Dr. Faizah Shahudin is the Deputy Head of the International Business programme at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), and a founding member of the School of Economics and Management. Since joining XMUM in 2016 as a part-time lecturer, she has earned widespread recognition for her engaging teaching style and dedication, making her known among students as the warmest lecturer.

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According to Faizah, while mathematics is the foundation of economics, the true focus of the discipline is human beings. As a scholar, she studies human beings’ decision-making process in social life; as a lecturer, she cares about her students' growth and development as human beings. For her, witnessing students learn, graduate, find good jobs, and lead fulfilling lives, is her greatest source of fulfillment.

Faizah’s teaching career began in 1999 after earning a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Realizing her own passion in becoming a lecturer, she later pursued a Master's degree in International Economics and Finance at Newcastle University, UK, and obtained a PhD in Agricultural Economics from UPM. In 2016, she joined XMUM during its early years, initially as a part-time lecturer, before deciding to transition full-time, leaving her position at a British university's branch campus.

"I love the students here, and I love the multicultural environment, so I decided to stay," she shares.

She recalls her first batch of students - about 60 Accounting majors, many from China - who, despite studying in an English-medium environment, were highly efficient learners and always asked insightful questions. The experience reinforced her belief that, as a lecturer, continuous learning is essential - at least, you need to know how to answer students’ questions.

Faizah has been committed to making economics engaging and relevant. Teaching Microeconomics and Digital Economics to classes of 200 to 400 students, she ensures interactivity by linking theories to real-world cases, such as analyzing pricing strategies in Malaysia's luxury car market and seasonal price fluctuations in consumer goods.

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Beyond academics, Faizah is deeply invested in her students' well-being. Her office remains open to students seeking academic assistance, career advice, competition coaching, or personal support. Even graduates and students from other classes often return to consult her.

"Sometimes, students need more than just academic guidance - they need emotional support." To her, education extends beyond the classroom, and she sees herself as both an educator and mentor.

Her dedication has made her one of the most beloved lecturers at XMUM. Many former students stay in touch, including one who pursued a Master's at King's College London and later a PhD, returning to XMUM to seek her advice despite pandemic travel restrictions.

"I was surprised and deeply touched that he would go out of his way to visit us," Faizah says. "These connections are the reason I chose to teach. My greatest asset is my students."

Reflecting on her journey, Faizah credits her high school Economics teacher for inspiring her passion. "Meeting my him was my greatest stroke of luck. Back then, I told myself that I wanted to become someone as warm-hearted as my teacher."

Currently, Faizah's research focuses on tourism's contribution to Malaysia's economy, particularly the impact of Chinese tourists. She emphasizes the need for continuous development to sustain tourism growth and is collaborating with MBA students on a project about tourism sustainability, aiming to provide valuable insights for policymakers. 

For Faizah, education is more than just imparting knowledge - it is about cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills. "Seeing my students learn, graduate, and succeed - that is my greatest achievement as a lecturer," she says with a smile.