About Myself
I grew up in a small town in Kedah where life was pretty laid back and everyone knows each other like first cousins. Although I loved my life back then, deep in my heart I knew I wanted more. I felt that I was capable of greater things and wanted to explore the world more.
FARHAN NOR DIYANA
• Having completed an LLM in International Commercial Law at the University of Reading. Farhan started her career as Trainee Associate in one of the biggest law firms in Malaysia. Having been involved in several major projects, including the issuance of the second largest IPO in the world- Felda Global Ventures.
• In 2015, she started a career in Maybank London as a Compliance Specialist and was Later, entrusted as the Head of Compliance and Legal Affairs & Human Capital( US / UK).
• Farhan has most recently provided project management support to the Senior Management of Maybank, overseeing complex regulatory restructuring concerns affecting both jurisdictions.
I made my first move to Kuala Lumpur to read law at International Islamic University Malaysia( IIUM). At the university, I was actively involved in debating championships and was awarded as the‘ Most Accomplished Debater Award” by the Malaysia University Debating Council. I have dabbled in debating since I was in high school. So getting such recognition at that level proved that you create your own success regardless where you came from. Debating boosted my self-confidence and provided me with useful skills I can apply until today
Shortly after graduation, I started my career with one of the largest law firms in Malaysia and had first-hand experience to participate in several international landmark projects, including the issuance of second largest IPO in the world – Felda Global Ventures.
My career in Maybank is not by any co-incident as I have always envisaged myself working in the financial services industry, the very main reason I chose Maybank scholarship during my undergraduate studies. My colourful journey with Maybank begins in November 2011 not long after I qualify as a lawyer. And it has not stopped being colourful since.
Making the Switch to the Other Side
Contrary to common belief, I am actually not a risk-taker in the sense that I only take on“ known fear”. I will ensure that I familiarize myself with everything beforehand, but I ' m certainly glad I left room for some surprises as well! Personally, there was never a dull moment at Maybank – going from investment banking to compliance advisory to working on several international projects and my current mandate includes leading people strategy for both UK and US operations. I always believe that having an experience as a qualified lawyer is a valuable advantage if you want to venture to other fields because you are already equipped with the‘ legal framing mind’ that is essential in all areas. To put in simple words, every idea or work must be supported with facts or strong justifications and most importantly you must know how to present it convincingly!