How KYS and LSE alumna Deena Elin builds solid ground for a career in investment

Discover how Deena Elin gain an edge in the world of corporate finance, a field that moves mighty corporations.

In the vast landscape of career possibilities, there’s one path that stands out for its allure and influence: investment and finance. It’s a realm where power resides in the hands of those who master the art of corporate finance – the wizards behind capital allocation and game-changing decisions.

With over a decade of experience and an ICAEW qualification under her belt, Deena has seen it all. She’s navigated the twists and turns of corporate finance, overcoming challenges with grit and determination. But for her, it’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about the strategic management of money and resources that shapes the destiny of companies.

“Corporate finance is more than just a job,” Deena shares. “It’s a world where every decision is a move in a high-stakes game of strategy.” From mergers and acquisitions to restructuring, every move is calculated to maximise shareholder value and secure market prominence.

“In corporate finance, you must also grasp the intricacies of company structures,” Deena explains. “If a company needs restructuring, we need to know, what’s amiss with the company? And what approach are we taking,” she said the former CIMB investment banker.

“I started my career with CIMB in corporate finance and joined the training programme with investment bank. I did a few M&As (mergers and acquisitions). I did one IPO (initial public offering). So, one of the companies that I did back then is now listed on Bursa,” Deena shares.

Now, positioned at the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), one of the world’s largest pension funds, managing more than a trillion-ringgit worth of investment funds, Deena faces a formidable task. Specifically, she’s entrusted with discovering new investment avenues to bolster the fund’s social protection strategy and enhance organisational sustainability through corporate transactions.

In the world of investment, conversations revolve around pivotal decisions like debt restructuring and capital raising. As Deena immerses herself in this dynamic arena, she observes the diverse educational backgrounds of her peers.

“Some have engineering or finance degrees, others in accounting or economics, so the versatility is enriching,” she notes. This diversity fosters a vibrant learning environment, where insights are drawn from various disciplines.

Remarkably, stories abound of professionals transitioning into finance from different fields. Deena reflects on this, citing an example, “I had a head of department who was a lawyer but pivoted into corporate finance.”

Corporate finance operates in a whirlwind of activity, with deal-making at its core. As succinctly put, “In corporate finance, we do a lot of deals.” This epitomises a domain where adaptability, diverse expertise, and a knack for deal-making converge to propel financial triumphs.

Given Deena’s extensive responsibilities, one cannot help but marvel at how she manages them all so adeptly. Balancing her professional commitments alongside her role as a mother undoubtedly presents its challenges, yet she continues to excel in both domains.

Kolej Yayasan Saad

As Deena reflects on her time in university to her current role as an in the finance sector, she fondly recalls her formative years at Kolej Yayasan Saad (KYS), a renowned boarding school catering to students aged 13 to 17, renowned for nurturing exceptional talent.

During her time at KYS, Deena served as the president of the Counselling Club, a role that played a pivotal part in shaping her trajectory. The counselling unit, under the guidance of Ms. Karen Lai, was instrumental in guiding students towards prestigious universities and impactful careers.

“Our counsellor, Ms. Karen Lai, played a significant role in preparing us for scholarship applications and career planning,” Deena reflects. “She encouraged me to set my sights high, and when the opportunity for the Yayasan Khazanah scholarship arose, I was ready to seize it.”

KYS fosters an environment where students are encouraged to push their boundaries, not only academically but also through a myriad of extracurricular activities such as music, performing arts, sports, and clubs.

Subsequently, Deena pursued her A Levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM) under the Yayasan Khazanah scholarship, where she honed skills that would prove invaluable in her future endeavours.

Becoming a Khazanah scholar

Under the mentorship programmes curated by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Deena found herself rubbing shoulders with industry titans, a privilege that proved instrumental in shaping her understanding of strategic investment. “They had a structured programme,” Deena reminisces. “We were paired with seasoned professionals from Khazanah’s investment and finance divisions, giving us an insider’s view of their world. It was a game-changer for me.”

This exposure was not just about networking; it was about getting hands-on experience. Internships offered through the programme provided Deena with real-world insights, laying the groundwork for her future triumphs in the fiercely competitive world of finance and investment.

KYUEM

Deena’s stint at KYUEM wasn’t just about academics; it was a process that shaped her into the person she is today. Here, she wasn’t just studying; she was making friends and collaborating on numerous projects.

KYUEM is known to be a premier A levels college that sends students to top world universities. The secret sauce to KYUEM students’ success is the camaraderie that exists, whereby students push each other to maximise their potential.

“In terms of preparation, everyone was already preparing for exams. KYUEM is a very competitive school. In that sense, that competition really fuels your motivation to study and do well,” she said.  

Recalling the atmosphere at KYUEM, Deena reminisces, “When you see your peers hitting the books, you’re motivated to follow suit, heading straight to the library.”

And then of course, not forgetting, we do have counsellors as well who will guide you in terms of your university applications,” she explains.

This culture of diligence was further reinforced by the guidance of a dedicated counsellor, Kasthuri Thilaga, and her team, who provided invaluable guidance on university applications. “Our counsellor and teachers played a crucial role in securing our placements in top world universities,” Deena emphasises, highlighting the importance of teacher-student rapport in the application process.

Counsellors act as guides in the university application process, while teachers not only educate but also mentor students in the classroom to elevate their readiness for securing university placements. They provide advice and write recommendation letters that aid students in securing placements.

Deena’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to the effectiveness of KYUEM’s holistic approach to education. Grateful for the opportunities afforded to her, she reflects, “We were incredibly fortunate.” The amalgamation of rigorous academics, hands-on mentorship and building friendships that last a lifetime, equipped Deena with the tools she needed to thrive in the competitive world of finance and investment.

With KYUEM’s unwavering support, Deena successfully secured a coveted spot to study abroad at the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) to do a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance.

Deena then took the ICAEW qualification after graduating with the accounting and finance degree from the LSE.

“My ICAEW qualification has significantly aided my career in corporate finance and investments. I chose to pursue ICAEW with Sunway TES because they are one of the leading providers for this qualification. The teachers at Sunway TES were excellent, providing strong support in terms of programme delivery,” she explained.

It takes a lot to get to where she is. Beginning at KYS, she cultivated resilience and ambition, crucial traits that propelled her forward. The Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship programme, known for selecting the cream of the crop, provides top-tier leadership and character training through its rigorous standards and emphasis on aiming high. Meanwhile, her time at KYUEM laid a solid foundation for her academic progression to the esteemed London School of Economics (LSE).

Now, she navigates challenges, illustrating the transformative power of education and opportunity in overcoming obstacles within the finance and investment industry.