Zarif Liyana: Sharpening Skills for Success

Behind every successful team is a training specialist who works hard to turn every member into a high-level performer. Zarif is an ace in that department. Learn more about her career journey, how her mom inspires her, and how she faces her biggest challenges at work.

1. Hi! Please introduce yourself. What is your role and responsibilities at ASW?

Hi, my name is Zarif Liyana. I am the Training Specialist for EML-BAS in Malaysia. I’m in charge of conducting training sessions for newcomers and upskilling the senior staff in performing new tasks. Aside from that, I’m also responsible for cascading and updating any new update or changes in our process or system.

2. Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey and how you ended up in your current role?

I started my career in ASW back in 2017 as a Data Entry Agent. Within ten months, I became skilled in various tasks such as Payments, Classification, Certificate of Capacity, OMPQ, and New Claims. My team leader back then, who is now my manager (Mr. Ken Caoyonan), saw the potential in me and gave me the opportunity to grow. In 2024, I marked my six years of being a Training Specialist for EML-BAS.

3. Outside of work, do you have any hobbies or activities that you are passionate about?

My hobbies nowadays are online shopping and watching Netflix. But activities that I love to do during holidays are going to the beach and visiting mosques with amazing architecture and designs.

4. Congratulations on your double awards (Client Spotlight and 5-Year Loyalty)! What does being recognised for your achievements mean to you?

It means a lot to me because it shows that my work has paid off and it motivates me to work harder in the coming years.

5. How do you practise work-life balance?

I believe that work-life balance can be achieved if we manage our time wisely. Focus on your work to finish the task on time. Outside of work, ensure to have some quality time for yourself to do anything that you like.

6. How do you stay motivated and engaged in your daily tasks?

Amazing teamwork and endless support from the team motivates me to work and do my best in every task.

7. Can you describe a challenging situation you faced at work? How did you overcome it?

The most challenging situation that I faced was the back-to-back training for new hires. One training session runs for eight days. It can be physically and mentally tiring. I would always settle any housework earlier than usual so that I can rest early during those weeks. I would avoid oily food and cold drinks as well to avoid getting a sore throat.

8. Who inspires you the most, and why?

It’s a cliché but to be honest, it would be my mom. She was a teacher, almost the same as what I’m doing now. I can now understand how happy she was when her students became successful. Seeing the person I’ve trained grow further boosts my motivation to do better and better.

9. What would you like people to know about where you’re from (Malaysia)?

We have a wide variety of food here in Malaysia, given that we are a multi-racial country. Aside from that, we have a number of tall buildings in Kuala Lumpur. One of our buildings — Merdeka 118 — is recognised as the second tallest building in the world.

10. What advice/inspiring words would you like to share with your colleagues at ASW?

The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered, there is opportunity for growth.