LACHUMANAN, Nitthiyanathan

Degree

Master of Business Administration

Graduation year

2011

What are some of your career highlights?

  • Nearly 24 (twenty-four) years’ experience as Professional Marketing Specialist /Strategist / Head of Department.
  • Local Institution Award: Cosmopoint /Masterskill best marketer
  • Known as Marketing Troubleshooter- all problematic branches.
  • Obtained the status of Certified Professional Marketer from Asia Pacific Marketing Federation (APMF),
  • Certified Professional Marketer from Society Business Practitioner UK & Charted Marketer Status from Chartered Institute of Marketing UK.
  • Chartered Manager - Chartered Management Institute UK
  • CIPR Accredited PR Practitioner from – Chartered Institute of Public Relations, CIPR UK.
  • Appointed as a Council Member for ERA FOMCA Malaysia (IMM) [2014-2016].
  • Appointed as a Council Member for Institute of Marketing Malaysia (IMM) [2013-2015].
  • Re-appointed as a Council Member for Institute of Marketing Malaysia (IMM) [2015-2017], [2017-2019], [2019-2021] & [2022-2024] ~Fifth Term
  • Conferred Fellowship by Chartered Institute of Marketing UK.
  • Conferred Fellowship by The Society of Business Practitioners UK
  • Conferred Chartered Fellowship by Chartered Management Institute UK
  • Good relationship with Malaysian Embassy in foreign countries & Foreign Embassies in Malaysia.

Describe the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of your job

As a leader, I have faced numerous circumstances that have called for me to demonstrate my motivating leadership abilities. When I worked for my previous firm, Masterskill, in 2006 and 2007, I was assigned to the campuses in Sabah and Sarawak, East Malaysia, to restructure the branch because there had been no sales and it was on the verge of going bankrupt. I completed a complete redesign and remarketing within the allotted time. The branch then succeeded in making strong sales while I was in charge of it.

In a different scenario, several employees of my present company left at the same time. The responsibilities of the few people left in the department had to be taken on by my team.  People suffered and were overworked as a result. Due to the dispersed focus, more mistakes were being made at the same time. It was my responsibility as the director to correct the performance. I called a team meeting so we could talk strategy. I expressed my gratitude for all of their efforts at a trying period for the business. I requested their help in figuring out how to make each of us—including me—more efficient! I explained that we were having a brainstorming session to generate ideas. To begin with, the team reacted favorably to this strategy. The notion of being able to assist in solving a problem thrilled them. Rather than grumbling, they directed once they were certain they would be heard, they channeled their energy more effectively. We immediately generated suggestions that would save us a great deal of time and effort. Our efficiency has increased today.

What are your strongest memories while you were studying at Federation University Australia?

Some of my best recollections from my time at the university center on both my social and intellectual experiences. I have a very clear memory from my sophomore year, when I worked on a group project for my thesis.

We were working on a delicate topic, and the friendship we forged and the sheer quantity of knowledge and problem-solving we accomplished as a team had a profound effect on me.

All in all, my time at university was a combination of demanding coursework, cross-cultural learning, and deep connections—all of which have had a significant influence on my current self.

Do you have any advice about life after study to pass on to current students?

Here are some tips for living beyond graduation that I wish I had heard before:

  • Accept Lifelong Learning: Learning doesn't stop after graduation. Continue learning and being inquisitive. Continual learning, whether by self-study, online courses, or formal education, will keep you competitive and adaptive in the job market.
  • Network, Network, Network: The connections you make both during and beyond your academic career are priceless. Engage in industry events, become a member of professional associations, and maintain communication with colleagues and educators. Networking can lead to partnerships and employment prospects.
  • Harmony Ambition with Patience: While having lofty professional objectives is admirable, keep in mind that accomplishment frequently requires time. Enjoy little victories and exercise patience as you make progress. It's acceptable if your career path is not straight forward.
  • Keep an open mind: It's acceptable if your first job wasn't your ideal one. Be willing to try out new roles and professions. You will gain knowledge from every experience and be able to hone your professional path.
  • Locate a mentor: Seek out mentors who can offer you guidance, encouragement, and understanding from their own experiences. You can overcome obstacles and make wise career decisions with the assistance of a good mentor.
  • Return the favor: Giving back can be exceedingly fulfilling and can assist you in developing a well-rounded life. This can be done through volunteering, mentoring others, or participating in community projects.
  • Recall that life beyond college is an adventure full of chances and difficulties. Be tenacious, flexible,  and enjoy the adventure..