Hall of Fame — Ms Raudahtul Jannah Muhamad Ismail
With the weight of textbooks on one hand and the dreams of a business on the other, Raudahtul Jannah Muhamad Ismail has redefined what it means to thrive under pressure. Affectionately known as Raudah or ‘Rauds’ by her peers, Raudah has carved a transcending journey, one that diverges from the traditional trajectory typically associated with law students.
While pursuing a law degree in itself is a formidable challenge, Raudah exemplifies determination, resilience, and an unyielding drive to succeed. Seamlessly balancing the rigorous demands of law school with the responsibilities of running her own company, ‘Raudah Food Industries,’ Raudah has become a beacon of inspiration for many.
Behind the successes of Raudah is a deeply rooted upbringing that has fostered her resilience and authenticity, allowing her to excel while staying true to herself and embedding creativity into everything she undertakes. Family and friends alike commend her resourcefulness, empathy, and her ability to build meaningful relationships. This ability to connect with others proves that Raudah’s success is not just about reaching personal goals but also about uplifting those around her and creating lasting, positive change.
Was there a significant moment or experience in your life that sparked your interest in pursuing the field of justice?
This segment contains elements of domestic abuse. Reader’s discretion is advised.
A single moment can alter the course of a life forever. At just 12 years old, Raudah’s world took an irrevocable turn. Her father passed away, and shortly after, her mother remarried.
Tragically, her stepfather proved to be abusive and violent, turning her sanctuary into something unrecognisable. Raudah bore witness as her mother and baby sisters endured pain and suffering. The feeling of grappling with the unfairness of it all and the yearning to make a difference became a memory etched vividly in her mind, one that ultimately catalysed her decision to delve into the justice system and pursue a law degree.
Between the ages of 13 and 15, Raudah felt a deep sense of helplessness and desperation for a voice. But at that time, there was nothing a young girl could do, especially with little to no support from adults. This experience left a profound impression on Raudah, shaping her decision to study law. It became the driving force behind her desire to understand and fight against injustices similar to the ones she had witnessed.
After high school, Raudah took a decisive step forward, driven by a deep desire to address the injustices she had endured. With a 4.0 GPA in her Foundation in Law at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), she demonstrated her academic excellence, earning the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in law at the Universiti Malaya. This next chapter marked another defining moment in her journey.
As she delved deeper into her legal studies, Raudah discovered a renewed sense of purpose. The clarity of logical reasoning and the confidence instilled through an understanding of the law, combined with the empowerment of fundamental rights, became the cornerstones of her personal growth. Armed with this newfound strength, Raudah confronted her stepfather, a pivotal moment that ultimately led to his divorce from her mother, forever altering the course of their lives.
In her second year as a law student, Raudah finally found the very aid 13 year old Raudah had desperately sought but never received. Through this revelation, Raudah stood firm against the injustices that had once haunted her. The law became her protector and guide, helping her become the hero of her own story. What began as a little girl's dream to liberate herself and her family from the abuse has now become a lifelong passion for justice and advocacy.
Raudah at the Universiti Malaya 2024 signboard, commemorating her final year in law school
How has holding liaising roles in both UMLS and UM Lex Gala shaped you as a person?
In her first year of law school, Raudah took on key roles in student organisations such as the UM Lex Gala and the UM Law Society (‘UMLS’). Through these positions, she honed her exceptional ability to connect with people, leave lasting impressions, and further strengthen her leadership capabilities.
As a public relations officer for the UM Lex Gala in 2021/2022, Raudah successfully secured collaboration with prominent law firms such as Ooi & Ooi and P.L. Law Chambers.
Simultaneously, Raudah served as an external relations officer for the UM Law Society (‘UMLS’) in the same year. In this role, Raudah further liaised with well-known firms such as Zaid Ibrahim & Co. (‘ZICO’), Skrine, Lee Hishammudin Allen & Gledhill, and Shearn Delamore, among others, to secure their sponsorship for their flagship event: the Legal Executive Apprenticeship Program (‘LEAP’). LEAP brought together top legal professionals and students through firm visits, career talks, and workshops.
At the core of Raudah’s success in building lasting relationships is her formidable people and negotiation skills, which are built on a foundation of trust and shared goals between the society, faculty, stakeholders, and herself. When asked about how to achieve such a foundation, Raudah shares that finding a common ground between individuals and organisations, when both parties recognise shared values or align their goals, makes it easier to bridge gaps and create an environment where collaboration can thrive. With this insight, Raudah manages expectations with respect, fosters productive dialogue, and resolves conflicts with diplomacy, professionalism, and trust.
In addition to her involvement in LEAP, Raudah also values her role in the UMLS Career Discovery Series (‘CDS’), where she curated a platform for speakers with legal educational backgrounds who had pursued non-traditional career paths. Through this, she witnessed the ignition of fresh ideas and new career opportunities for students who hadn’t previously considered these avenues. The series not only fostered growth but also opened doors for students to explore diverse career options. Interestingly, one of these doors led Raudah to entrepreneurship, resulting in the opening of her very own cafe.
What lessons have you learnt from working with communities and causes?
Raudah has made significant impacts on the community through her roles as the external relations officer for Community Serve Indigenous (‘CSI’) and the Secholian Volunteer Society (‘SVS’) under the Second Residential College of UM.
Given her empathetic nature, it is no surprise that her journey in community work is deeply rooted in compassion and humanity. Having successfully secured a partnership with Rumah Baca Anak Asli (‘RBAA’), an NGO focused on supporting the indigenous community, Raudah has helped raise RM5,000 in funds for the under-represented.
Humbled by her firsthand experiences at the RBAA site, Raudah highlights the importance of listening to communities’ needs instead of projecting assumptions, as genuine respect and meaningful support come from understanding and honouring their perspectives and way of life.
Similarly, her time volunteering with SVS has taught her that empowering students requires more than just sharing knowledge; it involves fostering confidence and trust in their abilities. To illustrate, Raudah recalls a particularly heartwarming moment. One of her students, a shy and timid girl who was initially hesitant to speak in class, gradually gained confidence and, by the end of the program, was able to express herself with assurance. This transformation is a clear reflection of the encouragement and supportive environment Raudah had cultivated. Although she does not consider herself an educator, she is reminded of the profound power of education to inspire real change. She found great gratification in witnessing such growth in one of her students.
Through her experiences, Raudah has cultivated the virtue of patience, recognising that lasting change demands more than just action; it requires sustainability and genuine engagement. Understanding that true impact comes from a place of sincerity, Raudah is passionate about supporting under-represented communities, especially uplifting indigenous groups and vulnerable young children.
You have also completed a legal internship at Hafarizam Wan Aisha & Mubarak; please share with us about your days as an intern.
During the summer break of 2024, Raudah completed an extremely enriching internship at Hafarizam Wan Aisha & Mubarak, a prestigious legal firm known for its involvement in prominent cases concerning government figures. She got the exclusive opportunity to sit in on intense meetings with senior professionals and learn directly from their expertise on complex cases, as well as interact with individuals she had previously only seen on TV or in Parliament.
On her first day at Hafarizam, she was tasked with a trial by fire. Within the first few hours, Raudah was entrusted with the daunting task of attending a high-stakes client meeting. The client sought legal counsel and potential litigation advice, presenting Raudah with a rare and eye-opening opportunity to witness seasoned legal experts in action. This firsthand exposure to strategic advising for high-profile clients went beyond her academic foundation, offering an invaluable glimpse into the interplay between legal practice and entrepreneurial insights.
One of the most significant milestones of her internship was when Raudah was entrusted with arranging a crucial meeting with the senior leadership of MARA to discuss the firm’s expansion strategies. Not only was she responsible for coordinating this high-profile engagement, but she was also requested to attend the meeting with the professionals of such esteemed rank. As she observed firsthand the decision-making processes that drive organisational growth, this experience bolstered her confidence and also deepened her understanding of the business dimensions of law firms.
While the faculty offers courses on the business aspects of legal industries, such as the Management Legal Practice course in her final year, Raudah feels that this internship has expanded her perspective beyond theoretical knowledge. It has provided a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in the business side of law firms, equipping her to approach legal matters more holistically. Engaging in professional discussions refined her ability to manage client relationships with poise and precision.
Raudah attending a witness cross-examination at the High Court of Shah Alam during her internship at Hafarizam
Raudah attributes much of her success to the rigorous academic training she received at UM Law. Courses like Company Law, Contract Law, and Tort Law provided her with critical thinking and analytical skills essential for tackling complex legal scenarios. This strong academic foundation proved indispensable during her internship, where she frequently had to analyse and apply legal principles in real time.
Not to mention her involvement in leadership roles at UMLS, which further honed her organisational and communication skills. The student organisations she joined at UM enhanced her confidence in working with clients and instilled in her the importance of professionalism and clear communication — skills that are essential in the legal field.
What made you venture into starting Raudah Food Industries in 2023, and how has law school helped you in this endeavour?
Law school is challenging, and excelling in it is even tougher. Yet, Raudah didn’t just rise to the challenge — she created something entirely her own. With ‘Raudah Food Industries,’ her own dessert cafe, she served up a slice of entrepreneurial success alongside her legal journey.
Since childhood, Raudah had nurtured a hunger for entrepreneurial pursuits and sought creative expression in everything she did. In 2023, she turned this long-standing dream into reality. Taking off like a storm, the cafe achieved a successful annual revenue of RM600k by the end of the year — standing as proof of Raudah’s relentless hard work, dedication, and the invaluable support of many others.
Her journey began during the MCO in 2019. Picture Raudah at home, tirelessly baking and delivering pastries to customers, all the while steadily building a loyal customer base through her dedication and passion for her craft. During one of the most challenging periods in modern history, Raudah launched her home-based online dessert business, gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of running a business while navigating unprecedented circumstances. From the comfort of her own home, she mastered the logistics of operations, efficiently managed orders, and honed her customer service skills.
Fast forward to four years later, in 2023, Raudah leapt to transition her online business into a fully operational physical cafe. This decision came in the second semester of her second year in law school, amplifying the challenge of balancing her academic journey with her entrepreneurial ambitions. The transition into a full-fledged cafe is accredited to Raudah’s perseverance and dedication to her passion for baking. Her love for the craft enabled her to expand her offerings and create a welcoming space where customers could enjoy her desserts.
This leap required Raudah to evaluate factors such as choosing the right location, managing costs, understanding customer preferences, and anticipating challenges. These decisions mirrored the analytical skills she honed in law school, where evaluating cases and crafting sound judgements are second nature. Her education in law played a pivotal role in this journey, equipping her with essential skills like organisation, problem-solving, and negotiation. These skills, combined with her legal knowledge, gave her the confidence to handle critical tasks such as drafting supplier contracts, budgeting, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing staff, and navigating customer relations.
Raudah at the 2024 relaunching of Raudah Food Industries
Raudah also credits courses like Mooting and Advocacy for teaching her to remain composed under pressure and make decisive, structured choices. For instance, when unforeseen supplier delays disrupted her operations, she swiftly negotiated new terms, sourced alternative suppliers, and adapted workflows to prioritise customer satisfaction.
While Raudah handles the operations with finesse, her favourite aspect is research & development (R&D). This is the side of Raudah that law school doesn’t showcase, where she lets her creativity run wild, experimenting with new flavours and crafting unique designs, all for the sake of offering something truly special to her customers.
Reflecting on her journey, Raudah expresses, “My advice is, your academic journey doesn't have to limit you; in fact, it should never limit you, as it should give you the platform to larger opportunities the world has to offer.” Embracing this philosophy, Raudah encourages law students to not be confined within the four walls of lecture halls and seminar rooms. In her words, stepping out of one’s comfort zone to pursue something you love, whether a creative venture, hobby, or passion, can bring balance to your life or even complement and enrich your legal career.
Balancing her business and studying law has made Raudah more resilient and better at managing her time, allowing her to excel in both.
With a wealth of experience in networking and liaison roles, both as a student leader and a business owner, Raudah acknowledges the critical role of building connections, especially in current days. For her, the secret to creating meaningful and long-lasting relationships lies in two simple yet powerful words: active listening.
Raudah believes that empathy and authentic communication are the foundations of fruitful partnerships and successful ventures, whether in the legal field or the business world. During her tenure with UMLS, she excelled at bridging the gap between legal firms and students through LEAP by deeply understanding their respective needs. Similarly, in her business, she cultivated strong relationships with clients and staff by taking the time to learn about their preferences and priorities. These efforts, rooted in genuine care and attentiveness, allowed Raudah to deliver personalised experiences that encouraged loyalty and lasting connections.
When asked for advice for those who may feel intimidated by networking, Raudah encourages them to “just do it,” applying this mindset to all aspects of life. She explains that taking the first step, like saying, “Hello, how are you?” creates an opening for natural conversation and connection. With humility, she admits that even now, she still feels nervous and fidgets during the first 30 seconds of meeting someone new. However, she reassures that over time, it will diminish the daunting experience, and confidence takes over in larger settings.
Raudah in an Alternative Dispute Resolution mediation roleplay, accessed by Mr Gan Khong Aik from Gan Partnership
As someone who has successfully managed multiple commitments simultaneously, what are your thoughts on maintaining work-life balance?
On the topic of work-life balance, Raudah chuckled cheekily and shared her candid experience. Ultimately, she expresses that her belief is to listen to one’s body and mind, especially during overwhelming times.
However, she admits that it took time to fully embrace this approach. In the first three months of starting her cafe, Raudah pushed herself to the limit, surviving on just 20 to 30 minutes of sleep each night. Exhausted but determined, she powered through on sheer willpower. Over time, she came to understand the value of time management and prioritising what truly matters.
Now, amidst her demanding schedule, Raudah makes it a point to step back from work, academics, and other responsibilities when she needs to recharge. At least once or twice a month, especially during the intense week 7 of assignments or towards the end of the semester, she can be found playing badminton, swimming, or working out. While she doesn’t consider herself particularly sporty, she finds that physical activity helps clear her mind and relieves stress.
On quieter evenings, Raudah enjoys strolling through Ampang Park or Titiwangsa, soaking in the beauty of Malaysia’s breathtaking sunsets. At other times, she takes to the AKLEH, SUKE, or SPE highways, admiring the stunning KL skyline from afar. These serene moments, surrounded by the stillness of the night, provide her with a profound sense of calm and reflection. It is also important to note that Raudah’s passion for baking also serves as a creative outlet for her. This passion allows her to disconnect from the pressures of law school and her other commitments, giving her the space to create something meaningful and satisfying.
How do you define success, and has that definition evolved throughout your journey?
Throughout her journey, Raudah’s definition of success has evolved significantly. It is no longer just about milestones or achievements; instead, she now defines success as personal growth, making meaningful contributions, and having a positive impact on both society and herself.
Small moments, such as seeing a customer delight in her desserts or recognising her growth as a law student and individual, now hold greater value to her than quantifiable accomplishments like a high CGPA or increased business revenue.
When asked if there’s anything she would do differently, Raudah reflects that the struggles and challenges she has faced have been invaluable learning experiences. She believes that every event, whether positive or negative, has been instrumental in shaping her into the resilient and forward-thinking person she is today.
Looking ahead, Raudah’s short-term goal is to excel and graduate in her final year of law school while nurturing and expanding her cafe. While her long-term vision is to merge her legal expertise with her entrepreneurial passion, she is excited to navigate the venture for the next chapter of her life, one that will be both legally and creatively fulfilling.
Last but not least, Raudah expresses her heartfelt gratitude for the extremely supportive upbringing of her family, particularly her mother and grandmother, the backbone of her journey and her biggest supporters in all her ventures. Her mother’s nurturing presence has shaped every aspect of Raudah’s life, from academic excellence to personal exploration, for which she remains deeply indebted. Equally, her beloved grandmother’s wisdom and unconditional love have empowered Raudah to be the person she is today.
Raudah with her mother and grandmother — her main sources of strength and inspiration
To her special person, Mr Syed Luqmanhaqeem Bin Syed Yahya, who recently entered her life but has already become her biggest source of strength and motivation in all her endeavours.
A shout-out to her best friend, Ms Putri Ashdini Binti Mohd Khairuddin, for providing Raudah with constant love and support, even from across the globe in the UK.
Raudah and her best friend, Ms Ashdini on their 21st birthday
She is also deeply grateful to her friends, who have showered her with abundant love. In particular, Ms Afiqah Binti Che Endut, Ms Siti Nur Radhwa Binti Mohamad Hisham, Ms Faranisa Hanti Binti Ahmad Fauzi, Mr Ismaael Bin Sairi, and Ms Putri Nur Syahirah Binti Mohd Jefri have been a constant source of friendship, love, and support, playing an integral role in her journey through law school.
Raudah with her friends post Trial Advocacy I
Lastly, Raudah extends her appreciation to her batchmates and seniors who have helped her in countless ways, from sharing notes to providing tutoring and guidance through the obstacles she has encountered throughout her years in law school.
As this chapter concludes, the story of Raudahtul Jannah Muhamad Ismail continues to unfold. With greater accomplishments on the horizon, she is poised to pave the way for new possibilities and inspire those around her.
Written by Chelsea Lam Cher Sze.
Reviewed by Wong Xin Lin and Yap Ern See.