For many graduates, the first job marks the beginning of a career. For Tam Poh Yin, better known as Asther, it became the first step towards building a successful business beyond Malaysia’s shores.

A graduate of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) Bachelor of Property Management programme in 2017, Asther has established herself in Singapore’s facilities management industry as the Co-Founder and Operations Director of Infinite Facilities Services (IFS) Pte Ltd, a company specialising in professional cleaning and facilities support services.

Shortly after graduating from UTM, Asther made the bold decision to pursue career opportunities in Singapore. Driven by a desire to challenge herself and gain international exposure, she embraced the opportunity to work in a new environment and broaden her professional horizons.

“Since I was young, I always hoped to explore opportunities outside Malaysia and experience a different working environment. It was a personal challenge that allowed me to gain new experiences and broaden my perspective,” she shared.

Like many young graduates entering a new professional environment, Asther had to adapt to different workplace cultures, communication styles and expectations.

“The experience strengthened my resilience and accelerated my personal and professional growth,” she said.

Working in Singapore provided valuable industry exposure and enabled her to better understand how businesses and industries operate in a highly competitive environment. The experience also allowed her to develop the confidence, adaptability and problem-solving skills required to thrive in an international setting.

After spending two years in the property management sector, Asther identified an opportunity in the facilities and cleaning services industry and decided to embark on an entrepreneurial journey.

In 2019, together with her business partner, Ong Wilson, she co-founded Infinite Facilities Services (IFS) Pte Ltd, a company that provides professional cleaning and facilities support services to clients across Singapore.

Today, as Operations Director, Asther oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, manages customer relationships, coordinates cross-functional teams and ensures that service standards consistently meet client expectations. Her role requires strong leadership, operational excellence and a commitment to delivering quality services in a competitive industry.

Reflecting on her journey, Asther encourages UTM students and young graduates to embrace opportunities beyond their comfort zones.

“Explore more while you are still young. Challenge yourself, gain new experiences, and be open to different cultures and work environments. Working overseas allows you to broaden your perspective and develop both professionally and personally,” she advised.

She believes that success in today’s global environment requires adaptability, continuous learning and the courage to embrace change. By remaining open to new experiences and challenges, graduates can develop the skills, confidence and character needed to succeed internationally.

Most importantly, she emphasises the importance of professionalism, integrity and strong values wherever one goes, serving as a proud representative of both Malaysia and UTM on the global stage.

Asther’s journey from a UTM Property Management graduate to a business owner in Singapore reflects the growing impact of UTM alumni around the world. Her story demonstrates how determination, adaptability and an entrepreneurial mindset can transform opportunities into lasting success beyond borders, inspiring future generations of UTM graduates to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

By Nurul Safidah Abdul Rahman