Syazaliyana Razanabihah earns UMPSA 2024 Inspirational Alumni Icon Award

GAMBANG, 16 April 2025 – The 2024 Mercu Sanjung Awards Night (MARS) at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) witnessed the recognition of outstanding alumni contributions when Syazaliyana Razanabihah Surahman was announced as the recipient of the Inspirational Alumni Icon Award, for her remarkable achievements in entrepreneurship and her strong commitment to student welfare.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Chairman of the UMPSA Board of Directors, Dato’ Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias.

Syazaliyana, fondly known as Yana, is an alumna of the Bachelor of Computer Engineering (Software Engineering) with Honours programme from the Faculty of Computing (FK), graduating in 2021.

During her studies, she was actively involved in various fields, including serving as the Secretary-General of the Students’ Representative Council (MPP) for the 2018/2019 session.

Commenting on her victory, Syazaliyana expressed her gratitude and excitement at receiving such a high honour from UMPSA, where she gained her education and shaped her character.

“I started from nothing at UMPSA, and now I have become the best version of myself.

“I am truly grateful for this recognition,” she said.

Initially hesitant to nominate herself due to the stiff competition, strong encouragement from the UMPSA Alumni Relations Office reignited her spirit to try.

Her win came as a complete surprise, especially given the competition from highly accomplished individuals.

After graduating, Syazaliyana made her mark in the field of entrepreneurship.

She now successfully operates four cafeterias and two food kiosks inside and outside public universities, as well as managing two premium cafés at the Gambang Campus, namely Slumber Café and Obby Chicken.

Even more impressively, she actively contributes back to the university, including providing food aid during the Semester I 2023/2024 examination period and sponsoring RM2,000 worth of raw ingredients for the Dapur Gempur event held in conjunction with the 2024 Ekspokonvo programme, in collaboration with her business partner, Ayam Gepuk Cakra Obi, Kuantan.

As a student, Syazaliyana was known for her active involvement in various student activities, encompassing entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and leadership.

She participated in the Student Volunteer Foundation–ASEAN Mission to Subis, Sarawak in 2019, led the MINDS 2019 programme, served as the Assistant Director for Career Fair 2019, and took part in the UMPSA Student Parliament that same year.

Reflecting on her challenges, she shared that balancing academics and co-curricular activities was one of the greatest tests.

However, with wise time management, respect for lecturers, and a spirit of continuous learning, she overcame these hurdles.

Syazaliyana regards her parents and husband as her main sources of inspiration.

“My parents and spouse have always been my strongest supporters throughout the ups and downs of this journey.

“I am extremely grateful for the unwavering support from both of my parents,” she said.

As an alumna who continues to contribute actively to her alma mater, Syazaliyana urges the UMPSA community to always give back to the university according to their respective abilities.

“Consider every contribution as a token of appreciation to the place that shaped us into better, knowledgeable individuals.

“In fact, I also aspire to expand my business nationally through the establishment of a franchise business in the near future.

“The Mercu Sanjung Award symbolises the spirit for me to continue being the best version of myself and to contribute the best to society,” she said.

When asked to summarise her journey in one sentence, she said that although the journey was not easy, the continuous support and encouragement from her family and those around her always kept her motivated and resilient.

Syazaliyana has proven that UMPSA alumni are not only capable of succeeding in their careers but can also become agents of change who make a significant impact on the university community and society at large.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Photos: Khairu Aidilnishah Rizan Jalil, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press