2025 Undergraduate Student Spotlight Tadeb Shakur Bin Tabira

Interests/Hobbies:

I enjoy running and am thrilled to be participating in my first official marathon in San Francisco this summer! I’m also deeply interested in Malaysian politics and enjoy listening to the podcast ‘Keluar Sekejap’ by Khairy Jamaluddin & Shahril Hamdan, which provides insightful discussions on domestic and international issues.

Involvements/Employment/Activities:

• Vice President of the National Assembly of Malaysian Students in the United States (NAMSA).
• Founder & Advisor of Damansara AUMZ Society.
• Intramurals Sports Student Supervisor at University Recreation & Wellbeing.
• Event Setup Student Supervisor at Wisconsin Union.

Where is your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place is the UW-Arboretum. It’s where I run and spend my relaxing time surrounded by beautiful greenery, trees, and the serene lake.

What has been your favorite Econ course?

I really enjoyed ECON 302, but my current favorite is ECON461 with Professor Stella Chan. The course offers engaging content, practical real-world applications, and Stella’s teaching style makes it especially memorable.

If you have any other majors or certificates in addition to Econ, how did you decide to add Econ or add the other major/certificate?

I decided to pursue my second major, International Studies (Politics and Policy in the Global Economy), because it complements my Economics major with cross-listed courses. It also deepens my understanding of global issues, both past and present.

How do you manage your course load?

I balance my core classes with electives or general education courses each semester. This approach keeps me from feeling overwhelmed and allows me to explore subjects outside my primary interests.

Where did you intern/research, and did you have a good experience? Why or why not?

I haven’t done a formal internship yet, but I’ve gained valuable experience helping my family manage a global UK-based F&B franchise in Malaysia, focusing on marketing and event collaborations. I’ve also had experience selling vehicle registration plate numbers in Malaysia, earning commissions, and ventured into supplying streetwear apparel to local vendors from the U.S. and U.K. as a side hustle. These experiences introduced me to diverse industries beyond my major. That said, I’m thrilled to start my first formal internship this summer in Washington, D.C., with a think tank, where I hope to gain hands-on experience in policy and international relations.

What advice do you have for students seeking an internship/research experience?

My advice is to stay organized by using spreadsheets to track deadlines and progress. Don’t give up, even though the competition is intense, persistence is key. I live by the principle, “You miss all the shots you don’t take.”

Do you know what you want to do after graduation? If yes, what? If not, what advice would you give to another student who may not know either?

I’m open to opportunities in fields related to economics, international studies, international relations, policymaking, think tanks, or politics. These areas align with my academic background and long-term aspiration to contribute meaningfully to Malaysian politics in the future.