Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Jacob Chow began his education at HELP University, starting with the Foundation in Arts before moving on to a degree in Business Psychology. He was also part of the pioneering group of business students at the university’s Subang 2 campus.

His interest in psychology sparked back in Form 5, thanks to his school counsellor, Puan Koay. “She had this amazing way of understanding people. It got me thinking about how the mind works,” he shared. That early curiosity led him to career fairs and open days, where he started exploring what psychology had to offer.

One event that stood out was a talk by Dr. Goh Chee Leong. “He opened my eyes to how psychology isn’t just about therapy,” said Jacob. “There are so many applications, especially in the corporate world, through Industrial and Organisational Psychology. That talk got me excited about the idea of improving workplace culture and helping people perform better.”

With that in mind, Jacob chose to major in Business Psychology. “I wanted to understand what drives people at work—what keeps them motivated, how they feel valued, and what makes a workplace truly engaging. It wasn’t just about theory; it was about using that knowledge to make real change.”

During his internship at PwC, Jacob was assigned to analyse data to improve the office visit process. “At first, it just felt like another task. But then I realised I was applying the research and data analysis skills I learned at HELP. That was a big moment—it all started to make sense.” When his team received his insights, it became clear how psychology and HR could work hand-in-hand. “That experience helped me connect the dots, and it eventually led to a full-time HR role at PwC.”

As he settled into his role, Jacob found himself part of a task force exploring new business models and market research. “It was a steep learning curve,” he admitted, “but I felt prepared. We’d already worked with tools like SWOT, PESTEL, and Business Model Canvas in class, so I wasn’t completely starting from scratch. At HELP, we weren’t just memorising theories—we had to apply them and make our case.”

One defining experience came during his final year project with Dr. Wong. “She pushed us to think critically—not just to give textbook answers, but to dig deeper. That mindset has stuck with me. Now, whether I am reviewing talent processes or analysing trends, I try to approach problems from different angles and challenge assumptions.”

Jacob also recalled his Change Management class with Dr. Chew as one of the more eye-opening experiences of his degree. “We weren’t just sitting in class—we went into the field and interviewed hospital management teams. Even though we could not implement real changes, it gave us a real taste of what it’s like to identify pain points and think through solutions.”

Another standout project was during his Consumer Behaviour class, where Jacob’s team worked with a local hijab vendor to create a marketing campaign and website. “It was theoretical, but hands-on. We learned how small strategy tweaks could change how people respond to a brand. That stuck with me.”

He carried that mindset into his work at PwC, especially when reviewing Learning & Development workflows. “I wasn’t just looking at tasks—I was thinking about the people behind them. What’s frustrating them? What’s slowing them down? How can we make things smoother?” he said. “That human-centred approach made the processes not only more efficient but easier to work with.”

As a Development Consultant, Jacob was also involved in implementing the Core Consulting Skills framework. Rather than relying solely on lectures, he focused on creating interactive, hands-on experiences. “Psychology teaches us that people remember better when they’re actively involved. So we used all the senses—visuals, movement, discussions. It wasn’t just about memorising; it was about experiencing the concepts.”

One lesson that left a lasting impact came from Dr. Wong in HRM 201. “She said, ‘A recruiter’s job is to get the right people into the right roles.’ At the time, it sounded simple. But during my internship, when I was screening resumes and interviewing candidates, I realised how complex that is. It’s not just ticking boxes—it’s understanding people’s motivations and figuring out where they can thrive.”

That insight has shaped how Jacob approaches recruitment. “It’s not just about filling positions. It’s about finding the right fit for both the company and the person. When you get that right, everyone benefits.”

Looking back, Jacob credits the Business Psychology programme for giving him more than just an academic knowledge. “It helped me understand people—how they think, what drives them, how they make decisions. That’s something I use every day, whether I’m communicating, problem-solving, or guiding someone in their career.”

He also emphasised that HELP was not just about the classes. “Some of the best lessons came from group projects, joining clubs, and stepping out of my comfort zone. The people you meet and the connections you make can shape your journey in ways you don’t expect.”

His advice to current students? “Don’t just focus on studying. Get involved. Make the most of the opportunities around you. These years go by fast, and they will shape how you grow, professionally and personally.”