but some people disagree with me and say it’s a mental condition instead,” said Malaz.
According to Malaz, her doctoral thesis proposal is titled “The Interpretation of Colour and Sound in Modern Cinema” which she plans to complement with film project.
Work
Malaz previously worked at Branding Creativity and Talent Development at Limkokwing University, a unit similar to creative media and public relations, focused on the field of education. She now works in Lisbon, Portugal as a journalist for an online news agency called NewAdVentures, a sister company of Noticias ao Minuto, the largest online news and media agency in Portugal.
“Anyone who has managed to make a living by doing what they love truly defines what it is to be successful,” said Malaz with confidence.
Malaz said Limkokwing played a major part in shaping the person she is today. She hopes students will learn as much as possible from such a global University and be the best in what they love doing the most.