6th July 2007 - The outstanding achievement of 28-year-old Intan Ilyani proves that even a working mother can be equally as successful as full-time student. The proud mother of a 4-year old daughter was pleased to find out that she won the Best Prize for Business Organisation and Management for the professional programme, ICSA (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators).

Working as a fulltime secretary to the CEO of Maybank Fortis, an insurance wing for Maybank Berhad, Intan is currently studying the ICSA course in SEGi College Kuala Lumpur on a part time basis.  

The news of her achievement came as a surprise and ignited a feeling of pride and appreciation of her family and lecturers.

“I am really proud of my achievement and it comes as a surprise to me, as I never thought of winning any awards. Winning this award has certainly fired me up further to complete the remainder of my course,” reminisced Intan on the day she ascended the stage to receive her prize.

“Professional courses are really tough as they are 100% exam based and no assignments involved unlike undergraduates. I always prepare 2 to 3 months prior to the exams. Most of the time I had to sacrifice my weekends,” shared Intan.

Her very supportive husband who was by her side during the entire interview confirms that she indeed studied very hard for this ICSA course and this achievement is a justifiable return on her efforts.

Intan chose to study at SEGi College as it offered part-time ICSA and that the location is most convenient among other ICSA course providers.

“The lecturers for the ICSA programme at SEGi are just FABULOUS! They really are passionate in helping us to understand the subjects. We also had guidance on how to apply what we learn to our daily routine which proved helpful in understanding the programme and job better,” shared Intan.

On a note of advice to budding chartered secretaries, Intan says, “You really must be committed to excelling in the subjects. Indeed I sacrificed my weekends and time with my family for revisions, but it is all worth it because if I have not put in 100% of my effort and time to concentrate on the subjects I would not be receiving this honour today. Though the sacrifice was difficult, nonetheless the hard work pays off, especially to my career.”

Another award winner, Lee Ching Yee was ecstatic when she received the ICSA award in Business Accounting. “I was very excited when announced as the winner for this award as it was totally out of my expectation,” exclaimed the award winner, who has completed one and half years of her ICSA course.

This 27-year-old lass who hails from Seremban is currently working for OCBC Bank along Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur. She holds the position as a secretary and has been with the company for 2 years now. Her ICSA course is partly funded by OCBC.

“I wish to improve myself and to have a better future with this award. This ICSA course will also be of great assistance on my way to become a Chartered Secretary,” said Lee.

When asked what her formula to success was, Lee replied, “I attend classes all the time and did a lot of questions and exercises.”

Tang Choong Pang, Head of Professional Studies at SEGi, was on hand congratulating Intan and Lee.

“We take great pleasure of the achievements of our students and are proud when they have achieved top results in their examination. We are especially proud of working adults who are studying with us as the reward is so much more for their achievement not only demonstrates understanding of the subject matter, but the determination to succeed while juggling the many daily hurdles of family and career,” said Tang.