UNIVERSITY students have a big role to play in helping chart the country’s future direction, provided they are given the avenue to contribute their ideas, be engaged with the country’s leadership and given the full picture of the state of the nation.
This is what speaker of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) 2016/2017 Students’ Parliament speaker Noor Emira Khairaney Nor Asrad believes in.
By giving a chance to students to convey their thoughts and worries and exposing them to the workings of the government, she believes students will have a wider perspective as to what plans the government is putting in place for the nation’s development and understand the country’s situation better.
It would also give students the opportunity to have their voices heard and contribute towards the drafting of plans that would in turn provide them the training to assume the role of future leaders.
The 22-year-old from Seremban, Negri Sembilan had a chance to do so at the National Graduates Leadership Conference (Pemanas) 4.0 last year where some 300 university student leaders from public and private universities convened to engage directly with leaders of the country.
“I spoke up about students’ welfare, specifically about the exemption of students’ expenditure from goods and services tax (GST). While some students have gone on to become entrepreneurs while still studying with a sizable income, the majority are still those who do not have an income and are reliant on scholarship, loans or family funding. And the cost of studying does not only involve books or gadgets that may receive GST exemption. An overall exemption will allow students, especially from lower income families, have a better financial footing for a life on campus,” she explained.
At the conference, Noor Emira proposed that the mechanism of GST exemption be included in the student debit card announced in the 2017 Budget last year by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“A student card is only applicable during the years of study. After we complete our studies, automatically the card usage is void. Hence, the student card is the best way to ensure that the facility is used correctly,” she explained.
For her argument and proposal, Noor Emira was named the best debater at Pemanas 4.0.
Apart from being a representative of UKM at national student conferences, Noor Emira also participated as a student leader on an international platform.
Last year, she attended at the Asia-Europe Institute- Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEI-ASEM) held in Kuala Lumpur which saw the participation of university students from 12 countries. They discussed solutions to strengthen diplomatic relations between east and west and shared ideas and opinions revolving sociocultural conflicts.
“At the meeting, we shared our experiences and what is happening within the respective countries. The conflicts in other countries make ours pale in comparison. I feel lucky that I participated as I could see clearer Malaysia’s values and it has strengthened my love for the nation,” she said.
Noor Emira also holds dear women empowerment issues at heart, being the president of Serikandi Kebangsaan UKM 2016/2017. Serikandi is an association that promotes the advancement of women in leadership and employability of women in the industries.
“I am the only female student in the Students’ Parliament here in UKM so I think I can imagine how the business world, the industries are like, being dominated by men. I aim to help empower women starting from fellow students and align to the vision of having 30 per cent of women in boardrooms and industries. Women have a major influence in what the government decides and we have to wield that power for the good of the country,” she said.
On when her interest in participating in campus activities and representing students began, the dean’s list student said it was during her first year on campus when she was entrusted by her seniors to organise Temasya Gemilang at Keris Mas residential college. “It is an annual event to promote the talents of students from various faculties residing there. I managed to raise a sizable fund by approaching a minister with my paperwork and explanation. From then on, I just wanted to do more for the campus and its students.”
The last of eight siblings, Noor Emira cites her father as her inspiration. “He started off as a small trader, small-time contractor and he grew his business into what it is today. Together with my homemaker mother, he taught me and my siblings hard work, dedication and passion.”
However, as a woman, Noor Emira observes there is still a lack of recognition for achievement.
“Like in the movie Legally Blonde, the main character was not taken seriously until she became a lawyer and later a senator. If she can do it — even if in a movie, why can’t it be done in the real world? I want that recognition for my achievements one day,” Noor Emira said with a wry smile.
For now, Noor Emira hopes to complete her degree with flying colours and undergo her internship at a government agency.
“I need to learn the ropes in government agencies and gain an insight into how the civil service works. I do see myself in the parliament one day. But I have to experience the civil service and learn what the system is like first,” she concluded.
Profile
Name: Noor Emira Khairaney Nor Asrad
Age: 22
Programme: Bachelor of Political Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Position: Speaker of UKM Students’ Parliament 2016/2017
Latest Achievement:Best Debater at the 2016 National Graduates Leadership Conference (Pemanas) 4.0