Zulkarnain Zulkifli
Corporate Communications Executive, Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MYIPO), 2009
Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication) in collaboration with Curtin University of Technology, Australia
Make sure that you can write well, speak well and be sure to dress well too. As a corporate communications executive, you function as an ambassador for your organization. How you behave and act during events, seminars and press conferences will determine how successful you are.
04 September 2009
Bounding with Optimism
Written by Christine Chan
The jovial voice on the other end of the phoneline sends a positive vibe about the owner. The man, Zulkarnain Zulkifli, is a man acknowledged by his former boss from Wolters Kluwers ESP for bringing joy, happiness and the increased morale of the team. Sharina Ros Kamal speaks to the man who has good public relations flowing in his veins.
Having many people telling him that his communication skills are above par, Zulkarnain Zulkifli decided to enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications at Limkokwing University. As Limkokwing University was well known for its excellent reputation in producing great Mass Communication graduates, he felt that he did not even have to look around for any other options.
The added fact that many of the graduates from the University excelled in the industry also added his keenness in pursuing his studies there. Successfully completing his studies in 2005 and receiving his degree, he was awarded with the Industrial Award for Excellence in Journalism which was sponsored by The Star.
“The feeling of stepping up on stepping up on the stage to receive your scroll – the euphoria is almost indescribable!” said Zulkarnain, describing the red letter day.
After graduation, Zulkarnain worked in a training company called ATCEN, where he spent the time ghost-writing a motivational book. He also wrote several press releases for The Star.
I don’t believe in limiting myself to one type of career just because I am qualified for it. If I am passionate enough and willing to learn, and there is no job I would say ‘No’ to, said he, on the subject of switching careers. I can easily enter copywriting or even professional wrestling, if the time and the benefits are right.
Working in journalism for a couple of years, he then decided to make the jump into corporate communications, knowing that he could do more than what he had already achieved. Admitting that it was an abrupt and sudden career switch, Zulkarnain nonetheless admitted that he felt no fear since his experience in Limkokwing University has helped him to shape his thinking and develop a brilliant creative mindset and approach.
“I don’t believe in limiting myself to one type of career just because I am qualified for it. If I am passionate enough and willing to learn, and there is no job I would say ‘No’ to,” said he, on the subject of switching careers. “I can easily enter copywriting or even professional wrestling, if the time and the benefits are right.”
At this moment, Zulkarnain is working as a Corporate Communications Executive at the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation or MYIPO. His job functions vary, as he has a wide variety of responsibilities and is required to multi-task and juggle different job scopes.
Currently, he functions as the sub editor for the web content of his company as well as the Editor for the company’s booklet. He is also accountable in helping to produce annual reports, draft official business letters, and writing press releases and speeches.
In the near future, he will be the figure responsible as the representative of MYIPO at official events concerning intellectual property.
Being someone who had worked for the private sector for three years, adapting to the government sector gave him a bit of a culture shock. Despite the challenge, his current job does offer its own perks: as a civil servant, Zulkarnain is now entitled for cost of living allowance, car and housing loan approval, and has chances to travel abroad for seminars.
The perks of being a civil servant has not slowed Zulkarnain down for a second, and he sees himself developing along with the expansion of the company. In a few more years, he hopes to climb the corporate ladder by securing a job in managerial positions and once he hits his target, he will plan for his next steps.
As a person full of positive vibes and innovative drive, his source of inspiration is definitely something unique and some would go so far as to say that it is something unconventional. Instead of having a real person as a source of inspiration, Zulkarnain adores a character from the popular toy franchise, Transformers, Optimus Prime.
For him, Optimus Prime is the ultimate role model as he is the heroic symbol of strength, courage and valour for his planet! During his free time, the active and energetic Zulkarnain enjoys playing futsal, working on Guitar Hero, bowling and collecting comic books.
When he describes himself as creative, innovative and eternally optimistic, he has certainly described himself accurately! The cheerful Zulkarnain has plenty of advice to offer for those interested in joining the line of corporate communication:
“Make sure that you can write well, speak well and be sure to dress well too. As a corporate communications executive, you function as an ambassador for your organization,” he said. “How you behave and act during events, seminars and press conferences will determine how successful you are.”
To this man, success is achieving the goals you set out for yourself, and if you reach your goals, you are successful.
Ending the interview, Zulkarnain shares his insight into the meaning of the word ‘success’. To this man, success is achieving the goals you set out for yourself, and if you reach your goals, you are successful.
Ever the optimist, Zulkarnain concludes the interview with an added description to success: if one surpasses those goals, then quite simply, one is even more successful!
