Champion Of A Cause

She cut her teeth in media and is now in public diplomacy, but Hazlina Abdul Halim still finds the time to give back to society.

Hazlina Abdul Halim is no stranger to being ahead in life: She was one of the youngest radio presenters in Singapore when she debuted at 19; one of the youngest television news presenters when she made the switch at 20; one of the youngest lecturers when she started teaching at 26; and one of the youngest newsroom editors when she returned to journalism at 29.

Last December, she took on the role of President of Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS), 25th Board of Governance – again, at 36, she is the youngest woman ever in a presidency role. Also known as the Singapore Muslim Women’s Association, PPIS is a non-profit organisation that supports less-privileged Muslim women, children and families through a series of community programmes.

The responsibilities that come with the appointment are in addition to those of her day job: After cutting her teeth in the media industry for more than a decade, she is currently a public affairs advisor at the United States Embassy here. There is quite a bit on her plate, but she is determined to juggle it all so that she can give back.

FOCUS ON GIVING BACK

After her media stints, Hazlina left for Australia to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Political Science and a Masters’ in Film and Television. She took on a lecturer position at Temasek Polytechnic upon her return and, encouraged by Madam Rahayu Mahzam, now the Parliamentary Secretary for Health joined PPIS as a member.