ESSEC Alumni in Malaysia: “Our alumni here can tap into a strong business network”

Alleena Abdullah (IMHI 05),
 President of ESSEC Alumni’s Malaysia Chapter, tells us about our local community – and the activities she and her fellow volunteers offer to them. If you are a graduate or a student in the area, join their online group!

ESSEC Alumni: What is your history with Malaysia? 

Alleena Abdullah: I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital and economic hub. While I have spent much of my life overseas, Malaysia has always been a strong anchor for me. In total, I have lived about half my life here. This duality gives me a unique perspective: the grounding of a Malaysian upbringing combined with the perspective gained from living abroad. Coming back, I’m glad to see how Malaysia has matured socially and economically while still retaining the warmth and hospitality that defines our society. 

EA: What has been your career in Malaysia? 

A. Abdullah: My early career in Malaysia was with Nestlé Malaysia, one of the largest multinational companies in the country and a key player in FMCG. There, I worked across sales, brand, and marketing functions, learning first-hand how to navigate Malaysia’s diverse consumer base. Later, I ventured into sustainable agriculture, serving as Director and Head of Operations for an organic farm. This allowed me to explore the intersection of business and environmental stewardship – a theme that is increasingly critical in Malaysia as we balance industrial growth with sustainability. 

EA: What other professional activities do you do now? 

A. Abdullah: I am now the founder of Yellow Tree Malaysia, a consultancy and training company. About 30% of our resources are dedicated to social foundations, where we assist marginalized communities such as women entrepreneurs, indigenous groups, and refugees. The remainder of our work involves partnering with corporations to strengthen leadership, organizational resilience, and social impact strategies. Our mission is to bridge the gap between corporate Malaysia and underserved communities – helping both grow together. My next venture is Merawan – a tech and media-forward consultancy and catalyst that transforms credible research into actionable strategies and narratives. 

EA: What are the outline and profils of our alumni in Malaysia? 

A. Abdullah: Our community is modest compared to larger alumni bases in countries like Singapore or China but it also means we have an intimate and close-knit group! Roughly 90% of our active alumni are expatriates, while only about 10% are local Malaysians. Most come from corporate backgrounds, often in industries such as finance, FMCG, technology, and consulting. Nearly all reside in Kuala Lumpur or its surrounding areas, which makes sense given that the city contributes about 40% to Malaysia’s GDP and serves as the center for most multinationals and French-linked businesses. 

EA: What opportunities do our alumni have in Malaysia? 

A. Abdullah: Malaysia has a long-standing diplomatic and economic relationship with France. For example, bilateral trade between the two countries stood at more than €4 billion in recent years, covering sectors like Aerospace, Luxury Goods, and Agrifood. The French Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia is very active, and the French community here is estimated at around 2,000–3,000 people. This creates strong professional and cultural networks that our alumni can tap into. 

EA: How is the local economic climate currently? 

A. Abdullah: The Malaysian economy remains resilient. In 2024, GDP growth hovered around 4–5%, slightly below pre-pandemic highs but still strong compared to regional peers. Inflation has moderated, and foreign direct investment continues to flow in, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and digital technology. While challenges remain – in particular the cost of living and the currency volatility – Malaysia’s fundamentals are solid. 

EA: How does it affect our alumni’s prospects? 

A. Abdullah: Malaysia’s steady growth, strong infrastructure, and openness to foreign talent make it an attractive place to live and work. Alumni can find opportunities not just in multinational companies but also in Malaysia’s thriving SME sector, which contributes nearly 40% to GDP. 

EA: What about the ESSEC brand: is it considered an asset in your country’s job market? 

A. Abdullah: Yes, very much so. Malaysia places a high value on international education, particularly from Europe and the US. The French perspective on business – emphasizing global outlook, strategic thinking, and innovation – is especially relevant here as Malaysia seeks to position itself as a regional hub. ESSEC’s reputation as a Grande École carries weight among employers, particularly in industries with strong French ties such as Aerospace, Energy, Luxury, and Consulting. 

EA: Economics aside, what are Malaysia’s other specificities – political, social, cultural? 

A. Abdullah: Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country. Our society is made up primarily of Malays, Chinese, and Indians, alongside indigenous communities and a growing expatriate population. Despite differences, we have managed to remain cohesive, resilient, and deeply welcoming to outsiders. This cultural diversity is reflected in everything, from our languages and traditions to our colorful cuisine. 

EA: What practical advice do you have for our alumni moving to your country? 

A. Abdullah: I would advise alumni to embrace Malaysia fully. Learn the basics of local customs and etiquette – small gestures such as removing shoes before entering a home or understanding how to greet respectfully go a long way. Step outside the expatriate community and connect with locals; it will enrich both your personal and professional life. Last but not least, seize the many opportunities that Malaysia offers for social contribution, whether supporting women entrepreneurs, indigenous communities, or refugees: alumni who engage in these causes will find their time here far more rewarding. In that regard, I strongly encourage my fellow alumni to contribute to Yellow Tree Malaysia’s three pillars: supporting women, indigenous communities, and refugees. Alumni who get involved in these projects will not only be contributing to meaningful causes but also expanding their own understanding of Malaysia’s social fabric. 

EA: What are the offer and services of ESSEC Alumni’s Malaysia Chapter? 

A. Abdullah: Our chapter offers connections (both to business communities and to alumni networks across Asia), exposure (to Malaysia’s industries, culture, and opportunities), and engagement (in social impact projects that connect alumni to local communities). 


EA: What events and initiatives do you organize? 

A. Abdullah: We are building a mix of professional and social events. On one hand, we want to bring in corporate experts to share insights relevant to Malaysia’s economic and business climate. On the other, we are organizing informal cocktail sessions that not only strengthen our alumni network but also showcase local businesses. Moving forward, we want to offer alumni the option of engaging with social enterprises and NGOs to broaden their experience of Malaysia. 

EA: What are your projects and ambitions for ESSEC Alumni’s Malaysia Chapter? 

A. Abdullah: Our ambition is threefold. First: to attract alumni from neighboring countries to look us up when they are in Malaysia. Second: to grow our local base and make ESSEC more visible within Malaysia’s academic and professional circles. Third: to position Malaysia as a hub for both business and cultural experiences, somewhere alumni can come not only to work, but also to build friendships and explore opportunities. 


EA: Do you need more volunteers to get involved in your team? 

A. Abdullah: Yes, absolutely. Our first goal is for alumni to deepen relationships with one another. Once this foundation is set, we encourage them to bring friends and family along, becoming catalysts for good in our community. 

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