Before coming to Bath, Noora was already running her own business in Malaysia – but she felt there was a gap between her ambition and experience. She knew she wanted to build something with staying power but needed the strategic mindset and confidence to go forward.
At Bath, she found just that. The MBA gave her knowledge and a community that helped her grow as a leader and a thinker.
Today, she’s Co-Founder and Strategic Project Manager at Hyflux, helping to advance zero-emission aviation and shape the future of clean technology in the UK.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
I chose Bath because it’s one of the top MBA programmes in the world. The lecturers were another big draw – especially Margaret Heffernan. Her Leading and Managing Organisational Behaviour module influenced how I think about leadership and strategy.
And, of course, Bath itself is such a beautiful, magical city. That was the cherry on top!
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
At the time, I had already started my own business in Malaysia, but I was starting to feel the limits of my experience. I saw the MBA as a way to accelerate my growth and to gain the skills I needed to build something lasting. I wanted make my ambition a reality, and Bath’s MBA helped me achieve that.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here?
Studying at Bath was transformative. I loved how the programme combined theory with practice – especially through the five consulting projects, which gave us real client challenges to solve.
Leading and Managing Organisational Behaviour was one of my favourite modules, and the international community made the experience so special. I learned so much from working with people with different ways of thinking from different cultures and backgrounds.
Did you take part in any extracurricular activities during your time at Bath?
I didn’t get to join any clubs as I studied during the pandemic. But I did volunteer to translate PowerPoint slides and interpret during meetings to help refugees find jobs. It was a small way to contribute during a difficult time, and it reminded me how education and communication can empower people.
Describe your career journey since graduating.
After graduation, the road wasn’t easy – the job market was tough, and it took me 19 months of applications and more rejections than I can count before I found my breakthrough. During that time, I freelanced and kept learning.
I first worked with my MBA course mate Paul Perera during one of our consulting projects at Bath. After graduation, he contacted me to help as an interior architect on a short project for the Welsh Government. That collaboration went well, and later, he reached out again – this time inviting me to join Hyflux Ltd, a start-up pioneering hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for zero-emission aviation and maritime applications.
At first, I joined as an employee, but through consistent delivery, I became central to shaping the company’s direction. I helped deliver key projects like SUPERCOOL and PowerSim, which directly support the UK Government’s Net Zero strategy by developing hydrogen-based cooling systems and propulsion models for future aircraft and ships.
Today, I’m proud to be a Co-Founder and Strategic Project Manager at Hyflux. We’re working hard to position the UK as a leader in superconducting motor technology – a field that can revolutionise clean aviation – while creating a strong job market for British experts.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
It connects innovation, creativity and purpose. Every day, I work on technologies that could redefine how we power aircraft and ships –helping to turn zero-emission transport into a reality.
At Hyflux, we’re helping the UK strengthen its position as a global hub for superconducting and hydrogen-electric technologies, contributing to both the Net Zero 2050 targets and the creation of high-skilled jobs for British talent.
I’ve always believed that we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from future generations. That belief fuels my motivation to design solutions that make a real difference.
I also love the creative freedom that comes with being in a start-up – I’ve had the chance to influence our marketing strategy, shape partnerships and meet incredible industry leaders from companies like Airbus and Embraer.
How did your studies help you develop professionally and personally?
I learned to connect ideas across disciplines, think strategically and lead with empathy and structure. It taught me that great leadership isn’t about control, but creating clarity, trust, and momentum, even when things feel uncertain.
On a personal level, the MBA strengthened my resilience. I moved to the UK, adapted to a new culture, and balanced my studies, motherhood and ambitions through the challenges of lockdown. That journey gave me the qualities that became the foundation of how I now lead and collaborate.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying your course?
My advice is simple: make every moment count. The Bath MBA is more than a qualification – it’s an opportunity to rediscover yourself. Be curious, take initiative and don’t be afraid to ask questions or challenge assumptions. The more you engage, the more you’ll grow.
Treat every consulting project, lecture and conversation as a chance to expand your perspective. Learn from your classmates – they come from every corner of the world and bring lessons no textbook can teach. And most importantly, use the experience to shape who you want to become, not just what you want to do.
If you give your best and approach the programme with dedication and curiosity, it will open doors you never imagined. You’ll leave with knowledge, confidence and a sense of purpose that stays with you for life.
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