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As she graduates this July, Balqis Rezuan reflects on three defining years at Warwick, where academic challenge and artistic passion have taken her from Malaysia to exhibitions across the UK.

We asked Balqis about her remarkable journey which combines academic rigour, creativity and an artistic practice.

Academic journey

Why did you choose to study Economics at Warwick?

I鈥檓 from Ampang, Selangor, near Kuala Lumpur, and feel incredibly grateful to have been sponsored by the Malaysian government to study at Warwick.

Economics was my favourite subject in college, thanks to my teacher Miss Ashikin who made it engaging and accessible. I loved how practical it felt - economics is everywhere, from the choices we make each day to the global events shaping the world. Warwick鈥檚 reputation in the field made it my top choice, and I still feel blessed to call myself a student here.

What has been the most rewarding part of your course?

My final year has been the most rewarding. I challenged myself to take Research in Applied Economics and chose a Health Economics dissertation topic that was both unconventional and complex. I worked with European datasets and applied advanced econometric models that built on what we had learnt in Year 2.

There were moments when I genuinely wondered whether I鈥檇 taken on too much, but with steady guidance from my supervisor Dr Juliana Cunha Carneiro Pinto, encouragement from family and friends, and a notebook full of detective-style scribbles, I kept going. Little by little, the pieces began to make sense, and I had produced a dissertation I was truly proud of.

That experience showed me what makes studying Economics at Warwick so special. You are pushed to tackle real-world questions that seem daunting at first, but you are supported every step of the way. It gives students like me the confidence to engage with complex ideas and contribute to conversations shaped by leading economists.

How has your degree shaped the way you see the world?

This degree has shown me just how interconnected the world is. I now see everyday decisions - whether it鈥檚 choosing to cook at home rather than eat out (Microeconomics) or tackling tasks early to avoid procrastination (Behavioural Economics) - through an economic lens. It has also helped me understand why some places thrive more than others (Development Economics), and to make better sense of global news, from trade policies and who they affect (International Economics and International Trade) to the evolution of major organisations (World Economic History). Studying Economics at Warwick has given me a genuinely well rounded way of understanding how the world works.

Artistic practice and creativity

How did your journey as a self taught painter begin?

It started when I was 15, bored in my boarding school dorm room, and rediscovered an old watercolour set. I painted my first galaxy scene and secretly dreamed of having an art fanbase and exhibitions. I never imagined those daydreams would come true - but today I鈥檝e shipped hundreds of paintings, exhibited across the UK, designed magazine covers, and taken on commissions, all while studying full time.

What inspires your artwork?

In my early years, I spent a lot of time experimenting with different artistic media between study sessions and holidays, which is how I became a self taught watercolour, acrylic, oil, Arabic calligraphy and henna artist. As I鈥檝e grown, my work has become more intentional. I still paint to unwind, but my collections now draw on real experiences and personal reflections. I鈥檝e learnt that people connect deeply with stories, and that thoughtfulness has shaped the way I create today.

What has been the highlight of your artistic journey?

I鈥檝e taken part in seven exhibitions over the past two years, including three at the Warwick Student Arts Festival. I鈥檝e gifted a painting to a former Malaysian Prime Minister, illustrated magazine covers, created a postcard collection, and recently paired acrylic pour paintings which is a type of fluid art with reflections on the 99 names of Allah. Art has given me a voice and a platform I never expected.

鈥淓veryone is in the middle of becoming, and there is no right or wrong timeline.鈥�

Balancing study and art

How have you balanced a demanding degree with your art practice?

Art has never been a distraction — it鈥檚 what keeps me grounded. I plan study time and painting time, and I follow inspiration whenever it arrives, even if it鈥檚 while folding laundry.

Do you see any connections between Economics and art in your work or thinking?

Art has shaped the way I think, especially when it comes to creative problem-solving. It鈥檚 never just about producing something beautiful – it pushes you to experiment with new approaches and take ownership of the outcome. I鈥檝e found the same mindset in my studies, where I adapt my methods depending on the module, switching between numerical techniques and essay-based strategies to find what works best.

What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

There were difficult moments, especially when my grandfather passed away during Year 2. Art became a coping mechanism that helped me continue with my studies. I鈥檓 grateful for the support of my family, friends, and the Warwick Economics Pastoral Team — their reassurance made a lasting difference.

Future plans and ambitions

How do you hope to develop your artistic and professional career?

Artistically, I want to grow my brand through collaborations, commissions, workshops, exhibitions, and new merchandise. Professionally, I鈥檓 drawn to roles that bridge policy and research - work that has real impact on people鈥檚 lives.

Personal reflections

What advice would you give to students pursuing creative passions alongside their studies?

There is nothing wrong with being creative while studying something else. Your passion can become your motivation and even open unexpected doors. Keep creating, whether privately or publicly, because it is part of who you are.

How has university shaped who you are today?

Warwick has taught me that any dream is possible when you put yourself out there. From debating and leadership roles to internships and meeting high profile stakeholders, each experience led to the next. Being open, sincere, and willing to learn has been key. Everyone is in the middle of becoming, and there is no fixed timeline.

Can you describe your journey in three words?

Ambition. Resilience. Transformation.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. We wish you every success in the future.