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From media personality to social service crusader, journalist gives voice to country’s most vulnerable

08/03/2023. By Carmelle Wilkinson.

Hazlina Abdul Halim.

Affectionately known as Chief fairy godmother, Make-A-Wish CEO and Curtin Master of Film and Television graduate Hazlina Abdul Halim is certainly no stranger to taking the plunge.

From scuba diving in some of the world’s most isolated and exotic destinations on her honeymoon, to leaving the world of journalism to change the lives of children with critical illness – Hazlina does it all with endless enthusiasm and passion.

“I find diving to be liberating and incredibly fulfilling. It really puts things in perspective and gives you a great appreciation for life,’’ she said.

“I’m a firm believer that everything that has happened in my life is for a reason and it has  prepared me for my role at Make-A-Wish.

“To be able to give the gift of strength, joy and hope to children is a true honour and privilege.”

For most of these beautiful children, holidays to Disneyland and loads of toys are not the only items on the wish list. The why of the wish goes much deeper.

“I had one child request a trundle bed so he could share a room with his siblings, and another asked for an indoor playground in their home so they could enjoy playtime with their brothers and sisters because they were unable to play outdoors due to his illness. He felt guilty that his brothers and sisters were also missing out on going to the playground, so he wanted to bring it to them.”

The former Channel News Asia Editor and Presenter said putting a smile on children’s faces and watching them find the strength and motivation because their wish came true, has become her world.

Hazlina is bringing the gift of hope and joy to Make a Wish children.

“Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with critical illness – not terminal, so the concept of hope always applies. And that is the greatest gift we can give these children and their families,’’ she said.

“We want them to believe in a better tomorrow and know there is so much to look forward to.

“We also recognise that while this is a wish for the child, the effect of their wish can be very empowering and uplifting for their family too.”

Prior to moving into the not-for profit space, Hazlina was a familiar face on Singapore TV.

Starting her career with an internship at Ria 89.7FM in Singapore at just 19, she soon landed the role of a part-time announcer while still in school.

A year later she was presenting for Berita, Mediacorp Suria’s prime-time news bulletin.

An avid reader from a young age, Hazlina recalls her fascination with broadcasting began at just six years old.

“I remember taking family road trips to Malaysia when I was young, and I would read aloud the slogans on every billboard as we drove past,’’ she said.

“I’d also mimic what was said on the radio, and I remember my Mum saying maybe you can do this when you are older? And I thought to myself, is that possible?

While Hazlina may have discovered her passion for storytelling at a young age, she says there’s no reason why people can’t find their passion or talent later in life.

“I had a wonderful 18 years in the media and public affairs, but I found a calling to change gears and move into social service,’’ she said.

“My background in journalism and public affairs gave me so many great opportunities and provided a solid foundation for what I do now.

“It also taught me to be sincere and brave.”

Prior to moving into the not-for-profit sector, Hazlina had an illustrious media career.

Hazlina said it was while studying Film and Television at Curtin University in Perth that the seeds of activism were first planted.

“While studying at Curtin I continued to work at MediaCorp and would return to Singapore on my Semester breaks and summer holidays to present and report the news,’’ she said.

“Giving people a voice and sharing their story is my passion, so while I was studying in Perth I volunteered at a local radio station and it gave me a burning desire to tell the stories of the local communities in WA.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my life and in many ways, I’ve had the lion’s share of it, so it would be remiss of me if I don’t help others by giving back.”

Following graduation, Hazlina returned to Singapore to lecture Communications and Media Management at Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Business – a role she found incredibly enriching.

However, her love for storytelling again drew Hazlina back to the newsroom – this time becoming Channel News Asia’s news editor at just 29 years of age.

Alongside her current role as CEO for Make-A-Wish Singapore, Hazlina is also the President of Singapore’s Muslim Women’s Association (PPIS) – a role she’s helmed for three years since 2020.

“It took the pandemic to highlight just how essential social service is,’’ she said.

“PPIS supports Muslim women across the various phases of their lives through holistic community programs and initiatives.

“We work to build resilient families who can become part of an inclusive community that supports women’s aspirations.”

Before transitioning into the charity sector, Hazlina was U.S. Embassy Singapore’s public affairs advisor from 2019-2022, where she devised public engagement strategies and programs for the Embassy and its leadership team.

Hazlina said a career highlight was coordinating the media plan for Vice President Kamala Harris’ inaugural visit to Singapore in 2021.

US Vice President Kamala Harris arriving on Air Force Two in Singapore in 2021.

“When the opportunity arose to move into public affairs I jumped at it,’’ she said.

“I got the opportunity to also lead the local staff association as well as the diversity, equity and inclusion working group which was really inspiring and eye-opening.”

Hazlina said as her career progressed, she found herself attracting leadership roles.

“My good fortune is that my husband and parents are always incredibly supportive,’’ she said.

“My parents both come from STEM backgrounds. Dad is now retired, but Mum still works in mechanical engineering.

“When you have someone like Mum as a role model I don’t think you ever equate gender with any sort of limitation.

“And when you have a Dad who supports that – then you think of males as allies.”

“I’m so grateful to have a family who supports me in my many hats. There is no way I would be where I am now without them, especially my better half.

“His love, support and belief in me is what motivates me to do my best.”

Hazlina and her husband taking the plunge in the Ningaloo Reef.

So, what is Hazlina’s advice for fellow and future female leaders?

“As a leader, know that you are never alone in your leadership journey,’’ she said.

“You have a team, so be there for each other.

“Surround yourself with an ecosystem that is supportive and motivates and encourages you to be your best self so together, you can reach for the stars.”

___

This year marks 10 years since the Collection of Carrolup Children’s Artwork returned to WA and @johncurtingallery, under the guidance of the Carrolup Elders Reference Group, became the custodian. 🖤❤️💛
 
Coinciding with the 10th year anniversary, another 10 drawings created by Australian First Nations Stolen Generations children have been added to the Collection.
 
Three of these drawings were donated by Curtin Fine Arts graduate Priscilla Kelly, the granddaughter of Charles Cook who was the Carrolup school inspector in 1950.
 
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the John Curtin Gallery is exhibiting never-before-seen footage of the child artists creating their precious works in the 1940s, after they had been forcibly taken from their families.
 
“Every single work created by the children of Carrolup offers another window into their story and our history with every new connection taking us a step closer to healing and reconciling the past.”
 
- John Curtin Gallery’s Carrolup Manager, Kathleen Toomath
 
The anniversary exhibition, ‘Kalyagool Karni-Wangkiny ([Telling Truth Always) – A Decade of Carrolup’, runs from May 12 to July 9 at the John Curtin Gallery.
 
Learn more about the Carrolup Centre for Truth-Telling via the link in bio. 👆🏽
 
Kalyagool Karni-Wangkiny [Telling Truth Always]: A Decade of Carrolup is made possible by @inside_bhp, @lotterywest, Jeff Elliott, @johncurtingallery, @curtinuniversity, @colgateuniversity, @berndt.museum and the @statelibrarywa.
 
#StolenGeneration #Carrolup #CarrolupCentreForTruthTelling #CarrolupCentre #CarrolupArt #FirstNations #AboriginalArt

This year marks 10 years since the Collection of Carrolup Children’s Artwork returned to WA and @johncurtingallery, under the guidance of the Carrolup Elders Reference Group, became the custodian. 🖤❤️💛
 
Coinciding with the 10th year anniversary, another 10 drawings created by Australian First Nations Stolen Generations children have been added to the Collection.
 
Three of these drawings were donated by Curtin Fine Arts graduate Priscilla Kelly, the granddaughter of Charles Cook who was the Carrolup school inspector in 1950.
 
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the John Curtin Gallery is exhibiting never-before-seen footage of the child artists creating their precious works in the 1940s, after they had been forcibly taken from their families.
 
“Every single work created by the children of Carrolup offers another window into their story and our history with every new connection taking us a step closer to healing and reconciling the past.”
 
- John Curtin Gallery’s Carrolup Manager, Kathleen Toomath
 
The anniversary exhibition, ‘Kalyagool Karni-Wangkiny ([Telling Truth Always) – A Decade of Carrolup’, runs from May 12 to July 9 at the John Curtin Gallery.
 
Learn more about the Carrolup Centre for Truth-Telling via the link in bio. 👆🏽
 
Kalyagool Karni-Wangkiny [Telling Truth Always]: A Decade of Carrolup is made possible by @inside_bhp, @lotterywest, Jeff Elliott, @johncurtingallery, @curtinuniversity, @colgateuniversity, @berndt.museum and the @statelibrarywa.
 
#StolenGeneration #Carrolup #CarrolupCentreForTruthTelling #CarrolupCentre #CarrolupArt #FirstNations #AboriginalArt
...

Have you visited our refurbished TL Robertson Library? 📚💡

The beating heart of our campus, Curtin’s TL Robertson Library’s wonderful new study spaces provide you with the perfect spot to reflect, study, meet and connect. 

Throughout its 51-year history, TL Robertson Library has seen many changes, with a total of 15,000m2 of refurbished space and more than 800,000 books and thousands of online resources, you’re bound to find your place. 

That’s not all, if you’re a Curtin grad you automatically receive a complimentary one-year Curtin alumni library membership. 

Get your free library membership via #GraduatePerks in the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinLife #TLRobertsonLibrary #Library #Membership #Education #University #Graduate #Perks #Education #HigherEducation #Perth #PerthLife #PerthisOk

Have you visited our refurbished TL Robertson Library? 📚💡

The beating heart of our campus, Curtin’s TL Robertson Library’s wonderful new study spaces provide you with the perfect spot to reflect, study, meet and connect.

Throughout its 51-year history, TL Robertson Library has seen many changes, with a total of 15,000m2 of refurbished space and more than 800,000 books and thousands of online resources, you’re bound to find your place.

That’s not all, if you’re a Curtin grad you automatically receive a complimentary one-year Curtin alumni library membership.

Get your free library membership via #GraduatePerks in the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinLife #TLRobertsonLibrary #Library #Membership #Education #University #Graduate #Perks #Education #HigherEducation #Perth #PerthLife #PerthisOk
...

Curtin graduate and @pwc_au Consultant Simonne Brown (Acctg & Finance 2022) struggled with social anxiety until she found her passion for volunteering. 💛

The thought of managing groups of people and communicating seemed incredibly daunting for Simonne, but since getting involved in Curtin Volunteers! she has dedicated more than a thousand hours towards improving the lives of many West Australians.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Simonne shares how volunteering set her up for success in her career. 👇

𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒖𝒑 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒓?

“It helps you stand out from the crowd. As someone with social anxiety, managing groups of people and all the communication was at first a daunting prospect to take on. I knew these were areas I needed to improve in to succeed in my career and life in general, so I am incredibly grateful to have had these opportunities to develop my confidence and skills in a safe environment.”

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏?

“The most impactful moment would have to be volunteering with Cystic Fibrosis WA. As part of the John Curtin Leadership Program, we helped organise a bridge climb to raise money for vital research into cystic fibrosis. Knowing you are helping a cause that has such a big impact on those living with the condition is incredibly rewarding.”

𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓?

“A lot of people expect volunteering to be boring but that really isn’t the case. There are so many opportunities out there, I’ve helped host silent discos, toasted marshmallows around a campfire, caught a charter flight to the Leonora Golden Gift, just to name a few.”

Update your details via the link in bio for future opportunities to get involved with Curtin and give back to your community. 👆

#CurtinGrad #VolunteersWeek #VolunteerAppreciation #NVW22 #Volunteering #GivingBack #MakeADifference #CareerAdvice #CareerDevelopment #Community #YoungLeaders #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment

Curtin graduate and @pwc_au Consultant Simonne Brown (Acctg & Finance 2022) struggled with social anxiety until she found her passion for volunteering. 💛

The thought of managing groups of people and communicating seemed incredibly daunting for Simonne, but since getting involved in Curtin Volunteers! she has dedicated more than a thousand hours towards improving the lives of many West Australians.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Simonne shares how volunteering set her up for success in her career. 👇

𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒖𝒑 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒓?

“It helps you stand out from the crowd. As someone with social anxiety, managing groups of people and all the communication was at first a daunting prospect to take on. I knew these were areas I needed to improve in to succeed in my career and life in general, so I am incredibly grateful to have had these opportunities to develop my confidence and skills in a safe environment.”

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏?

“The most impactful moment would have to be volunteering with Cystic Fibrosis WA. As part of the John Curtin Leadership Program, we helped organise a bridge climb to raise money for vital research into cystic fibrosis. Knowing you are helping a cause that has such a big impact on those living with the condition is incredibly rewarding.”

𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓?

“A lot of people expect volunteering to be boring but that really isn’t the case. There are so many opportunities out there, I’ve helped host silent discos, toasted marshmallows around a campfire, caught a charter flight to the Leonora Golden Gift, just to name a few.”

Update your details via the link in bio for future opportunities to get involved with Curtin and give back to your community. 👆

#CurtinGrad #VolunteersWeek #VolunteerAppreciation #NVW22 #Volunteering #GivingBack #MakeADifference #CareerAdvice #CareerDevelopment #Community #YoungLeaders #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment
...

Stuck on a Mother’s Day gift? Curtin nutrition graduate Julie Meek’s Chocolate Bliss Balls are guaranteed to make any mum’s eyes light up. ❤️🤤
 
The best bit is these healthy sweet treats are packed with plenty of natural vitamins and nutrients. Even better, they can be prepared and devoured in a matter of minutes. 🙌
 
Ingredients:
9 Medjool dates
2 tbsp cacao powder
2 tbsp desiccated coconut
160g raw hazelnuts or other nut meal
1 tbsp chia seeds
 
Method:

1. Start by seperating the seed from the dates.

2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blitz for a few minutes until combined and sticky. As needed, mix in a splash of water to keep the mixture moist.

2. Make tablespoons of the mixture into balls, refrigerate and enjoy!
 
Stuck on how to serve it? These bliss balls can be paired perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. ☕️

Did you give it a go? Make sure to tag us to get featured on our Instagram stories.
 
If you’re a #CurtinGrad with a delicious recipe to share? DM us for a chance to get featured. 📩
 
#CurtinGradCookOff #mothersdayrecipes #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #healthymealsprep #healthysnacksonthego #healthysnackideas #perthtodo #perthisok #perthfoodie #lunchrecipes #nutrition #foodstagram #healthyfoodideas

Stuck on a Mother’s Day gift? Curtin nutrition graduate Julie Meek’s Chocolate Bliss Balls are guaranteed to make any mum’s eyes light up. ❤️🤤
 
The best bit is these healthy sweet treats are packed with plenty of natural vitamins and nutrients. Even better, they can be prepared and devoured in a matter of minutes. 🙌
 
Ingredients:
9 Medjool dates
2 tbsp cacao powder
2 tbsp desiccated coconut
160g raw hazelnuts or other nut meal
1 tbsp chia seeds
 
Method:

1. Start by seperating the seed from the dates.

2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blitz for a few minutes until combined and sticky. As needed, mix in a splash of water to keep the mixture moist.

2. Make tablespoons of the mixture into balls, refrigerate and enjoy!
 
Stuck on how to serve it? These bliss balls can be paired perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. ☕️

Did you give it a go? Make sure to tag us to get featured on our Instagram stories.
 
If you’re a #CurtinGrad with a delicious recipe to share? DM us for a chance to get featured. 📩
 
#CurtinGradCookOff #mothersdayrecipes #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #healthymealsprep #healthysnacksonthego #healthysnackideas #perthtodo #perthisok #perthfoodie #lunchrecipes #nutrition #foodstagram #healthyfoodideas
...

The WA School of Mines Alumni welcomed a stellar group of young graduates at its annual Graduates Dinner in Kalgoorlie last week. 🎓
 
Congratulations to Curtin graduate Will Vaisey and Sandrine Symons who took out the WASMA Gold and Silver Medal for Mining and Metallurgy, and all the high-achieving silver medallists.
 
It was a special night for the new alumni who were fortunate to hear Curtin Engineering graduate and @macaltd General Manager (Mining) Josh Redmond share his incredibly moving personal and career story.
 
We look forward to seeing what this talented bunch of grads do next! 💫
 
📸: Remote Digital Imagery
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #WASM #WASMMECE #WASchoolofMines #ScienceandEngineering #STEM #STEMgraduates

The WA School of Mines Alumni welcomed a stellar group of young graduates at its annual Graduates Dinner in Kalgoorlie last week. 🎓
 
Congratulations to Curtin graduate Will Vaisey and Sandrine Symons who took out the WASMA Gold and Silver Medal for Mining and Metallurgy, and all the high-achieving silver medallists.
 
It was a special night for the new alumni who were fortunate to hear Curtin Engineering graduate and @macaltd General Manager (Mining) Josh Redmond share his incredibly moving personal and career story.
 
We look forward to seeing what this talented bunch of grads do next! 💫
 
📸: Remote Digital Imagery
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #WASM #WASMMECE #WASchoolofMines #ScienceandEngineering #STEM #STEMgraduates
...

We are so proud of the Curtin graduates named winners at this year’s @wabusinessnews #40Under40 Awards. 👏
 
Congratulations to Congratulations to @moonsailagency Co-Founder & Creative Partner Matt Nankivell, @summerstartouristparks General Manager James Corbitt, MTGA (Mining Technicians Group – Australia) Managing Director Michael Hansen, Chargebay Director and Teck Global Managing Director David Zucaro.
 
The awards recognise and celebrate WA’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and future business leaders under the age of 40.
 
We look forward to watching this stellar bunch of graduate’s kick even more goals in the future! 💫
 
Want to stay connected with your fellow #CurtinAlumni doing incredible things. Update your details with us via link in bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinGrad #BusinessNews #40under40 #perth #perthbusiness #waleaders #leadership #wabusiness #business #community

We are so proud of the Curtin graduates named winners at this year’s @wabusinessnews #40Under40 Awards. 👏
 
Congratulations to Congratulations to @moonsailagency Co-Founder & Creative Partner Matt Nankivell, @summerstartouristparks General Manager James Corbitt, MTGA (Mining Technicians Group – Australia) Managing Director Michael Hansen, Chargebay Director and Teck Global Managing Director David Zucaro.
 
The awards recognise and celebrate WA’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and future business leaders under the age of 40.
 
We look forward to watching this stellar bunch of graduate’s kick even more goals in the future! 💫
 
Want to stay connected with your fellow #CurtinAlumni doing incredible things. Update your details with us via link in bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinGrad #BusinessNews #40under40 #perth #perthbusiness #waleaders #leadership #wabusiness #business #community
...

Meeting for the first time when they were kids in their hometown, Curtin soon-to-be graduates Patrick Catambay (Mechanical Engineering & Finance) and Chelsea Barth (Finance & Financial Planning) pretty much grew up together. 🎓💘
 
After Patrick asked for Chelsea’s number during a fireworks show, the pair went on two coffee dates and their relationship has blossomed since.
 
Although they didn’t share any classes together at Curtin, Chelsea and Patrick will never live down the funny moments they spent studying in the library armed with copious snacks and endless laughs.
 
An exciting future ahead, the duo plan to travel the world and undertake graduate roles at the end of the year.
 
When it comes to successfully balancing a relationship while studying and working, the pair agree that open communication and setting aside quality time together will help keep the relationship strong.
 
Want more heart-warming graduate stories? Check out #CurtinCommons via the link in bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinLife #Graduate #Stories #CoupleStories #CoupleGoals #Memories #Perth #perthgram #highereducation #university

Meeting for the first time when they were kids in their hometown, Curtin soon-to-be graduates Patrick Catambay (Mechanical Engineering & Finance) and Chelsea Barth (Finance & Financial Planning) pretty much grew up together. 🎓💘
 
After Patrick asked for Chelsea’s number during a fireworks show, the pair went on two coffee dates and their relationship has blossomed since.
 
Although they didn’t share any classes together at Curtin, Chelsea and Patrick will never live down the funny moments they spent studying in the library armed with copious snacks and endless laughs.
 
An exciting future ahead, the duo plan to travel the world and undertake graduate roles at the end of the year.
 
When it comes to successfully balancing a relationship while studying and working, the pair agree that open communication and setting aside quality time together will help keep the relationship strong.
 
Want more heart-warming graduate stories? Check out #CurtinCommons via the link in bio. 👆
 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinLife #Graduate #Stories #CoupleStories #CoupleGoals #Memories #Perth #perthgram #highereducation #university
...

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