USM, PENANG, 29 November 2025 - After leaving their undergraduate studies at a public university in Malaysia nearly 30 years ago, two lifelong best friends, Aminudin Daud and Ridzuan Mohd, whose friendship has remained strong since their student days, made a meaningful decision to return to university life and pursue their Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication at USM@KL.

Despite their impressive careers with Aminudin now serving as the Head of Academy for Insurance and Takaful at Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad with more than 26 years of leadership experience in insurance and talent development, and Ridzuan as a Customer Business Manager at Nestlé Products Sdn. Bhd. with 29 years of expertise in sales, customer engagement and FMCG strategy, the transition back to academic life proved to be challenging.

Adapting to modern learning platforms, relearning academic writing and balancing full-time responsibilities were significant hurdles, although the journey became more meaningful as they experienced it together.

When asked about the best part of studying with a best friend of almost 30 years, they laughed and shared that they always had a ready group partner and could complete assignments together at home with ease.

Today, they celebrate not only their academic achievement but also the strength of enduring friendship, the spirit of lifelong learning and the determination they have shared throughout this journey, which collectively demonstrates that it is never too late to return to university and that certain milestones become truly memorable when achieved together.

Text: Associate Professor Dr. Hasrina Mustafa, Deputy Dean USM@KL / Photo: Click Crew @ MPRC