For Zohra, pursuing Malay Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) meant more than just reading a major. It was something close to her heart, something intimate that enabled her to grow more familiar with her own culture, identity and community.

As a freshman entering the FASS, Zohra had her eyes set on a Political Science major – exposing herself to the world of governance, international relations and political theory. However, after taking the introductory course to Malay Studies, she found that the content addressed many of the unanswered questions about her culture and identity. “The topics discussed in Malay Studies courses seemed a lot more intimate to me,” said Zohra. “They prompted me to explore the term ‘Malay’ and what it means to identify as part of the community, and to seek deeper knowledge of the populace’s history – and by extension my own.” Wanting to become more familiar with her interests as well as her identity, Zohra decided to take on a double major in Political Science and Malay Studies.

As Zohra embarked on this journey, she was motivated to engage closely with the Malay community and connect with her roots, inspired by the lessons imparted to her as she was growing up: to never forget her heritage and to always give back. The coursework was challenging, but she soon found that it helped build her confidence to connect more meaningfully. “I think studying my heritage and culture, as well as having critical discourse with my peers catalysed my efforts to re-plant my roots comfortably among others in my community,” says Zohra.

Zohra representing the NUS Muslim Society at BAPA's food distribution initiative during Ramadhan in 2021.

Committed to giving back to the community, Zohra made consistent efforts to be involved in clubs and societies focused on promoting awareness of Malay culture and also to the betterment of its members. She was constantly on the lookout for committee sign-ups almost every academic year, and having a community around her also granted her the opportunity to participate in various events and outreach activities. This led her to become the Programmes Executive for the NUS Muslim Society in AY 2020/21 and the Vice President of NUS Malay Studies Society in AY 2021/22.

Serving in clubs and societies provided Zohra with the platform to connect with people and fresh perspectives. “Forging new friendships and networks with those I met along the way granted me a great deal of warmth and fondness, and their support has always guided me forward and buoyed me through many tough times,” says Zohra. “Meeting new people and exchanging perspectives has also widened my horizons to welcome ideas I was once unfamiliar with, helping me grow as an individual.” She also believes that participating in student activities allowed her to develop key skills and competencies in administration and project management that will prepare her well for the workforce.

Zohra presenting her part at the NUS Malay Studies Society's Annual General Meeting in 2022.

As a final year student, Zohra has used her experience at FASS to crystallise two guiding principles for herself. One is to consider nuance from different perspectives — because issues are never as shallow and one-dimensional as they may seem to be. The other is to choose to work somewhere that allows her to engage closely with people. “I think my experiences during my undergraduate years have made me grow out of my shell and be comfortable with the idea of working around people and for people,” says Zohra.

Dr Azhar Ibrahim, lecturer at NUS Malay Studies who has taught Zohra in multiple courses, commends her for the unique perspective that she brings. “Teaching Zohra has been a remarkably rich encounter for me. I like her individualised style, which also always affirms the larger collective background,” says Dr Azhar. “Her sense of rootedness and the will to unravel ideas in critical fashion is very promising and I know that she will go far.”

People of FASS is a content series that emphasises on the human element, our people, their accomplishments and journey, as well as what inspires them. The series is curated primarily to focus on featuring exemplary students, alumni, researchers, faculty and staff.