Nely Nasir, Under Secretary, Malaysia Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture

In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Nely Nasir, Under Secretary for the Malaysia Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Malaysia. USI Degree: Master in International Tourism, 2009.

How did you start your career?

I began my career in the Federal Civil Service of Malaysia in 2003 as an Assistant Secretary under the Administrative and Diplomatic Officer/Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomatik (PTD) scheme. The PTD is Malaysia’s core public service cadre responsible for policy formulation, strategic planning, program management, and coordination across ministries and agencies. Early exposure to policy development and program implementation laid the foundation for my professional career in public service. In 2007, I was granted study leave to pursue a master’s in Economics and Communication, with a major in International Tourism, at USI, and subsequently returned to continue serving in the public sector.

What is your current role/duties?

I currently serve as Under Secretary of the Industry Development Division at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), leading a division of 38 officers. My responsibilities include tourism industry development, implementation of community-based tourism initiatives, development of new tourism products, capacity-building for tourism practitioners (including tourist guides and tour operators), and administration of tourism quality certification to strengthen standards and credibility across tourism products and services.

In this role, I provide strategic leadership and coordinate with multiple ministries and stakeholders to ensure that policies and programs are coherent, inclusive, and aligned with national development priorities. My current responsibilities build on a progressive PTD career spanning Tourism, Culture, Defense, Health, and Home Affairs, including prior roles as Director, Deputy Under Secretary, and Chief of Staff at the Prime Minister’s Department, where I led strategic coordination and nationallevel stakeholder engagement.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at the Malaysia Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture?

In my experience in the Malaysian Federal Government Civil Service, a successful career requires a strong sense of integrity and public accountability, as decisions carry real implications for citizens and communities. It also demands adaptability and continuous learning, given the evolving policy landscape and cross-cutting national priorities. Equally important are strategic thinking and the ability to translate policy into implementable programmes, supported by effective stakeholder engagement and inter-agency coordination. Finally, resilience, professionalism under pressure, and a service-oriented mindset are essential to sustaining impact and credibility in public service.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

What meant most to me during my studies at USI was the depth of international exposure and the balance between academic rigor and applied learning. Spending two years in Lugano, in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, immersed me in a different cultural and academic environment and strengthened my intercultural competence. Being the only Malaysian in my cohort challenged me to represent my country while learning from diverse global perspectives. As a mid-career public servant on study leave, I valued the opportunity to step back from practice, reflect critically on policy and development issues, and return with a broader, more strategic outlook on tourism and international engagement.

What competences and skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

The USI study programme, particularly my Master’s in Economics and Communication with a major in International Tourism, strengthened several competencies that have been directly applicable to my professional career. The interdisciplinary grounding in economics and communication enhanced my ability to analyse policy and development issues from both analytical and stakeholder perspectives. Extensive group work and collaborative projects strengthened my teamwork skills, including working effectively in diverse, multicultural teams, managing differing viewpoints, and contributing constructively towards shared outcomes. Studying in an international classroom environment further strengthened my intercultural communication and adaptability, which are highly relevant in crossministerial coordination and stakeholder engagement. The programme also strengthened my research, analytical writing, and structured thinking, which continue to support my work in policy formulation and programme design.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

My advice to USI students entering the job market is to complement your academic training with practical experience and a willingness to learn on the job. Be adaptable and open to starting in roles that may not be your ideal position, as early experiences build foundational skills and professional judgment. Invest in teamwork and communication, as your ability to work effectively with diverse colleagues will often matter as much as technical expertise. Finally, remain grounded in purpose and integrity, whether in the public or private sector; credibility, professionalism and a service-oriented mindset will shape both your reputation and your long-term career trajectory.