UTS graduate Farhan Faiyaz’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to humanitarian work is making a significant impact, both locally and globally, while he maintains a successful career as an analyst.
It was during the early days of COVID-19 that Farhan Faiyaz and his brother left their house in Dhaka, Bangladesh, armed with 500 face masks and a big idea.
Their goal? To assist the rickshaw drivers and other manual workers in their local area with information and supplies to protect them from COVID-19.
“I had a banner which outlined the basic COVID precautions, and I saw loads of people just looking at us,” says Farhan, a graduate of the UTS Master of Business Analytics. “We’d made a DIY microphone with a portable Bluetooth speaker and my phone to make sure people heard our message.”
As he shared health advice about stopping the virus's spread, Farhan didn’t know he was laying the foundations for what would later become the award-winning Porikolpona Foundation.
When he went out the next day and saw almost a hundred people wearing the brightly coloured orange masks he’d distributed, he realised the significant impact of his efforts.
“I love doing it, and I plan to keep that project running. I’ve never taken a salary from the Porikolpona Foundation – I just worked because it gave me fulfilment.”
Farhan Faiyaz
2023 Diana Award winner and UTS graduate
From mechanical engineering to business analytics
Despite having a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Farhan had a knack for business. During his undergraduate years, he ran two small companies – a tutoring company and an apparel business.
In 2020, he launched the Porikolpona Foundation in Bangladesh. This venture illuminated the critical role data played in decision-making, prompting Farhan to pursue a master's degree in data science and business.
The UTS Master of Business Analytics program appealed to Farhan for its practical approach. The coursework is designed to address industry needs, ensuring nothing learned is obsolete. The program's affiliation with major consulting firms and real-world projects provided a platform to apply theoretical knowledge.
Leading the Porikolpona Foundation from afar
Now based in Sydney, Farhan continues to run the Porikolpona Foundation while pursuing his studies. The foundation has raised funds and delivered aid to more than 25,000 people in Bangladesh, a testament to Farhan’s dedication and the foundation's impact.
Farhan’s degree has proven invaluable to his work with the foundation, particularly in fundraising. Using data from previous campaigns, Farhan has created compelling, data-driven presentations for donors, enhancing the foundation's fundraising efforts.
For his efforts, Farhan was honoured with a 2023 Diana Award, an international accolade recognising impactful social or humanitarian contributions by individuals aged 25 and under. This prestigious award, established in memory of Princess Diana, celebrates the potential of young people to change the world.
Future aspirations
Farhan plans to continue his humanitarian efforts whilst he is employed at Martin Brower as a data analyst. His long-term goal is to run his own business, leveraging the skills and experiences gained from his studies and entrepreneurial ventures.
While he’s not yet sure if the foundation will become his full-time mission, Farhan remains committed to his humanitarian roots. The fulfilment he derives from his work with the Porikolpona Foundation drives him to continue making a difference.
“I love doing it, and I plan to keep that project running. I’ve never taken a salary from the Porikolpona Foundation – I just worked because it gave me fulfilment.”
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