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CONTENTS
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed or implied in UP2 are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Sunway Education Group.
Sunway College No. 2, Jalan Universiti Bandar Sunway 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia T: 603-5638 7176 E: [email protected] sunway.edu.my/college
Sunway University T: 603-7491 8622 E: [email protected] sunway.edu.my/university
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Shanghai Sunway Financial Training Co. Ltd. T: 603-7491 8622 E: [email protected] sunway.edu.my/college/ssft
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The Sunway Education Group
UP2 or UPP or Uniquely Purposeful Programmes is a quarterly publication that represents a progressive Sunway College. Owned and governed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, this leading private institution of higher learning is forging ahead towards the next level of excellence.
Advisor Editorial & Photography Team
Concept & Design Printer
: Dr Elizabeth Lee : Jerrine Koay Katherine Kee Tan May Ling : Writers Ink : Gloverin
UP2 is published by Sunway College
Should you have any comments, kindly contact:
The Public Relations DepartmentSunway Education GroupT: 603-7491 8622E: [email protected]/college
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Preparing For University LifeMentoring For Lifelong LearningPursuing His Passion For MathematicsOne Way Ticket To AustraliaThrough Monash University, From Malaysia To AustraliaA Volunteer For Change
Elevating The Use Of EnglishFinding Your BuoyMore Than Just AcademicsTrue Value Of KnowledgeRewarding Excellence In MathematicsTechnology And Innovation Wins The DayA Clean Sweep Of VU Business Challenge Top Prizes By Jit Sin High School
RM1 Million Pledge To Teach For MalaysiaA World Of Possibilities For JCF Community Scholars
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Face To Face
Movers & Shakers
Social Report
Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence in Education
ELEVATING THE USE OF ENGLISHWith the Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Writing competition organised by Sunway Group, the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, Sunway University, Monash University Malaysia and the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia 15th English Language Event: Public Speaking Competition 2017 organised by the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia and Sunway College, both these annual
competitions work to strengthen out-of-classroom progressive learning for the young in Malaysia.
Encouraging the use of English, the Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Writing competition attracted the participation of 373 schools and 2205 online submissions throughout Malaysia. Based on their preliminary submissions on climate action, the essay candidates were then shortlisted to thirty-four candidates for Category A (Form 1 to Form 3) and forty-eight candidates for Category B (Form 4 to Form 5).
A total of Sunway Bursaries worth RM190,000 and cash prizes worth RM28,000 were given away to the winners of this year’s English essay competition by Deputy Minister of Education 1, YB Dato’ P. Kamalanathan at the prize giving ceremony in Sunway University. For Category A, the winner Charlene Lim Rui Ying from SMK Infant Jesus Convent (M), Johor, walked away with RM5,000 cash and a Sunway bursary worth RM20,000. For Category B, Ling Vee Nis from SMJK Perempuan China Pulau Pinang clinched the winning prize of RM5,000 cash and a Sunway bursary worth RM20,000. SMK Infant Jesus Convent, Johor took home the special prize of a HP Elitedesk 705 computer for the second year running as the school had the most submissions in the essay writing competition.
Dr Elizabeth Lee, the Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University was present to crown 17-year old Shameena Gill of SMK (P) Methodist, from Ipoh champion for this year’s Public Speaking Competition. Taking home the champion’s individual trophy, a cash prize of RM600, a certificate of commendation from the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia and a full tuition fee waiver for any pre-university programme at Sunway College, Shameena was one of the six finalists who took to the stage to speak confidently and calmly on the chosen topic. Her winning words included “The global education system today is far too focused on standardised text. This approach is great at creating individuals who are intelligent, but has yet to create the kind that helps the society progress in meaningful ways.”
Speaking on behalf of her fellow judges, the Chairperson of the 15th Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia English Language Event Margaret Hall shared that good content along with the champion’s understanding of the difference between intelligence and wisdom distinguished her from the other five finalists. Shameena’s school, SMK(P) Methodist, Ipoh was presented with the Challenge trophy.
No 3 Jalan SR 3/7, Taman Serdang Raya 4, Seksyen 343300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Winners of the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia 15th English Language Event: Public Speaking Competition 2017
Winners of the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia Essay Writing competition with YB Dato’ P. Kamalanathan, Tan Sri Razman Hashim, Dr Elizabeth Lee, judges and management staff of Sunway Education Group
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FINDING YOUR BUOY
At graduation for the Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) June 2017 cohort, a total 254 students took to the stage to receive the Ontario Secondary School Diplomas (OSSD), with 131 receiving the Ontario Scholar Award and 37 earning the Community Service Award.
From Shanghai, China, Peng Xinyi took home the Governor General’s Medal for Academic Achievement, the Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship, the Jeffrey Cheah Scholastic Award and Subject Award for International Business Fundamentals. The Community Service Award recipient this year was Low Kai Jie who contributed 263 volunteer hours and the Maple Leaf Award was given to Swarna Laxmi Selvaraja.
The valedictorian representing the June 2017 cohort was 18-year old Eirene Smith who was born in Texas, United States of America. Having lived in India with her family for 12 years before moving to Malaysia in 2016, Eirene spoke about the time of transition, of stepping into the unknown and asking her fellow graduates to find something to hold onto in their next phase of life.
In her own words, she said, “That buoy or life raft, provided you hold onto it, will help you keep your head above water when you find yourself floundering in anocean of obligations. For me, the buoy that kept me floating this year was my faith. Maybe your buoy is faith, but maybe it’s your family or friends. Whatever it might be, cling to it and don’t let it go. The crashing ocean waves will pass and you will get to the other side, safe.”
Tipping her figurative hat off to those CIMP students who were able to complete six subjects in one and a half semesters, Eirene was happy to share that all of them graduating from this cohort had achieved Level 4+ in terms of activities. Together, this June 2017 cohort had arranged and attended two Talent Nights, performed in two Open Mics, won the ‘Ultrabowl’ last October and took part in the ‘Superbowl’ in April. Having participated in four spirit weeks and six spirit days over the course of the last two semesters plus party at Prom, their achievements included sending a team to the 24 Hour Race to raise awareness for human trafficking. They also raised over RM2,000 for the Manna House, raised over RM10,000 for a school in Pahang and attained over 6,000 hours of community service.
Guests at the graduation ceremony included Her Excellency Judith St George, High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia; Puan Sri Datin Seri (Dr) Susan Cheah, EXCO member of Sunway Group; Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University; Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University; Cheng Mien Wee, Director of Pre-University Studies at Sunway College and Executive Director of Sunway International School; and Bill Ironside, Director of the Canadian International Matriculation Programme at Sunway College.
PREPARING FOR UNIVERSITY LIFE
A student ambassador and a recipient of the Sunway College Special Scholarship, 19-year old Koh Mei Quen from Kajang joined the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons) at Sunway University in March 2017.
Prior to her degree pursuit, the Foundation in Science and Technology (FIST) at Sunway College was Mei Quen’s choice. The FIST helped her prepare for university life. Learning to think critically and form her own opinions proved to be a challenge for Mei Quen but she enjoyed the equal integration of coursework and examinations in FIST programme.
Learning to be comfortable communicating in English as a result of the FIST programme, Mei Quen remembers the fun stuff during classes like quizzes, games, watching videos and television shows. For her, the most interesting thing was learning how to code and make simple applications during programming classes.
The kind and friendly lecturers along with the clean and comfortable environment in Sunway has proven to be a great study experience for Mei Quen. She would like to advise future FIST students not to stress too much, try your best and to enjoy your time in the programme.
For the next step of her journey in Sunway University, Mei Quen is looking forward to the sense of accomplishment when she sees the lines of code transform into a working programme.
The youngest of two sisters, Mei Quen plays the piano, the violin, and a little bit of the guitar. Having participated in the Sunway University Ensemble as a pianist during her time in the FIST, Mei Quen learnt to cooperate with the other musicians in the ensemble and follow the lead of the conductor to produce good music. She intends to continue learning to cooperate, to listen well with her future group members as she learns the essential techniques required to produce quality software in her undergraduate studies.
Due to complete her Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in 2020, Mei Quen hopes to be happy and successful in her life endeavours.
(From left: Cheng Mien Wee, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Swarna Laxmi Selvaraja, Eirene Smith, Her Excellency Judith St George, Puan Sri Susan Cheah and Professor Graeme Wilkinson
Peng Xinyi with Her Excellency Judith St George
Low Kai Jie with Dr Elizabeth Lee
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MENTORING FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
Having completed her Masters in 2006, Lenny has maintained ties with the Sunway Education Group by volunteering for the Sunway Mentoring Programme which she found out through an ex-VUMBA classmate. She was motivated to participate in the programme as she herself was a beneficiary from many mentors in both her career and personal life. She did not hesitate knowing how mentorship can guide and direct power, energy and dreams of especially the young ones to good decisions with the aid of self-actualisation so that they can have better success in their career and personal life.
Lenny has received acknowledgement for being the Top 3 finalists for International Outstanding Alumni of Victoria University and for being one of the 25 outstanding Alumni.
As a mentor in the Sunway Mentoring Programme, Lenny has worked with seven girls who have all majored in Finance or Accounting degree programmes. In her role as their mentor, she has tried to awaken, support, advise and be a friend to each of them for the six-month duration of the Mentoring Programme. The sessions would often take place after their afternoon classes on campus and when she is on her way home after a day in the office. She tries to offer them practical advice on soft skills like communications, decision making, problem solving, team work, leadership, self-management, people management and office related matters based on her own personal experience and case studies. She loves to share with them the “JOHARI Window” theory, so they may learn to know others and their own selves better.
For Lenny, the mentoring programme is an opportunity for her to reflect on her own experiences and helping her mentees change, becoming more confident by the end of the mentoring sessions. She gains a very wonderful feeling in helping her young ones to better themselves for success in their careers and their personal lives.
“Most gratifying is to see how they have changed and become more confident people with higher self-esteem at the end of the session. Those skills learnt during the mentoring programme also help the mentees apply what they have learned immediately during their internship with any Big Four companies, how they overcome the problems and work politics by themselves and become stronger people.”
In helping students and youths, Lenny hopes to help those “young and silent ones’ who are struggling silently with own problems, going through depression, and not knowing where to get help. She is also particularly concerned about cyber bullies, school bullies or workplace bullies. “The mentoring programme has given me another opportunity to give back to the community and to do more good thus fulfilling my individual social responsibility toward the community,” said Lenny.
Her time spent in mentoring has also changed Lenny for the better. According to her, she has better soft skills and a greater understanding of how to deal with the younger executives and interns at work. Her mentoring role has taught Lenny to be more aware about walking the talk and becoming a good role model herself.
In any circumstance in life, Lenny reminds her mentees to always remember three things – family, ethics and lifelong learning.
Having worked in Sin Chew Media Group for more than 18 years, Lenny Chiah enjoys using the marketing skills she acquired offline to the digital platforms she is now working on. A former graduate of the Victoria University Master of Business Administration (VUMBA) at Sunway College, Lenny remembers acquiring practical skills in leadership, teamwork and presentation during her time in the programme. The group studies, the difficult discussions, the knowledge sharing and camaraderie with her classmates were some of the highlights of her time spent in the VUMBA programme.
For those who intend to pursue their Masters, Lenny would advise them to look for the programme design, a conducive environment, quality lecturers plus great facilities and amenities before making their choice.
MORE THAN JUST ACADEMICSMarking the eighteenth year of MUFY at Sunway College Kuala Lumpur, the graduating July 2017 cohort of the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) comprising 400 students are joining a growing MUFY community of 12,000 strong. In celebrating their months of hard work, commitment and perseverance, invited guests, lecturers, parents, family and friends were present to witness the academic and social achievements made by the MUFY graduates of Sunway College at the MUFY Graduation ceremony.
Supporting the students in their endeavours to pursue academic success, the lecturers have worked very hard to uphold the MUFY academic standards. In terms of academic numbers, approximately 115 graduating students made themselves available for Monash University scholarship awards as they achieved an average High Distinction score of at least 80%. Another 28 students achieved an average score of 89% and above, enabling them to receive the Monash University High Achiever Awards. Out of the 22 MUFY subject awards available for the highest possible scores amongst worldwide MUFY providers, this cohort swept 17 of these awards. The MUFY Excellence Award was given to Jasmine Chiam Wan Ern as she achieved an outstanding average score of 97.25%.
Helping to make the MUFY programme more than just academics and awards, the orientation camps, the Spartan Run, the Talent Quest and the MUFY Games were some of the events successfully managed by the MUFY Student Council.
This year’s MUFY Games had 800 participants, which included students from other programmes and is a reflection of the students’ choice to be inclusive and involved with the world outside of MUFY.
With the overall MUFY philosophy focused on instilling a set of vital attributes in the students, the graduating class chose to respond to the needs around them in a meaningful and tangible way. The MUFY SHARITY Carnival was used as a platform to raise funds to create employment for the visually impaired at Dialogue in the Dark and some of the students also chose to serve the street people of Kuala Lumpur by helping out at the Pertiwi Soup Kitchen.
Working to make their community a better place has had MUFY students learning skills like how to think creatively, develop enterprise skills and engage in effective teamwork. Lee Thye Cheong, Director of MUFY hopes the graduating cohort will bring this commitment, spirit and will to make the most of their lives to the next stage of their pursuits in Monash University.
MUFY Excellence Award recipient - Jasmine Chiam Wan Ern with Dr Elizabeth Lee
MUFY Excellence Award recipients
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PURSUING HIS PASSION FOR MATHEMATICS
Kin Aun got an honourable mention at the 2014 IMO competition in South Africa and he won the bronze medal at the 2015 IMO held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. His training and experience at the IMO helped him bagged the Grand Prix Award and a gold medal at the Kangaroo Math Competition (KMC) in 2016. He also brought home the bronze award at the 2016 IMO held in Hong Kong and that year, Kin Aun was the only representative from Sunway College representing Malaysia with five others from Penang, Malacca, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
His Olympiad Mathematics training helped him a lot during his A-Level as he focused on understanding the theories behind Science and Mathematics. Honing his critical thinking skills by solving Olympiad Maths problems and flipping through A-Level past year questions, he learnt the expected responses. Reminding future A-Level students to keep their studies as their top priority, Kin Aun mentioned that time management and commitment during his studies were important goals for him.
For Kin Aun, Mathematics is fundamental to the Sciences and he intends to pursue his 4-year degree in Mathematics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in September 2017.
Keeping busy before heading to Hong Kong, Kin Aun has been busy juggling roles as a private tutor, coaching the Olympiad Mathematics Club in his former high school, lecturing juniors on Tuesday afternoons, teaching in a tuition centre and conducting Olympiad Mathematics class for Standard 6 and Form 1 students every Saturday night.
Head facilitator for the IMO workshops in March this year followed by lecturing at the IMO workshops in April, Kin Aun has mentioned he will probably help out in the final IMO Top 6 intensive training. Hoping to continue his postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom or the United States of America, Kin Aun intends to go into researching Maths theories or lecture with IMO Training.
Although former Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia Bursary (KPM) scholar Tan Kin Aun achieved Top in the World for Cambridge International AS Level in Mathematics and Physics in the June 2016 examination, he was very surprised to get the Best Across 3 Subjects Awards in the November 2016 Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Kin Aun achieved 4A* for Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
With Further Mathematics his favourite subject and Mr Lee Lip Seong his favourite lecturer, Kin Aun still found learning the whole Further Mathematics syllabus in two semesters challenging even for a past International Mathematical Olympian.
Formerly from SMJK Chung Ling Butterworth, his involvement with the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) began in 2011. Selected into the top 40, Kin Aun participated in various IMO training camps provided by PERSAMA (Persatuan Sains dan Matematik) and UKM Permata Pintar. According to Kin Aun, his time in the IMO camps had everyone discussing Mathematics all the time and that they had to attend a mind setting camp to prepare for the IMO.
RM1 MILLION PLEDGE TO TEACH FOR MALAYSIA
The Sunway-TFM Scholarship aims to provide students nurtured by Teach for Malaysia (TFM) an opportunity to pursue quality tertiary education at Sunway College and Sunway University. With the recent pledge of RM 1 million from Sunway Education Group (SEG), deserving and underprivileged students are able to pursue quality education beyond secondary school.
Under the auspices of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF), the Scholarship includes full tuition fee and all general fees, and covers the progression of the students’ studies from Sunway foundation, certificate and diploma right up to bachelor degree programmes.
Helping to address the issue of education inequity in the country, TFM is an independent, non-for-profit organisation with a mission to empower the nation through education. Since the signing of the 2012 corporate partnership with TFM, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation has contributed a total RM450,000 to assist TFM in achieving its mission to reduce the gap of secondary school education inequity between rural and urban schools.
In his speech, Dzameer Zulkifli, Co-founder and Managing Director of Teach For Malaysia, mentioned SEG and TFM share similar values and missions when it comes to education, the nurturing of wisdom and commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). Not just advocating students to further their studies for the country’s economic development, both SEG and TFM are associating education studies with changing the world and not just as a method to secure a job, according to Dzameer.
Present at this momentous cheque presentation ceremony were Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway UNiversity; Professor Pua Eng Chong, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University; Lee Siok Ping, Director of Student LIFE, SEG; Foo Shiang Wyne, Chief Human Resource Officer, Sunway Group; Chua Li Wen, Partnership Development, TFM; Ida Thien, Alumni Impact Team, TFM and Connie Foong, CEO of the Close the Gap initiative under TFM.
The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation provides scholarships and awards to thousands of deserving students. With a total of RM270 million disbursed to-date, the list of recipients grows as the Foundation strives to provide more students with opportunities for a better and brighter future.
From left: Chua Li Wen, Connie Foong, Ida Thien, Dzameer Zulkifli, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Lee Siok Ping and Soo Ee Sarn, Manager, Scholarship and Student Support, Student LIFE, SEG
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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
University; Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University; Dr Lee Weng Keng, CEO, Education and Healthcare Division, Sunway Group.
As part of the Excellence in Education celebration, 30 Sunway alumni were present for a meet and greet session with Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO. Selected in recognition of their business achievements, talent and exemplary contributions to the community and to the Group, these 30 Stars of Sunway included Chow Shenn Kuan.
A third-year student of the BSc (Hons) in Business Studies at Sunway University, Shenn Kuan is an alumna of the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) programme of Sunway College. Her largest takeaways from the esteemed Sunway management is humility, to always learn, and to give back to society.
“Truly humbled and honoured to be nominated as one of the 30 Stars of Sunway, I could not have been prouder to call this prestigious institution my alma mater. Over the span of my 4 years here, SEG has developed tremendously and I shared in this growth. The milestones have included the newest building of the university, the first Harvard-affiliated camp organised on Sunway campus and the world’s largest annual conference on Southeast Asia held for the first time in Sunway University, outside of the University of Oxford. I believe that in no time, SEG will attain its goal of being the Harvard of the East,” shared Shenn Kuan.
Joining in the 30th anniversary celebration was Lee Siok Ping, Director of Student LIFE, who has been with the company for almost 30 years. Having joined in1998, she has seen the Group grow and she along with it. Describing her job at Sunway as one that is purpose driven, she believes in Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah’s dream and vision of giving back to the community through education. Lee who initiated the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) Community Scholarship 15 years ago mentioned that the JCF and SEG have come a long way in influencing and impacting lives.
Expressing his vision of Sunway Education Group (SEG) being the Harvard of the East at the recent 30th anniversary celebration, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO, Founding Trustee of JCF and Chancellor of Sunway University shared this joyous occasion with a huge crowd comprising of students, staff and invited guests. The guests included Tan Sri Razman M. Hashim and Tan Sri Dr Ramon Navaratnam, Pro Chancellors of Sunway University; Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice-Chancellor of Sunway
At the celebration, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO took the opportunity to thank all staff, students and alumni for their support throughout the years. Formed three decades ago with the belief and understanding that education is vital to the progress of the country, SEG has grown leaps and bounds with a total of 16 institutions today including Sunway University, Sunway College, Sunway International School, Monash University Malaysia and the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Owned and governed by the JCF, Malaysia’s largest education-focused social enterprise, SEG is imbued with the guiding principles of giving to society through education. The JCF has disbursed more than RM270 million in scholarships to thousands of deserving students and the amount grows exponentially as the Foundation strives to provide more students with opportunities for a better and brighter future.
A stalwart supporter of the nation’s education goals, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO aims to ensure sustainable quality education for the present and future generations of students. He has pledged to disburse RM1 billion in scholarships in his lifetime and this year, in celebrating SEG’s 30th anniversary, the Foundation has pledged to award RM57 million more in scholarships in 2017.
In aiming towards becoming the country’s international education hub, Sunway University has been collaborating with world renowned institutions. Through partnerships and collaborations with world-class institutions such as Lancaster University and Le Cordon Bleu International, the University offers holistic education with international recognition. Academic collaborations with University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Harvard University have also paved the way and opened doors for academic and cultural exchanges within Sunway University and the other institutions under SEG. Through these collaborations, students and staff gain international exposure and learn from world renowned professionals without having to leave Malaysia.
A carnival like atmosphere on the campus football field had the huge crowd of students, staff and invited guests enjoying the live performances of Sunway’s Got Talent 2017 contestants and Magical Mahdi Moudini. The evening ended on a high note as a projection mapping show highlighting the Group’s 30-year journey brought to life the milestones of Sunway Education Group since 1987.
From left: Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Dr Lee Weng Keng, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Tan Sri Razman Hashim and Tan Sri Dr Ramon Navaratnam at the 30th Anniversary celebration
Chow Shenn Kuan (seated 6th from left) together with Lee Siok Ping (seated 5th from left) and some of the 30 Stars of Sunway at the meet and greet session with Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO, Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Dr Lee Weng Keng, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Tan Sri Razman Hashim and Tan Sri Dr Ramon Navaratnam
Lee Siok Ping, almost 30 years with SEG
Chow Shenn Kuan, one of the 30 Stars of Sunway
The early years
Today
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Having achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) 4.0, Liz received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award and a Certificate of Excellence. On a full scholarship, she plans to pursue her BSc (Hons) in Psychology at Sunway University.
Representing the FIA cohort at graduation, Siah Ren Jun @ Raphael John C. Siah received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Introduction to Mass Communication and a Certificate of Appreciation for his contributions to enriching student life in the FIA. Speaking on the transformation of their thought processes, their personalities and their outlooks, Ren Jun speaks of his classmates and his time in the FIA as a time to recognise the value of teamwork, responsibilities and building trust.
Giving back to the community is now a defining value ingrained into their mind sets. Carrying this mind set forward into their golden years, Ren Jun and his fellow classmates learnt about the challenges and difficulties present in today’s society when they documented their humanity project in the FIA. Ren Jun is to pursue the BA (Hons) in Communication at Sunway University.
Having achieved a CGPA 4.0, FIA graduate Kong Li Kuan was awarded the Certificate of Excellence, the Vice-Chancellor’s Subject Award for Enrichment Electives and Introduction to Advertising. On a full scholarship, Li Kuan is to pursue either a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance or BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Studies at Sunway University.
Celebrating their big day in the presence of lecturers, parents, family and friends, 167 Foundation in Arts (FIA) and 20 Foundation In Science and Technology (FIST) students graduated from the one year foundation programme in July recently. Present to share this momentous occasion with the graduates were Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University; Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University; Dr Khatijah Khalid, Chief Executive Officer, Sunway College; Cheng Mien Wee, Director, Pre-U Studies, Sunway College and Executive Director, Sunway International School; and Ruma Lopes, Assistant Director, Pre-University Studies, Sunway College.
Representing the FIST cohort at graduation, Liz Diana Mohamad Roslan never imagined the day when she would stand in front of a hall full of people to speak about her experiences in FIST. Finding FIST comprehensive due to the subjects on offer and the lecturers involved, Liz was initially intimidated by having to do assignments which required building models, putting up exhibitions and giving presentations. With equal emphasis on examinations and assignments, FIST has helped her develop soft skills, moulding her into a more well-rounded person.
Learning through traditional and non-traditional methods like playing games and watching television programmes with her classmates, Liz shared the most important lessons were the life lessons from the lecturers and the true value of knowledge beyond taking examinations.
TRUE VALUE OF KNOWLEDGE ONE WAY TICKET TO AUSTRALIA A former Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) programme student, 20-year old Rubia Lina Mahadza Kamal from Kuantan has always wanted to go to Australia to study. Having been awarded the Malaysia Global Leaders Scholarship by the University of Queensland, Australia, Rubia is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Economics there.
The weightage of 50/50 in AUSMAT allowed her not to worry about the final examination but to think about constant change and adapting to the programme. Although AUSMAT was stressful for Rubia, she learnt to be responsible and make decisions for herself. Believing herself to be an average person, her time in AUSMAT has shown Rubia that she has the potential to fly above any storm like an eagle.
Her most enjoyable times in AUSMAT were found sitting in the foyer in between classes or even after classes. Chatting to her friends along with seeing her lecturers walk past to have that “outside class” relationship with the students gave Rubia the support system and encouragement to gain her place on campus in theUniversity of Queensland. The best bits of AUSMAT for her turned out to be the lifelong friendships she made with her peers and her lecturers.
The former student of SMK Tengku Afzan in Pahang, Rubia achieved a 97.45 Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) in the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) examinations. To combat examination stress, Rubia studied more and knew she was prepared for her examinations. Having completed and read her manuals at least five times over, Rubia used the examination weeks to draw mind maps which aided her in defining and not mixing up the theories.
Two days before the Business Management and Enterprise paper, the first examination for WACE, Rubia shared that she had a meltdown. To help Rubia take her mind off her studies before that first examination, her mother drove 3 hours from Kuantan to Selangor to spend that time before the examination with Rubia. They went shopping, eating and watching movies.
Having started her programme in July this year at the University of Queensland, Rubia looks forward to enjoying her time there, finding the balance between work and play. Hoping to secure a job in Australia or anywhere else in the world, Rubia explained that her future job will be essential to helping her support her family as her parents get older.
Liz Diana Mohamad Roslan with her parents
Raenuga Indran, who graduated from the FIST programme with a high distinction with her mother, aunt and niece is pursuing the BSc (Hons) Psychology at Sunway University in August 2017
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REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICSOrganised by Sunway College annually, the A-Level Maths and Logic Challenge aims to promote excellence in mathematics amongst secondary school students. Currently in its eleventh edition, the participants came from Penang, Johor, Perak, Malacca, Kedah, Pahang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan.
After two rounds of intense competition, the winning schools were Catholic High School, Petaling Jaya in third place, Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International) in second place and emerging champions for the Sunway College A-Level Maths and Logic Challenge was Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur.
The champions, Desmond Giam and Sew Qian Hong of Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur walked away as champions. Each won a full Sunway College A-Level bursary and or a Sunway University degree bursary worth RM48,000 for studies in Actuarial Studies, Financial Analysis or Financial Economics, a certificate of commendation and an individual trophy. As a team, they received the Challenge Trophy and a cash prize of RM800 for their school.
As the second prize winners, Kimberley Tan Hui Ru and Philip Lee Hann Yung of Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International) each took home a Sunway College A-Level Bursary worth RM16,000 and or a Sunway University degree bursary worth RM36,000 for studies in Actuarial Studies, Financial Analysis or Financial Economics, a certificate of commendation and individual trophy. They also won a cash prize of RM600 for their school.
As the third prize winners, Lim Ming Yean and Wong Yong Han from Catholic High School, Petaling Jaya each took home a Sunway College A-Level bursary worth RM12,000 and or a Sunway University degree bursary with RM24,000 for studies in Actuarial Studies, Financial Analysis or Financial Economics, a certificate of commendation and an individual trophy each, and a cash prize of RM500 for their school.
Present to give away the prizes to the winners, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University congratulated the participants for taking up the challenge and doing their very best. She took the opportunity to thank the parents and teachers for their support of the A-Level Maths and Logic Challenge.
The eldest amongst three siblings from Tangkak in Johor, 24-year old Tan Wen Liang’s route through Monash University in Malaysia will take him a total of nine years to complete his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. Having initiated his journey in Monash University, Wen Liang started in July 2011 with the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) then continued on to a 4-year undergraduate programme at Monash University, Malaysia campus.
In late 2016, Wen Liang took home an award as the Overall Best Graduate in Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) at the Monash Graduation ceremony. Being one of four students to gain the most outstanding undergraduate academic performances in the November 2016 graduation class, he has been given a full scholarship via the Monash International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (MIPRS) to pursue his 3-year Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering in Australia. His research doctorate at Monash University on the Clayton Campus will have him conducting research into improving solar cell efficiency and promoting renewable energy.
Having his parents instil in all of their children that knowledge is key to their future and that learning is a neverending journey, Wen Liang began his journey with Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY). Wen Liang explained that the Report Project in the English unit provided him the skills in report writing while the Advanced Mathematics units provided the foundation to easily undertake the first year Engineering Mathematics unit in Monash University. MUFY trained him academically and mentally to get into the Monash University environment in Malaysia.
Wen Liang then chose to pursue Chemical Engineering due to his interest in converting raw materials into finished products through various processes. For him, the most challenging part of the Bachelor of Engineering programme was communicating and working with members for group work or assignments. From brainstorming of the ideas, discussions on the job scope of each group member, job execution to the submission of
THROUGH MONASH UNIVERSITY, FROM MALAYSIA TO AUSTRALIA
the assignment within the given time frame, Wen Liang learnt to be independent and skilful. His hard work paid off when he became one of the four graduates from Monash University Malaysia to take home an award for his academic efforts.
Wen Liang is happy his time spent in Monash University has given him the opportunity to get to know more people from other countries and helped him to widen his circle of friends and professionals. Looking forward to his PhD experience in Melbourne, Wen Liang hopes to revolutionise the solar cell industry and to discover more about the culture of Australia.
Champions Sew Qian Hong (2nd from left) and Desmond Giam of Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur with their teacher Low Meng Wha and Dr Elizabeth Lee
Winners of the Sunway College A-Level Maths and Logic Challenge 2017 with Sunway College A-Level teachers and management team
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TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION WINS THE DAYThe Sunway TES Centre for Accountancy Excellence (CAE), Sunway College recently hosted the third Nurturing Business Champions (NBC) competition. The competition which aims to help develop students’ skills in effective communication, emotional intelligence and critical thinking had a total of 305 students from the Diploma in Professional Accounting, Certified Accounting Technician (CAT), and Certificate in Finance Accounting and Business (CFAB) taking part in the preliminary round.
The top five teams from this preliminary round then advanced into the final round. Twenty-three students used this as a platform to display their innovative products and services. For this competition, team DIA came in third and took home RM4,000 in cash. The team comprising group leader Goh Zhou Sheann, Ng Zhi Qian, Ng Han Qi, Melaine Mok Zi Qing and Nurin Syahirah Ishma Osman developed and presented a smart wallet device they called DIA. This device offers its users a cashflow auto detector that works closely with an application that comes with the device.
Thanking their lecturer, Kwong Lai Cheng for providing them with abundant support and guidance throughout the competition, the second prize winning team took home RM6,000 in cash. Led by
Ravena Jazmine Kavi Rao, this all-girls’ team comprising Lee Suen, Clarissa Foo Xin Syuen and Tay Hui Zhen came up with “Wow! Kit”. A cosmetic product which consists of “Wow! Liner”, a pencil eyeliner with iron powder and “Wow! Lashes”, a lash band made of magnetic sheet, their business idea enables consumers to apply eyelashes without the use of any form of glue.
Calling it a great experience, Ravena mentioned the experience benefited the team as it gave them real insights into the business world. “It made us realise starting up a company from scratch is very difficult but we learnt so much about the cosmetics industry, its potential and the work and planning required to produce just one product,” said the 18-year-old student.
The four members of Team Vib! took home the RM8,000 cash prize. The champions of the Nurturing Business Champions Challenge took three weeks to prepare their business proposal as their initial business proposal was considered not viable. Jack Ng Wei Lun, Low Sindy, Jessica Ngan Keh Jinn and Tey Hsien Chyi finally presented the idea of an electronic device which uses vibration detection and sonar technology to transform any hard surface into a smart interface (touch screen).
As explained by their group leader, Jack, “We wanted to create an environment where users can control and manage everything as they wish. There are many technologies and innovations available but with these, users still need rely on screens or certain devices which might not be convenient or user-friendly,” said Jack.
A VOLUNTEER FOR CHANGE
advises them to enjoy every moment, take chances and to jump at opportunities given.
From living just a few minutes away from Sunway College in Subang Jaya with his parents and sister, Kai Jie hopes to pursue a future involving film production or talent management.
For the moment, he intends to take a gap year before applying himself to a further four years of study in the United States of America.
Former President of the Sunway College Student Council, Low Kai Jie counts his year in the Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) in Sunway College as a complete experience. With different and unique activities part of the CIMP programme, Kai Jie spent 263 hours volunteering for the 24 Hour Race KL, Leo Club of Sunway Metro, Zoo Negara and other CIMP volunteering opportunities.
Awarded the Outstanding Community Service Award for the June 2017 cohort, he helped with the planning and materialising of each community project. Running around and making sure things are in order to garner the maximum impact for every project completed, Kai Jie’s best volunteering experience was the visit to the old folks’ home. An eye-opening experience for him, it allowed him to see how life can treat a person as time passes by. The immense feeling of satisfaction he receives from smiles on the faces he has helped is motivation for him to continue volunteering.
The greatest challenge for him proved to be the juggling of his time between his final examinations and his involvement in extra-curricular activities outside of CIMP which included his role as the President of Sunway College Student Council, Treasurer of Leo Club and Deputy Director of Business Development for the 24 Hour Race KL. Although stressed during that time, he credits his amazing friends for their help and support with his studies.
Kai Jie learnt about empathy as people from different backgrounds and different stories were brought together in the CIMP. Very different from his days spent in secondary school, Kai Jie chose to challenge himself and venture into a new environment. Proud to be a student of Sunway College, Kai Jie credits the focus and the opportunities given to helping students like him grow in CIMP. For future students of CIMP, Kai Jie
Team Vib!, Champion of the NBC 2017 From left: Jessica Ngan Keh Jinn, Low Sindy, Tey Hsien Chyi, Teo Ee Sing, Jack Ng Wei Lun and Kwong Lai Cheng, lecturer of Sunway TES CAE
First runner-up Team FanTEStic; Tay Hui Zhen, Clarissa Foo Xin Syuen, Lee Suen, Ravena Jazmine Kavi Rao
Second runner-up Team DIA; Ng Zhi Qian, Goh Zhou Sheann, Melaine Mok Zi Qing, Nurin Syahirah Ishma Osman and Ng Han Qi
- MOVERS & SHAKERS - - SOCIAL REPORT -
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A CLEAN SWEEP OF VU BUSINESS CHALLENGE TOP PRIZES BY JIT SIN HIGH SCHOOL
An annual competition organised to test students on intellect, logic, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills, the Victoria University (VU) Business Challenge 2017 by Sunway College was held this year in early July. Open to students from Chinese Independent Schools nationwide, the judges for the finals were Leong Hoo-Yin, Founder of Espresso Lab; Lee Thye Cheong, Director of Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) programme, Sunway College and Wong Lei Lei, Director of Marketing, Sunway Education Group.
The final five teams were selected from the twenty with the best business proposals. Each team were allocated a booth to display their prototype and a chance to present their ideas to judges. Judged on their business ideas, prototype, advertising and pitch, the teams were tested on their ability to think on their feet and their answers during the question and answer session in the final presentation.
‘ET Studio’ from Chung Hwa Middle School, Port Dickson took home the ‘Best Advertisement Award’. Teams ‘UnIce’ and ‘Interspace’ from Kuen Cheng High School, Kuala Lumpur took home the consolation prizes.
Three teams from Jit Sin Independent High School, Bukit Mertajam made a clean sweep of the top three prizes. The ‘Most Innovative Idea’ award was also given to the Second Runner-Up team comprising Effie Chow Wan Xin, Goh Shuen Zee, Lim Yeechen and Lai Hong Wei. Their proposal, ‘MedInTime’ is a real-time hospital mobile application system which helps users with their doctor’s appointments. The winners each received bursaries worth RM24,000 each for further studies in the VU Undergraduate Programme, individual trophies, Certificates of Commendation, and RM600 cash prize.
Addressing the prevalent issue of dirty toilets and toilet seats, the First Runner-Up team comprising Lee Zhi Yang, Seow Xin Wei, Sin Yih Xuan and Sim Shan Hoe presented the idea of an antibacterial toilet seat cover with a touch of humour. Their proposal, ‘Bum Bum’ had them taking home bursaries worth RM30,000 each for further studies in the VU Undergraduate Programme, individual trophies, Certificates of Commendation and RM800 cash prize.
The winning team’s business proposal ‘Parkiee Sdn Bhd’ is an e-parking coupon system which offers a solution to parking problems. Modelled for drivers in Penang where the parking coupons vary according to location or area, the team’s mobile application system is intended to save users the inconvenience of purchasing various parking coupons and having to remember which coupons are valid for which particular area. The system aims to be hassle free, environment friendly, cost and time effective.
Champions Chan Jia Le, Gavin Lee Jin Xiang, Tan Hui Yi and Low Qiao Rou of ‘Parkiee Sdn Bhd’ won themselves bursaries worth RM45,000 each to pursue further studies in the VU Undergraduate Programme at Sunway College, individual trophies, Certificates of Commendation, RM1,000 cash prize and the Challenge Trophy for their school.
A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES FOR
JCF COMMUNITY SCHOLARS
Over lunch one Saturday morning, current Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) Community scholars welcomed new scholars to the Sunway campus. The Community Scholarship was first offered in 2002 and has disbursed RM10 million to-date, benefitting over 185 deserving scholars.
Each year, 20 JCF Community Scholars are selected from disadvantaged backgrounds and given the opportunity to pursue tertiary education at Sunway College and Sunway University. Hoping to encourage, support and motivate the scholars in their respective journeys, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of the Sunway Education Group and Sunway University encouraged the new scholars to step out of their comfort zone and seek opportunities to broaden their outlook.
In welcoming these scholars to the campus, Dr Lee mentioned, “With the world moving at an incredibly fast pace, JCF scholars are expected to challenge themselves and to push boundaries in acquiring new skills for the future.”
Present at the gathering were Lee Siok Ping, Director of Student LIFE, Sunway Education Group; Jane Poh, Administrator of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and Wong Young Soon, Executive Director of Malaysian Care. Amongst the JCF Community scholars present were Soo Joo Xing, Raymond Aw and Joey Nelson.
From Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 21-year old Joey is headed into his second year of the Diploma in Information Technology. From a family of eight siblings, Joey intends to continue on in Sunway in the degree programme as he likes the culture and environment at Sunway.
Raymond is in his second year of the BSc (Hons) in International Hospitality Management at Sunway University whereas Soo Joo Xing is pursuing the Diploma in Information Technology. JCF scholar, Priscilla Sugumar who is currently in her final year of the BSc (Hons) in Information Systems (Business Analytics) at Sunway University was present to share her story with the new community scholars too.
“This scholarship has paved the way to a world of possibilities for me in the future. A chance to improve my life and that of my family, I now have the opportunity to secure a good job and prospects of my faring well will increase”, explained Priscilla whose family could not afford to fund her tertiary education.
Being a scholar has challenged her commitment, helping her to reshape her priorities and goals in life. The lecturers have been an inspiration to Priscilla, as not only do they drive her to reach for the stars, but they really believe in her. Priscilla believes that Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah’s good work of aiding students who cannot afford college education has the potential to impact the people who come into contact with the scholarship recipients.
An opportunity to be a blessing to the people around her, Priscilla is certain she will be successful in her endeavours as a result of her education in Sunway, the motivation from her family, lecturers, peers and her belief that God is with her. She hopes to contribute a part of her future finances toward helping the community in various ways.
The JCF strives to provide more students with opportunities for a better and brighter future and to date, has disbursed a total of RM270 million.
Champions from Jit Sin Independent High School, Bukit Mertajam team ‘Parkiee’ (from left) Gavin Lee Jin Xiang, Low Qiao Rou with Nyong Chye Loon their teacher advisor, Greeja Hemalata De Silva, Director of VU Undergraduate Programme at Sunway College; Tan Hui Yi and Chan Jia Le
Team ‘Bum Bum’
Team ‘MedInTime’
Joey Nelson
Raymond Aw with Soo Joo Xing
Priscilla Sugumar with her sister Pamela
