KUALA LUMPUR: E-commerce entrepreneur and FashionValet owner, Datin Vivy Yusof, has been appointed to the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) board of directors.
The appointment was announced via UiTM’s official Facebook page, and also shared via Vivy’s Instagram account.
The announcement was met with mixed reactions by Malaysians on social media.
Some were delighted by the news, and welcomed the fashion icon’s involvement in the education industry.
“I hope Vivy will implement changes, specifically on the design of UiTM’s official tudung, which has remained the same for a long time,” said Noor Shaminy Ilaiz.
Another social media user, Cikgu Shil, wrote: “I'm a UiTM alumn(us) and am so proud with this news. Welcome, Vivy.”
However, others were less than happy with the appointment, and believed that many other academicians were more deserving.
Social media user Firzz Radzi said UiTM has to give a reason behind the appointment, while fellow Malaysian Faikah Ismail said it is sad that other academicians were sidelined.
Vivy achieved worldwide acclaim as the founder of FashionValet, which houses more than 150 brands under its roof.
She is also the owner and founder of the label dUCk, which offers high-end headscarves, cosmetics and stationery.
Meanwhile, Vivy, on her Instagram account, said she had “goosebumps” when she learnt of the appointment.
“Alhamdulillah, I’ve been given a huge task from the Education Minister… as the youngest Board Member of UiTM, a beloved university in Malaysia.
“I have so much respect for the Chairman and other Board Members for doing what they do, and although I don’t have the same wealth of experience, I hope to contribute all that I can to give fresh ideas, bring some newness to UiTM and hopefully benefit the education industry in many ways. Bismillah to this new role!,” she wrote.
Vivy has garnered various honours and accolades in the course of her career. In April 2017, she was listed as one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 in Asia.