Professor Ir Dr Shaliza Ibrahim, a renowned figure in renewable energy and research. management, fondly recalls her formative years at Convent Bukit Nanas (CBN). As the AAIBE Chair of Renewable Energy at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, her contributions to science and sustainability are undeniable. Yet, when she speaks of CBN, it’s the warmth of
lasting friendships and the nurturing environment that stand out in her illustrious journey. She is currently serving as the Deputy President of the 2023/24 CBN Alumni EXCO.
A Lifetime of Inspiration
“My earliest memory of CBN is walking into the school with my father on my first day. The year had already started, and I joined a little later, so I remember the quiet of the. school with all the pupils in class,” Prof Shaliza recalls. The beauty of the school building, with its high ceilings, gigantic doors, and fairy-tale-like columns, left a lasting impression on her. “It was as though I had stepped into a grand institution that. would open so many doors for me,” she adds.
Beyond academics, CBN fostered a sense of diversity and empathy. “The school. was a melting pot of students from various backgrounds. This subconsciously taught me the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives,” Prof Shaliza shares. These values have been instrumental in her career, where collaboration across cultures and disciplines is paramount.
Prof Shaliza credits her teachers for sparking her love for learning. Her primary school teachers like Mrs. Khir, Mrs Seit, Miss Jeya, Mrs Nathan and Mrs. Ratnasamy come immediately to mind. In secondary school, Mrs. Lean, her chemistry teacher, made the subject so engaging that it inspired her later to pursue chemical
engineering. Her academic path evolved into an illustrious career, where she became a well-respected global expert in reactor design and wastewater treatment.
The Power of Community
Despite her introverted nature, Prof Shaliza participated in school performances, such as dancing the Polka on stage, thanks to the encouragement of her friends and teachers. “I wasn’t particularly outgoing, but I joined performances with Geraldine Harding and Esther Eu. It was great fun, and I admired the talents my friends had,
whether in sports, dance, or the arts. It really made me appreciate how everyone brought something unique to the table.” Another heartwarming memory stemmed from the school uniforms tailored by residents of the orphanage run by CBN’s nuns. “The high quality of their workmanship made me measure all clothes against that standard,” she shares. This memory reflects the deep connection that Prof Shaliza had forged with the CBN community, where even the smallest details have become an abiding theme in her life till today.
Lessons for Life
Prof Shaliza’s career spans over three decades, but the lessons she learned at CBN have always been with her. “The diversity, the openness, and the willingness to mix with everyone — these are lessons I carried with me through university and into my career,” she says. These values have served her well, particularly in international projects where collaboration is essential for success. Now a pioneer in renewable energy and wastewater treatment research, Prof. Shaliza is working on cutting-edge technologies like biohydrogen production from palm oil mill effluent. However, she believes that it’s not just technical skills but also
human values that have driven her career forward. “My experience at CBN helped me understand the importance of empathy and collaboration,” she explains.
For Posterity
When asked what advice she would give to current CBN students, Prof Shaliza’s message is simple yet profound: “Try everything. Don’t be shy. Mix with everyone and be open to new experiences. Explore what excites you, and follow that path.” She encourages students to embrace the unknown and not to worry about the outcome. “Enjoy the process, be in the present, and the future will be taken care of,” she advises.
Her philosophy is not just about academic success but also about personal fulfilment. “I’ve always believed in following your heart, but you must take your brain with you. Be sensible, but don’t limit yourself,” she adds with a smile. “CBN gave me the confidence to navigate the world and instilled in me the importance of empathy,
openness, and intellectual curiosity,” she says. These are qualities she continues to carry with her, whether she’s mentoring young researchers or leading groundbreaking research and projects in renewable energy.
– Professor Sharliza Ibrahim | Class of 1981
