By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hazreena Hussein

This year marks my 30th year of service at Universiti Malaya. I could have celebrated this milestone in many ways, but somehow, climbing the Pinnacles at Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak felt particularly fitting. It was one of the toughest climbs I have ever attempted, but looking back, I realise how much it reflected my time at Universiti Malaya, from the perseverance needed to overcome challenges to the friendships formed and lessons learned about leadership.

Racing against time

One of the hardest moments of the Pinnacles Climb came right at the beginning. The first stretch was challenging because we had to reach a designated point within a cut-off time. If we did not make it, we would not be allowed to continue. There was little time to settle gradually into the ascent. We had a target, a time limit and a clear consequence if we did not reach it.

I knew it would be difficult, so I concentrated on what was immediately in front of me: one step at a time. That first stretch reminded me of many periods throughout my working life, when deadlines, responsibilities and expectations converged, and we had to focus on what needed to be done. Just like at work, sometimes we have to deal with what is in front of us before worrying about what comes next.

I climbed the Pinnacles with colleagues whom I knew through work but hardly knew personally. At the university, our conversations were usually confined to meetings, programmes, deadlines and responsibilities.

Hiking changes conversations. Away from our offices and formal roles, I saw another side of my co-workers. When you are facing the same difficult trail together, titles and positions lose importance.

You support, encourage and wait for one another, laugh together and talk about things you might never discuss in a meeting room. I particularly enjoyed this part of the experience. We had worked together for some time, yet it took a hike for us to get to know one another beyond our work. On the mountain, we were all fellow hikers who became friends while trying hard to reach the same goal.

If the beginning tested us against time, the final stretch presented a different challenge. As we approached the peak, the trail became increasingly demanding and high-risk. I was already tired, and this final stretch required even more concentration. But giving up never crossed my mind. I had come this far, and I was determined to see the Pinnacles.

Leadership and the journeys of others

Serving as Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at the Faculty of the Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, has made me more aware of the different journeys our students experience. Every student arrives at university with different aspirations, abilities and challenges. Some progress smoothly and confidently towards their destinations. Others encounter financial difficulties, academic pressures or personal struggles during their journey. In many ways, this reminds me of climbing.

Not everyone moves at the same pace. Some people require encouragement while others who appear strong may also need support. What I experienced during the climb reminded me how important it is to have people who encourage and support us, especially when things become difficult. Three decades at the University has made me see leadership differently. As Deputy Dean, I believe leadership is not just about making decisions or giving directions.

It is also about understanding what our students are going through and finding ways to support them. It also means recognising when someone needs help before they have the courage to ask for it. This is particularly important when working with young people. We cannot climb their mountains for them, but we can make sure they do not have to climb alone.

After the difficult final stretch, I finally reached the peak. And there they were – the Pinnacles. I had seen photographs before, but standing there and seeing them with my own eyes was completely different. I honestly did not expect to become emotional, but I had tears in my eyes. After all the effort, the pressure of the cut-off time and the difficult final stretch, seeing the Pinnacles right in front of me was an unforgettable moment.

Standing there, I could not help thinking about my 30 years at Universiti Malaya. It sounds like a very long time when expressed as a number, but a career, like a mountain, is not experienced as one enormous journey. It happens one step at a time. One class. One student. One research project. One colleague. One challenge. One opportunity. One disappointment. One achievement. Then one day, you stop, look back and realise just how far you have travelled.

Still climbing

The Pinnacles were a destination, but it was not the end of the journey. We still had to make our way back down. Perhaps that is the most appropriate reflection as I celebrate 30 years of service. I chose to mark this milestone not by becoming comfortable, but by challenging myself to do something difficult. I still want to push my limits, try new things and learn from new experiences.

The Pinnacles Climb was certainly one way of reminding myself of that! There are still students to support, colleagues to learn from, research questions to explore and new challenges ahead. The climb was not easy, but I am glad I did it. Beyond reaching the Pinnacles, I came away with new friendships and wonderful memories that I will always treasure. Thirty years later, I am grateful for the journey. And I am still climbing.

The author is an Associate Professor and Deputy Dean (Student Affairs) at the Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, and may be reached at reenalambina@um.edu.my