Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim

Year of Graduation: 1997

  • Course LLB
  • School University of Wolverhampton Law School
  • Nationality Singaporean
  • Career industry Education
  • Current job title Senior lecturer
  • Current Company Singapore University of Social Sciences (Singapore)

Study what you like and that knowledge will create a path to a career that you will enjoy. Education is the key that opens any doors - as long as you are willing and determined to knock.

I was very happy to receive the admission letter. Without GCE 'A' levels and despite my status as a 'stateless' person and not being able to travel out of Malaysia to pursue higher education, the University accepted me into the distance learning programme. The admission was based on my professional diploma in administrative management. I am grateful for the flexibility in the admission criteria and the offer was a blessing. An opportunity that opened many doors for me. I remember the books I received from the University that came with cassette recordings of the lectures. I spent hours listening to the recordings and going through every single page of the books I received that included the textbook, case studies, question and answer, and the statute. English is not my first language, not even in school, and I struggled studying law on my own, in an old library, in a small town called Johor Bahru situated in Malaysia. The support and the resources were fantastic, allowing me to complete the degree successfully.
Graduating from the law programme allowed me to join the Singapore Public Service. I started my career as a probation officer with the then Ministry of Community Development, which is now known as the Ministry of Social and Family Development. The modules from the law programme provided me with the foundation to do my work successfully. I was passionate about law and during the course of my employment, I continued to pursue higher education in law, subsequently completing the PhD programme in restorative justice. Obtaining my first degree with University of Wolverhampton provided the path to greater accomplishment in terms of career and education.
In my current position as the Head of the Public Safety and Security programme, I manage the undergraduate programme. This is a new programme, requiring support from industry and global universities. I provide leadership, management and guidance on programme development. Key tasks include strategic planning, budgeting, hiring of associates, student recruitment, student welfare, programme evaluation, quality assurance, publicity and marketing.
The development of a brand new undergraduate programme in Public Safety and Security. Designed with the objective to professionalise the public safety sector. The aim is to equip students with knowledge and practical skills so they could effectively mitigate the challenges in ensuring public safety and security. I was able to take on an active role as advocate for restorative justice. I contributed to research studies, worked in partnership with various agencies to promote the theory of justice. I have also shared my perspective at various international conferences.
The great support, care and concern from the University allowed me to complete my education successfully, without me stepping into the University. I appreciate the dedication and commitment given to distance learning students like me. I was out of sight but not out of mind and well taken care off, receiving the same amount of support, resources and materials to do well academically.