Faiz Kamaludin
Where is your home country?
Malaysia
Where do you live now?
Taiwan
What languages do you speak?
English and Malay
What was the name of your course?
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Master of Aviation Management (MAvMgt)
What is the name of your education institution?
Civil Air Training Academy, Cessnock and the University of Newcastle.
When did you graduate?
CPL in 1992 and MAvMgt in 2011
We should try to be fearless in our actions and not be afraid of failure. I have learned a lot from making mistakes. It can be costly and time-consuming but provides real-life experience and sharpens your soft skills, especially in communications and the ability to influence networks.
Student life
Why did you choose to study in this field?
When I was 18 years old, I was motivated to study abroad and to be independent. I applied to become a pilot through a cadet pilot training scholarship recommended by my friends. I had no idea what the job entailed but did a lot of research at the library to learn about aerodynamics and flight theory. I even went to the Malaysia Airlines HQ in Kuala Lumpur to get a copy of their financial report. The receptionist was puzzled by my request, but true enough, the report contained all the relevant information needed during my final interview. I knew the name of directors, routes, destinations, fleet strength and aircraft types. A few weeks later, to my elation, I got the scholarship and was destined to a small town called Cessnock in NSW that would change my life forever.
Why did you decide to study in NSW?
Having earned a scholarship in Australia was a dream come true. Other cadet pilots were sent to local flying schools in Malaysia. When I got the news that I would be heading to NSW, I did not have any expectations. I did not have a choice in the matter, but I’m not one to complain. Little did I realise that when the 19 of us arrived in Sydney, we were immediately to be taken by bus up north to the beautiful countryside of Cessnock. Being a city boy my entire life, I was in awe of the landscape, vineyards, and mainly the vast open space. The beauty of the story is that NSW chose me.
Tell us about your experience studying in NSW
The experience was life-changing. I stayed with my fellow cadets in the Cessnock airport area dorms, which was a good drive away from the town itself. I remember fondly cycling our only bicycle to town to rent videos for the weekend. The ride gave me a chance to soak in the beauty of the countryside. We adapted to the lifestyle of having BBQs (Barbies) and enjoying sports in the evenings such as soccer. And we also learned to play cricket. We enjoyed the benefits of being in NSW, such as access to the public library, community centre and swimming pool. Occasionally we would head to Newcastle for the nightlife and fantastic beaches.
What was the highlight of your experience studying in NSW?
I’m a very social person and the highlight was getting to know people from all walks of life. Initially it was just the Australian (Aussie) flight instructors, senior lecturers, cleaners and the chef but as time went on, they introduced us to their family members which even allowed us to stay with them in Sydney for the Christmas weekend and enjoying Boxing Day at the beach. I made friends with the pharmacist, librarian, cashiers in ‘Woolies’, and many local friends in town. Especially with those staying in community homes located at the edge of Cessnock. NSW folks are a friendly and fun bunch.
What is the best way to develop a social life in NSW?
I believe NSW is a unique and friendly place to have a rewarding social life. First, start interacting with your direct contacts, such as lecturers, students, and university personnel. You then should expand your network to include their families and communities that you regularly engage. A powerful tool is to develop your listening skills. Being friendly and having the ability to converse is a must. However, listen in and understanding what others are trying to convey. In this way, you will be immersed in other people’s thoughts and get a genuine vibe from your surrounding community. Mainly, don’t forget to have fun!
Did you work or undertake projects with employers or industry groups during your studies? If yes, how did this experience benefit your career?
During my online studies, I was heavily involved in community work to help promote the knowledge of science to schoolchildren across Malaysia. My projects comprise of conducting rocketry workshops in urban and rural schools in Malaysia. The University of Newcastle awarded me the Alumni Award for Regional Leadership. I am indebted for this recognition as it has helped me attain more grants to develop community programs and innovative digital platforms to assist the process. However, I believe community work is more about connecting with people and kids. On my return to NSW to accept my award, I had an excellent opportunity to share my experience with students from Merewether High School in Newcastle.
Career goals and advice
Why did you decide to follow your chosen career path?
Having earned a scholarship in Australia was a dream come true. Other cadet pilots were sent to local flying schools in Malaysia. When I got the news that I would be heading to NSW, I did not have any expectations. I did not have a choice in the matter, but I’m not one to complain. Little did I realise that when the 19 of us arrived in Sydney, we were immediately to be taken by bus up north to the beautiful countryside of Cessnock. Being a city boy my entire life, I was in awe of the landscape, vineyards, and mainly the vast open space. The beauty of the story is that NSW chose me.
What are you doing now in your career?
I am now working with China Airlines in Taiwan for five years after 24 years with Malaysia Airlines. Being away from Malaysia and Australia has not limited my progress. A brilliant network of talented people help me run initiatives on a broader scale. I’ve established Spacevio, a consortium to forward the movement of Malaysia’s space community with the involvement of national and international bodies, extending to countries from the European Union.
With the University of Newcastle, as the president of the Malaysian Alumni Chapter, we are working on multi-collaborations with organisations from the United States to investigate sustainable goals in serving the marginalised communities. Projects include orphanages, autism community, recycling, and entrepreneurial independence.
Can you share any career advice for current students or graduates?
My methods may be unconventional such as making decisions based on how I feel and not logical reasoning. Still, I have learned a lot from making mistakes. It can be costly and time-consuming but provides real-life experience and sharpens your soft skills, especially in communications and the ability to influence networks. Your career is what you make of it. You can strive to excel in your chosen field and sometimes also in other non-related industries. Never be afraid to put yourself out there in deep waters. You may not achieve your desired outcome, but it is the process that will benefit your growth.
Do you remain involved in NSW?
Yes, I am heavily invested in projects with the University of Newcastle that will benefit NSW. By working with the Alumni Relations team, I can support their strategic plan to bring forth desired social change that will help the local community and encourage potential students to choose NSW as their destination of choice for education purposes. I believe in achieving targeted social goals through innovative digitalisation of platforms to provide a better user experience for students, graduates and the local community. We must also be dynamic and consider making social changes that are sustainable. It is a shared vision, and I believe everyone can help make an impact.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience studying in NSW?
NSW is your place. Don’t ponder on it too long. The experience has shaped me into who I am today. I am forever indebted to my roots in NSW. Thank you NSW.
