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CONTENTS ENJOYING EFFORTLESS EXCELLENCE Face To Face The Sunway Education Group Starting end of February, 03 Enjoying Effortless Excellence Ng Jee Hong is pursuing a 04 Volunteering Is Its Own Reward No. 2, Jalan Universiti Bachelor of Design majoring in 06 I Heart NYU 47500 Darul Ehsan Architecture at the Melbourne 08 A Platform For Learning And School of Design, the University Earning Ideas T: 603-5638 7176 of Melbourne. A Monash Reinvent To Create 12 E: [email protected] University Foundation Year New Beginnings sunway.edu.my/college (MUFY) alumnus, Jee Hong 14 Teaching Is My Life! plans to pursue a Master of Making A Difference In The Lives T: 603-7491 8622 Architecture for another 2 Of Others E: [email protected] years after completing his 15 In The Pacific Northwest sunway.edu.my/university Bachelor of Design. Malaysia 10 Victoria University Homecoming T: 603-5514 6000 E: [email protected] He thinks Architecture may Movers & Shakers monash.edu.my be the perfect course as he 07 The Big Five Increases enjoys studying concepts Engagement With Students School of Medicine and Health Sciences of physics behind the 13 Adding Colour To Academia T: 603-5514 6000 construction of buildings. At 16 Breeze Or Storm, MUFY E: [email protected] the same time, he will be able Graduates Shine Again med.monash.edu.my to use his ideas to create 17 Starting The Year With Sunway International School structures that excel practically A Great Celebration T: 603-7491 8070 and design-wise. He is very 18 Winning Twice The Most E: [email protected] much looking forward to Outstanding Club And Society sis.sunway.edu.my the classes where he will be 19 Celebrating Excellence Sunway College exposed to a completely T: 607-359 6880 Social Report E: [email protected] different field of knowledge in 05 Sustainable Future Of sunway.edu.my/jb his quest to be an architect. No Wastage Sunway College For Jee Hong, his most 09 Headed Into A Sanctuary T: 605-545 4398 E: [email protected] important takeaway from sunway.edu.my/ipoh the MUFY programme at

Sunway College Sunway College has been his T: 6082-451 221 / 573 251 / 573 252 understanding of “If you enjoy E: [email protected] what you’re doing, you will swck.edu.my excel at it effortlessly.” Sunway-TES Centre for Accountancy Excellence Formerly from Catholic High T: 603-7491 8622 School in Petaling Jaya, he E: [email protected] remembers having spent the sunway.edu.my/college/sunwaytes past twelve plus years as a Sunway International Business school student whose future rested on a single paper at the end of the semester. This paper contributed & Management 90-100% of the final score. When all the topics of the semester are condensed into one final examination, T: 603-7493 7023 E: [email protected] Jee Hong thinks it is quite hard for students like himself to study an entire semester’s worth of knowledge sibm.com.my knowing that testing will be on a tiny portion of what is learnt throughout the whole semester. That meant Shanghai Sunway Financial Training Co. Ltd. students like him ended up taking these exams with a hit-or-miss strategy. 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 T: 603-7491 8622 leading private institution of higher learning is forging ahead towards the next level E: [email protected] For the fair distribution of scores across the internal and external examinations, 18-year old Jee Hong of excellence. sunway.edu.my/college/ssft chose the MUFY programme as his next step. MUFY gave him the option to devise his study schedules to Sunway Le Cordon Bleu Institute of fit his personal preference and he believes the internal exams are what makes MUFY different. He was Advisor : Dr Elizabeth Lee UP2 is published by Sunway College Culinary Arts particularly drawn in by the research project in his English Unit 2 class. According to him, “Being able Editorial & : Jerrine Koay T: 603-5632 1188 Photography Team Katherine Kee Should you have any comments, to actually research and work on your own gives a surprisingly good sense of accomplishment upon E: [email protected] Tan May Ling kindly contact: completion of the research paper. Nothing beats the sensation of slapping down a stack of completed lecordonbleu.com.my Concept & Design : Writers Ink The Public Relations Department papers of your own creation.” Printer : Gloverin Sunway Education Group Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia No.3, Jalan SR 3/7, T: 603-7491 8622 T: 603-7491 8622 For Jee Hong, MUFY was a great choice as he had the freedom to choose whatever subjects suited him Taman Serdang Raya, Seksyen 3, E: [email protected] jci.edu.my 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor www.sunway.edu.my/college whilst having various options available to him after completing his programme. His time in MUFY was a time of personal growth as the frequent tests gave him the responsibility of tracking his own progress throughout the semester, knowing his strengths and weaknesses as a student.

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. 03 - FACE TO FACE - - SOCIAL REPORT -

VOLUNTEERING IS ITS OWN REWARD SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OF NO WASTAGE Applying to Harvard to study biochemical Merging the yearly practice of reducing un-called for disposal of recyclable resources with providing science, Marian Yeow Chee Yen formerly opportunities for the less fortunate is an ideal way for both Sunway College and Rentwise to give back to society. from the Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) believes she reaps more By putting a “no wastage” policy into practice, both Sunway College and Rentwise have taken the initiative than she gives when volunteering. into developing a sustainable future for electronic gadgets. The yearly e-Waste Disposal Campaign where unwanted electronic gadgets are collected via e-Waste collection bins on the Sunway campus has now A Special Scholarship recipient and a grown to include a collaboration with Rentwise. Chemistry tutor to her CIMP peer, Marian was busy juggling her time between her studies and In working together with Rentwise, the IT department of Sunway College has just taken one step forward her activities in CIMP. As former President of into a sustainable future for electronic gadgets. By providing thirty sets of refurbished Dell desktops and LCD the CIMP Choir Club and member of the CIMP monitors to Sekolah Kebangsaan St Mary in , the IT department of Sunway College has helped Basketball Club, Swimming Club and CIMP the school to set up their first computer lab. Dance Club, her time in the programme has changed her perspective of life for the better. Although no longer new, these refurbished computers will enable St Mary students to gain the opportunity She advises future CIMP students to jump right to pick up computing literacy and knowledge for the next three to five years. The maintenance of the in to learn about the different cultures of the computers will be carried out by Rentwise and are expected to perform similarly to new computers. world through interaction with international In boosting St Mary of Kuala Lumpur’s computer-aided learning, these students now have the opportunity to students and the friendly teachers. After class in the main hall expand their knowledge horizons to include access to technology and hopefully a gateway to a brighter future. Marian believes volunteering has helped her discover herself, learn new experiences and explore opportunities. A feel-good boost for her, her two-week volunteer work in Cambodia with the non- governmental organisation, AHHA Education had Marian teaching English to approximately 200 students who had little or no exposure to the language. At times, Marian had to resort to using body language, googling pictures through her phone to explain the meaning of English words.

In dusty Cambodia, Marian witnessed children pulling carts on the unpaved roads and discovered many in her age group who did not have the opportunity to go through formal education. However, they wanted to learn English to get jobs to support their families. Not only did the students progress in acquiring some English but Marian also learnt to dance and make the traditional mango salad dish for a whole community, with the help of her students.

In assisting the teachers in their classes for the Center for Asia Leadership (CAL) Camp: Developing A Successful Personal Brand, Marian stayed in the hostel on campus to help out with the welfare of the campers. Being responsible, working as part of a team and learning the teaching methods of graduates of Launch ceremony of the computer lab The computer lab the Harvard School of Education has taught Marian the value of hard work.

In winning the Harvard Book Prize, Marian who maintained an average academic achievement of 90% and above believes she is one step closer to achieving her dream of studying in Harvard. She hopes to one day become a scientist who mitigates environmental issues through biochemical methods.

Marian (seated front row, 3rd from left) with her students Students trying out the computers

04 05 - FACE TO FACE - - MOVERS & SHAKERS - I HEART NYU Majoring in Chemistry for a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Mathematics at New York University (NYU), 21-year old Liew Khye Borg from Ipoh, Perak is currently pursuing his dreams of studying in New York under a JPA (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam) scholarship.

Following his gut feeling in choosing NYU, Khye Borg is a big Broadway and choir geek. As he wanted to be in a university swarming with talented performers and was excited by the opportunity of being able to learn alongside these performers, Khye Borg spent approximately four months of his A-Level stint applying for SATs, Common Application, essays and sending of transcripts. Roommate and friend Michael Cleary On a Sunway College bursary scholarship during his A-Level stint beginning July 2013, Khye Borg’s favourite subject was Chemistry as he had a natural affinity for the subject. Grateful for the help of his lecturers, Ms Sharon Kong, Ms Loh Hwee Ying and Ms Miki Sung plus the support of his friends during his 18 months at Sunway College, Khye Borg enjoyed his time in A-Level citing, for once you’re with the right people, your college experience will definitely feel a lot more “right”.

Having lived in New York for the past nine months, Khye Borg first enrolled in NYU as a biology major, expecting to only take biology (From Left) Sridharan Nair, Adrian Lee, Lee Soo Fern, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Tan Theng Hooi, and Dato’ Gan Ah Tee courses. Instead, he took a literature class in his first semester for the programme in NYU is very flexible. After two semesters in NYU, Khye Borg chose to major in Chemistry as the connection THE BIG FIVE INCREASES ENGAGEMENT WITH STUDENTS between Chemistry and him was strong. In his own words, ”It is probably because my mum is a Form 6 Chemistry teacher and Taking their commitment to accounting to the next level of advancement, BDO, Deloitte, EY, KPMG and I have been to a number of Chemistry classes in the 9 months PwC have established corporate suites on the Sunway Campus. Launched at the tail end of 2016 by Tan my mum was pregnant with me and teaching chemistry. I could Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, AO, Founder and Chairman of the , Dato’ Gan Ah Tee, Managing also totally imagine myself as a Chemistry teacher, hoping to Partner at BDO; Tan Theng Hooi, Country Managing Partner at Deloitte; Lee Soo Fern, Partner, Malaysia help students who are not too keen on the sciences to see the Talent Leader at EY; Adrian Lee, Audit Partner at KPMG and Sridharan Nair, Managing Partner at PwC beauty in science. Science can be really beautiful when you stop were present for the momentous occasion together with Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of memorising stuff and start appreciating the beauty in it.” Sunway Education Group and Sunway University and Teo Ee Sing, Executive Director of Sunway College.

Finding his programme at NYU very challenging, Khye Borg has “The first to have the big five employers based on campus, our Sunway TES Centre for Accountancy learnt the beauty of knowing more through learning about things Khye Borg Excellence (CAE) students are expected to benefit significantly from these partnerships”, shared Teo Ee Sing. outside his field of interest in Chemistry. Having auditioned for the NYU choral society with the song “Think of Me” from Phantom of By enabling the Big Five managers, directors and partners to engage with students at a higher level, the Opera, Khye Borg was selected into one of the selective choirs students can gain information and insights into the various areas of accounting and finance they might and has given two performances for the public. consider for their future careers. The Big Five human resources representatives are expected to share tips on writing an effective resume, insights on what makes good job interviews and information on the skill Having watched ‘Wicked’ at the Broadway Theatre, visited Times sets required by graduates to be industry ready. A win-win situation, the students at Sunway TES CAE and Square, experienced the Bronx Zoo, passed by the Statue of Sunway University may gain an extra edge in employer-employee relationship as the Big Five are able to Liberty and gone on a trip to Washington DC with international engage with potential talents at an earlier stage. students, Khye Borg’s favourite place is still his dormitory in Manhattan, New York. Since the launch, the Big Five corporate suites have been a hub of activity. “By helping to prepare our students for employment through this partnership with the Big Five, we hope to aid our students in Having a good friend in 18-year old Michael Cleary, his roommate; building industrial knowledge, updating them on what is happening in the industry”, explained Teo. Khye Borg had an accelerated introduction to New York because Michael is a native New Yorker. Respectful to each other as Through collaborations and activities on campus with the Big Five which includes workshops, talks and roommates, both Michael and Khye Borg bonded over how much dialogue sessions with industry experts, Sunway TES CAE hopes to expose students to current relevant they hate travelling and how much they preferred staying in the topics, emerging issues in the market, better insights and a more in-depth understanding of tax, audit room and enjoying their time instead of getting tired travelling and advisory areas related to accounting and finance. With the addition of audit simulations on campus everywhere. reviewed by the Big Five and the Nurture Business Challenge requiring students to present business ideas to a panel made up of the Big Five, Sunway TES CAE is forging ahead in the quest for quality education With a unique singing voice and having New Yorkers seeing this for the students and in providing quality leaders for the Accounting and Finance industry. as his talent has Khye Borg enjoying his time in NYU and he is very much looking forward to gaining exposure in areas other than his studies and the choir. Khye Borg with friends

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A PLATFORM FOR LEARNING AND EARNING IDEAS HEADED INTO A SANCTUARY

Though far from his home in Bharatpur 21, Narayani Nepal; 19-year old Ajnish Ghimire has just recently completed the Foundation in Science and Technology (FIST) programme at Sunway College. Interested in biomedical sciences, Ajnish chose FIST for giving him the capacity to think about science and giving him a foundation of knowledge to work from.

A student ambassador and a Sunway MERCY Malaysia Nepal Earthquake Relief Scholarship recipient, Ajnish found it interesting to be involved in classroom activities that made him speak up in front of people. For him, it was a good platform for learning and earning ideas.

Using his time well in FIST for Ajnish meant using a planner to help him manage his time better and to get the extra mileage from that time. FIST and Sunway College has exposed Ajnish to issues of the world through the international conferences, seminars and talks which has helped him AUSMAT students with their lecturers at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary develop the critical thinking skills he needs.

For future FIST students, Ajnish is of the Classroom learning in Sunway College in the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) programme took an opinion that Sunway is a place where every interesting turn one fine Saturday morning. To aid the group of forty students in understanding the role of student gets a rare opportunity to be a Corporate Social Responsibility and its impact on the environment, AUSMAT lecturer Sangeetha Muniandy pioneer of the world. Sunway has enabled led an excursion to the Krau Wildlife Reserve in Pahang. him to realise who he is and to think of ways As part of their Business Management and Enterprise syllabus, these forty students and their AUSMAT by which he can benefit society. Business Management lecturers began their visit with an introduction to the area followed by a guided Compared to Nepal, Ajnish finds the tour of the nature museum. Aided in their excursion by a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia infrastructure here more developed representative, the students learnt that human activities such as uncontrolled land clearing and poaching which has provided a better quality is one of the leading causes of wildlife extinction. of living in Malaysia. Having visited The jungle trek was next on the agenda. Escorted by a forest ranger, the students played the roles of PetroSains, Malacca, Shah Alam, Port scientists by carrying out water quality testing at a stream. Through this exercise of testing for water Dickson and tried a variety of Malaysian food like roti canai, Chinese chicken rice, nasi lemak and durian pollution, the students had the opportunity to connect various aspects of business to the management juice, Ajnish has yet to discover a favourite Malaysian food. Finding Malaysia a vibrant country, Ajnish has of resources and the impact of business decisions on the environment. By creating an awareness of the learnt to be independent as his interactions in a country foreign to him has enabled him to be open to importance of ethical and environmental considerations when it comes to running businesses, Sangeetha exciting new challenges that he would not have had the opportunity to experience in Nepal. hopes the field trip will aid the students in nurturing the need to protect the environment and at the same With aspirations to work in policy making for public health in Nepal, Ajnish plans to help his country improve their time develop the realisation that businesses should be accountable for giving back to society and not just health index and help the government establish a research institute for Nepal’s future medical students. The 2015 aim for profits. earthquake in Nepal helped Ajnish realise that community health issues are his foremost interest. One of the aims of the Business Management and Enterprise syllabus is to help the students develop Ajnish took a trip back to Nepal for twenty-two days in December 2016 to spend some time with his family. For successful entrepreneurship skills. Ending the day at the Krau Wildlife Reserve with a visit to the Kuala him, “Family are like branches on a tree where we may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.” Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, this field trip was an opportunity for AUSMAT students to understand better the role of Corporate Social Responsibility in the real world. He is now enrolled for the March 2017 intake in Sunway University for a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Medical Biotechnology. He is very much looking forward to learning more about global health issues and getting to Thrilled by the out-of-classroom experience, AUSMAT student Sahadev found the trip educational. The work with senior researchers, professors and students in the programme. hands-on experience at the Krau Wildlife Reserve allowed his peers and himself to broaden their horizons in learning about the importance of wildlife and bio-resources conservation.

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Adjourning to the Atrium for the dinner, Dr Elizabeth Lee spoke fondly about the growth of the Sunway VICTORIA UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING campus and facilities, and how thrilled she was to have the alumni return after more than a decade. To commemorate the momentous occasion, there was a cake cutting ceremony and some of the alumni took to the stage to share their triumphs and paths taken after leaving college; highlighting the unforgettable moments with friends in class, and out at the food stalls around Sunway.

Taking to the stage to render the heartfelt Chinese song of PhenYu, Jess Lum (2001 VUBC President) was joined by the lecturers Mr Tee, Mr Teoh and Dr Jason Cheok. The buoyant mood continued with Mrs Irene Teoh and all the lecturers dedicating the song “Good Luck, Good Health, God Bless you”, to the alumni. The night came to a close when the VU family members sealed their bond of friendship by holding hands and singing Auld Lang Syne.

Vinson Ng with Mrs Irene Teoh, Paulina Yunita, Mitsuroyya and Doris

After organising a poolside farewell party in 2004, I made a promise to Mrs Irene Teoh to have a reunion 10 years later. But I couldn’t plan for one as my younger son was born in 2014. The homecoming reunion finally took place on 12 Dec 2016 with the hard work of many people. Many 4 good friends – Suanny, Yanty with son Delmond, Suan Ling thanks to the organising committee for all the efforts. I was very excited and Francisca to visit the campus once again with my family, sit in the lecture theatre like we used to, and meet our fellow classmates and lecturers. Right after the reunion, my elder son said, “Mummy, your school is so cool. Everyone A triumphant homecoming event for 42 of the attendees, the much anticipated Victoria University (VU) is kind and friendly. I want to study here too!” I hope that VU Sunway will homecoming event took place at the end of last year in the presence of Ms Greeja Hemalata De Silva and Mrs continue to grow and offer more courses. Glad to be back, and always Irene Teoh, the Director and Deputy Director of the VU programme. proud to be part of VU Sunway! – Yanty Kurnia

The brainchild of VU alumna Yanty Kurnia, the homecoming was an opportunity to bring together university All of these happened almost a decade ago and a lot has happened mates and lecturers to catch up with old friends and strengthen ties. With many of the alumni flying in from in our lives. We appreciate the effort and initiative to have this, to call Indonesia with their spouses and children, they were welcomed warmly by the Victoria University Business Club us back. We had the best time of our studies here. We are glad that someone actually put together this meet up, especially on campus; (VUBC) student committee (made up of current and former students) and the Sunway CPA Australia Student if it happened in a hotel, then it would be so different. It is a good Charter (SCSC) student committee in the reception area. arrangement. Tonight is one of the very important memories in our lives. We hope to make it a yearly event. VU is family. Lined with balloons of different hues and a welcome banner, the reception area was filled with a sea of VU blue. – Jess Lum, Ling Chee Liong and Ling Chee Siong

Each VU alumni was handed a “goody” bag which included a VU blue t-shirt, VU Centenary luggage tag, VU It is good to be back. I almost failed Ms Greeja’s subject but I managed Mr Tee, Alex Teh, Puan Haslinda, Dr Jason Cheok, Rachmat Centenary key chain, VU Centenary lapel, generously donated by VU Australia, and pens. The children were to get through to go to Australia. For me, looking at the field, the walkway Junaidi, Irwan Limpah, Celine Phang, Yeoh Suang Ling and and the foyer where we use to study, are all fond memories. given a koala bear souvenir soft toy each and Kit Kat chocolates. A long serving VU lecturer, Dr Jason Cheok’s Chee Wei Yen booming voice greeted each VU alumni as he tried to identify each guest at the reception area. – Rachmat Junaidi and Larisa Siah We are very excited and happy to be back. It reminds us of the good old Taken on a tour of the vast campus grounds, the VU alumni were impressed by the new additions such as the days. We are tremendously surprised at how much things have changed field, library, auditoriums, the new VU office, covered walkways, Sunway International School, Sunway Monash here. It has been a good journey for me and there are many memorable Residence and the basement car park (which used to be the college field). times shared with the lecturers, students and staff here. Everyone is so good here and they have helped us especially when we did not know something. It is good to come back and see all of them again. Taking pride in the development of leading edge learning facilities that the college now offers, the VU alumni – Fransisca Agustiono and Suanny Junus were then seated in Audi 4 where they used to attend lectures during their VU days. Trading stories about being backbenchers, the alumni laughed at their memories of being students, remembering lecturers and their Last time we sat on this ‘bare’ thing, no cushions like we have now. We graduated because of Yanty. Victoria University is a very good university. amusing traits. – Dennis William and Stanley Tan

Thanking the committee for their hard work in putting together this homecoming, Ms Greeja warmly welcomed The campus is very different now, very modern. The environment is very the alumni back to Sunway. Turning this gathering in Audi 4 into class-mode, the alumni were bombarded with a good. When we had exams, we were very stressed, I remember that. – Agung Kurniawan quiz session on their former subjects, putting to test their memory skills. Their attempts were rewarded with tokens courtesy of the Sunway VU Alumni office and the International Office. It was a walk down memory lane for many I am happy to be here with father. Yes, I would like to study here one day. of the alumni when old snapshots of their college and graduation days were shared during the session. – Jeremy, son of Agung Kurniawan

Gracing this special occasion was Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Friends! This is the best part. I get to meet all of them here again – for 12 years we never met and after meeting, everything clicked together. Sunway University. Participating in group photos with the alumni, Dr Lee was flanked by the alumni and their – Irwan Limpah children, who could possibly be future Sunway-ians. Cutting the Welcome Home Cake 10 11 - FACE TO FACE - - MOVERS & SHAKERS -

REINVENT TO CREATE NEW BEGINNINGS ADDING COLOUR TO ACADEMIA A former auditor who believes that it is never too late to create new beginnings, 25-year old Lee Sheung Un formerly from the Sunway TES Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) programme has been a radio producer with BFM for the past three years.

As a producer for the Morning Run programme belt, his day in the studio can start as early as 5.30am. He mentions coffee is a great help for the early starts to the day. In his editorial role, Sheung Un helps to drive the business news agenda which includes sourcing stories (local and international, analyst reports, Bloomberg terminal), research, securing guests, conducting interviews, scripting, editing and Caitlin Ung Yue Wen receiving the Maple Leaf Award Nicholas Yap Chien Shing receiving the Community Sheung Un (right) at a recent networking session with listeners post-production. from Bill Ironside Service Award

When panelling in-studio as part of the technical aspects, Sheung Un has to monitor audio quality, and At the recent graduation ceremony for the Sunway College Canadian International Matriculation ensure that everything runs on time as scheduled to the second. These include everything from interviews, Programme (CIMP), a total of 201 graduates received their internationally recognised Ontario Secondary ads, promos, news bulletins to featurettes for time is money, especially in a medium like radio. School Diploma (OSSD). 85 of the graduates that day obtained a CGPA of 80 percent and above. Amongst them, 20 scored a CGPA of 90 percent and above. One of the crazy moments Sheung Un remembers is the time when someone in the studio accidentally cursed on-air. This crazy split second moment had him pushing the ‘Dump’ button and that hair-raising moment got Gracing the graduation ceremony were Her Excellency Judith St. George, the Canadian High wiped off before it went on-air. “So stay alert, for things happen when you least expect them to.” Commissioner to Malaysia along with Puan Sri (Dr) Susan Cheah, EXCO member of the Sunway Group; Citing BFM as possibly the only place CEOs of listed companies in suits, entrepreneurs in slacks, musicians and Professor Peter Heard, Provost of Sunway University; Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway quirky comedians all come under one roof, Sheung Un is aware that his interactions with them has helped Education Group and Sunway University; Cheng Mien Wee, Director of Pre-University Studies; and Bill shape his world view and notions of business and politics. Ironside, Director of the Canadian International Matriculation Programme. In her speech, Dr Lee hoped the time the students have committed allowed them to not only reflect on th Sharing the story of currently the 40 richest man in Malaysia the difference they can make in the community, but also help them gain a greater understanding of their on BFM proved to be a memorable moment for Sheung role in society and the impact of their contributions towards those in need. Un. Maha Sinnathamby, Founder and Chairman of Greater Springfield Land Corporation shared his story about growing In her valedictorian address, Caitlin Ung Yue Wen thanked her teachers for adding colour to the world up in a rubber estate in Negeri Sembilan, building his fortune of academia with their enthusiasm and colourful personalities. Having earned the Maple Leaf Award in Australia, going through multiple bankruptcies, sour deals for being an exemplary CIMP student, excelling academically and being active in extracurricular and described his lowest point as standing in line to collect activities, Caitlin shared that Sunway’s CIMP is the true manifestation of the phrase “work hard, play hard”. unemployment benefits. Urging her peers to utilise the skills and knowledge they have gained, to continue to grow and become successful lifelong learners, Caitlin is continuing on at Sunway University with the Bachelor of Science On his wish list for future BFM interviews, Sheung Un hopes (Hons) Biology with Psychology. to one day interview the stalwarts like Warren Buffet, Li Ka- The Morning Run Crew shing, George Soros, Carl Icahn along with the likes of Peter An important component in the completion of the OSSD, CIMP students are required to complete a Thiel, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Ma. minimum of 10 hours of volunteering. Students from the Business Leadership class raised RM6,100 and the funds were donated to PAWS, a non-profit animal shelter. As for his days in the ACCA programme, Sheung Un is grateful for the discipline and the analytical skills instilled in With the aim to create awareness of modern day slavery and human trafficking, 8 students led by him as a result of the programme. He believes these skills Nicholas Yap Chien Shing participated in the 24-Hour Race and organised a month-long fundraising have served him extremely well as a radio producer with project. Recipient of the Community Service Award, Nicholas shared that he learned a lot from BFM and would like to remind future ACCA students to pay volunteering, being part of different communities and meeting different kinds of people. “You may pick attention in class, study hard, take the trial exams seriously up new skills, just as I did, and gain more confidence and self-esteem, thus encouraging your self-belief.” and remember that passing the ACCA exams is just the first step in building a career or profession. During his time in the CIMP, Nicholas contributed a total of 394 hours for community service. Nicholas plans to take a year off before continuing his studies in Business and Social Sciences at the University of New South Wales. With plans to take a gap year, Kristen Cheah Ke Ting had learnt not to limit herself With Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz when it comes to choosing her career path. She believes one should learn and try different things. 12 13 - FACE TO FACE - - FACE TO FACE -

TEACHING IS MY LIFE! Lai Sok Yee, Senior Lecturer IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST Australian Matriculation Programme (AUSMAT) Pursuing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Economics at the Having the passion and a dream to impart University of Washington, Seattle, 22-year old Looi Shin Yee knowledge to others, Sok Yee has been teaching at really loves the Pacific Northwest landscape of Seattle with Sunway College for the past five and a half years. the majestic Mount Rainier, an abundance of sea, lake, rivers A Mathematics specialist in AUSMAT, Sok Yee finds and pine trees. the work challenging and rewarding. She believes Her only regret is there is virtually no Malaysian food around in making a point to always teach with a smile and here but this KPM (Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia) scholar in an upbeat mood. chose to study at a university in the United States as she admits she does not enjoy the examination system of United Citing her homemaker mother as her role model, Kingdom universities. With a preference for the United States Sok Yee believes in the power of nurturing her system of having multiple exams, quizzes and assignments students. In fact, she was happy to receive this note which sometimes has participation count toward the final of appreciation from her student Bhumika Vijaye. grade, Shin Yee finds the course material at the University of Washington quite challenging. “Thank you so much for being a guide for me throughout AUSMAT. You built my courage up and Currently in her second year, Shin Yee shares that the you always believed that I could make it. Thank university uses the quarter system, where there are 10 weeks you for the times you stayed back in class to talk to of classes per quarter which is immediately followed by a me about life and for cheering for me every time week of final exams. Since there are no study breaks, pulling I do well in my studies. You are my inspiration and all-nighters are almost inevitable during finals week. the sole reason I push myself every day. It truly is so Sok Yee with her husband and parents warming to see a smile on your face, and I truly Asides from studying, Shin Yee is also working part-time at hope I made you proud! I love you very much and thank you for the best experience!” - Bhumika Vijaye the on-campus catering company. Learning about financial independence, time management, humility (washing Being an educator, Sok Yee hopes to see her students do well in life - following her lessons and doing well in dishes), obedience (listening to your manager), responsibility their examinations. and accepting criticisms are all part and parcel of her college life.

A former A-Level and Monash University Foundation Year MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS (MUFY) student in Sunway College, Shin Yee gained a solid Greeja Hemalata De Silva, Director, academic foundation in the A-Level and discovered Economics in MUFY. Her advice to students is that Victoria University (VU) Bachelor of Business Programme grades may be important but do not forget to experience other wonderful things in life. Focus when you are doing anything and everything so that you can be much more efficient. Having had more than 20 years of teaching experience, Greeja looks forward to the challenge of each day being Asides from work and her role as a student in the University of Washington, Shin Yee has managed to explore different. As the director of the programme, she has had the three states on the West Coast of the United States and even managed to visit Vancouver in British the opportunity to interact with a variety of people, and Columbia, Canada. She intends to visit the Grand Canyon and New York City before graduating and returning various groups in and out of college. home to Malaysia to Motivated by the students’ interests, the confidence of the serve her four years management, the assistance and support from her team as a JPA (Jabatan and peers, Greeja loves the challenge of trying to juggle Perkhidmatan the diverse demands of the various stakeholders involved. Awam) scholar.

Deriving the greatest joy from seeing how her young The positivity and the wards blossom and contribute to society by making a enthusiasm of the difference in the lives of others, Greeja remembers fondly people in the United the time she accompanied the VU Bachelor of Business States is something students for the Yokohama University International Summer Shin Yee appreciates School in 2015. culturally. For now, Seattle is still her A one week trip with both educational and non- favourite city and educational elements embedded, she had the she enjoys the United opportunity to experience Japanese customs, culture, States for the no fuss educational systems plus the opportunity to network with attitude and the participants from various countries. freedom of speech. Greeja hopes to continue being able to influence young minds so that they become better human beings with noble values who can give back to society.

At the University of Washington 14 15 - MOVERS & SHAKERS - - MOVERS & SHAKERS -

BREEZE OR STORM, MUFY GRADUATES SHINE AGAIN STARTING THE YEAR WITH A GREAT CELEBRATION

MUFY Award recipients AUSMAT high achievers In December 2016, the graduating Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) class chalked up another impressive academic performance with 188 students achieving an average High Distinction score of at Early January this year least 80% to be eligible for the Monash University Scholarship Awards. turned out to be a time of great celebration for the For achieving an outstanding average score of 99.8%, Loo Hooi Leong received the MUFY Excellence students who sat for the Award. This award is given to the one who scores the highest average mark among all providers of MUFY Western Australian Certificate worldwide. For achieving the highest score among all providers of MUFY worldwide in their respective of Education (WACE) subjects, the December 2016 MUFY graduating class took home 17 out of 22 Subject awards. 2016 examination. At the Australian Matriculation As part of a growing community of over 11,000 students who have chosen MUFY at Sunway College as (AUSMAT) Achievement and a pathway to a world class university education, Lee Thye Cheong, Director of MUFY congratulated the Appreciation Awards, a total cohort for a job well done. Asking them to never lose the desire to learn from mistakes as mistakes often of 177 students achieved offer important lessons about success and often act as a springboard to greater heights of achievement, ATAR 90 and above, and 380 Twins Vilashini (left) and Adrian Wong with Vanitha Satchithanathan Lee reminded them that good fortune happens when preparation meets opportunity, therefore be willing with ATAR 80 and above. Vanashri Saravanan and Dr Elizabeth Lee to strive always. In congratulating the students, Vanitha Satchithanathan, Director of the AUSMAT programme thanked the AUSMAT academic team for their passion and their inspiring work ethics. She hopes the graduating class In quoting ‘Harapkan persahabatan kita bagai aur dengan tebing’, graduating valedictorian Ryan Ng will continue to use the skills learnt in AUSMAT to give back to their family, community and country. Chor Yee asked his fellow graduates to never forget the friends made in MUFY as their time together has helped them build an unbreakable friendship which can withstand hardships. Taking a moment to thank Of the graduating cohort, the eight students who achieved ATAR 99 and above were Adrian Wong Chee their parents and the lecturers for their guidance, efforts and hard work, Ryan was quick to share that Seng, Gan Rachel, Chan Pei Harn, Ong Cyii Cheng, Mika Low Quan Wei, Nicholas Low Kah Yean, Cheah their wonderful year in MUFY had taught his peers and himself to never back down from challenges and Huey Lee and Vilashini Saravanan. obstacles. For Adrian Wong, the key to his success in achieving an ATAR score of 99.85 lies in saying no to skipping Having accomplished much in MUFY, the graduates were urged by Lee to pursue success for the purpose classes, paying attention in class, seeking help from lecturers when in doubt, sharing knowledge with your of making a difference in their lives and the lives of others. peers in order to understand the topic better, finding the right friends and participating in extra-curricular activities when applying for university. He is thinking of continuing his studies in electrical engineering at Monash University Malaysia while Gan Rachel who achieved ATAR 99.5 is headed to Seoul National University to pursue Computer Science and Technology.

At this AUSMAT Achievement and Appreciation Awards ceremony, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University gently reminded the graduates to thank their lecturers for shaping them and to attribute their successes to parents, guardians and friends who have stood by them.

Around 96% of the 2016 cohort are eligible for entry into the best universities worldwide. Nine students were awarded Special Certificates of Excellence. The Certificates are awarded only to the top 0.5 percent of candidates based on the examination marks. Five certificates were given out for English as an Additional Language or Dialect; two certificates for Business Management and Enterprise, and one certificate each for Accounting and Finance, and Psychology.

Vilashini Saravanan plans to pursue pharmacy at International Medical University (IMU) after scoring ATAR 99 whereas her twin sister, Vanashri is headed to Penang International Dental College (PIDC) for dentistry after scoring ATAR 98.6. Although twins, Vilashini and Vanashri did not study together but both did their revision daily.

Asking his peers to spread their wings and embark on a new journey, Mika Low took the time to thank the lecturers for their support. Having achieved ATAR 99.2, Mika advised new students to stay awake in class, MUFY Excellence Award recipient Loo Hooi Leong with Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director play hard, work hard and to cherish every moment in the programme. of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University 16 17 - MOVERS & SHAKERS - - MOVERS & SHAKERS -

WINNING TWICE THE MOST OUTSTANDING CLUB AND SOCIETY CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE Awarded the Grand Prize for the Most Outstanding Club and Society (Non-Sports) for the second consecutive year at the Club and Society Appreciation Ceremony organised by the Student LIFE department, the Sunway CPA Australia Student Charter (SCSC) aims to promote CPA Australia amongst Sunway students as well as to enhance students’ experience in related fields of Accounting and Finance. Celebrating their tenth year in 2016, SCSC was formed by Associate Professor Dr Foo Yin Fah in 2007 before he joined the Sunway University Business School.

In 2016 alone, SCSC organised and participated in a total of 43 events. Among the events organised by SCSC was the yearly ‘Beyond Camp’ and the ‘M.A.D’(Make A Difference) corporate social responsibility event where they collected funds for the Phyllis Caring Home, a home for the aged and elderly.

“Surprised by their win, the members of SCSC were busy preparing for the ‘Beyond Camp’ when the results were announced. Having won in 2015, we did not expect to win again in 2016,” according to Yap Yen Lee, President of the SCSC club. During her two years with the club, Yen Lee has learnt to communicate effectively with various people from different backgrounds, cultures and personalities. “We try to give our members the opportunity to learn different skill sets and gain more exposure by encouraging them to learn new things.”

A final year student in the Sunway College Victoria University Bachelor of Business programme majoring in Financial Risk Management and 2016 SCSC Vice-President William Chang shared that his involvement in helping to organise the ‘Beyond Camp’ with his fellow club members has helped him build leadership skills Sunway College Awesome A-Level students and improve himself. Over the years, students of the Sunway College A-Level programme have been consistently achieving a Agreeing that participation in the club has helped him improve his communication skills, Vincent Tan Aik Hau, pass rate of 98% and above. At the recent February 2017 gathering of the A-Level High Achievers Award Secretary of the SCSC agrees communication skills also involves understanding others and communicating Ceremony, over 80 Sunway College students turned up with their family and friends. with various people in different ways. Vincent believes his time in SCSC has helped him become more receptive to other people’s opinions in order to make things work. Ang Yi Fang from Chung Ling Butterworth High School scored 4A* for Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics and Physics. She received the Cambridge International AS Level Top in Malaysia award for The SCSC club advisor, Fong Yen Foon, is very proud of the club’s achievement as the students actually Economics in the June 2016 Cambridge International Examinations. Intending to further her studies in Actuarial performed beyond the classroom, excelling in their studies and at the same time, perform very well in co- Science or Mathematics, Ang has received offers from University of Manchester; City, University of London and curricular activities. According to Fong, the “Ohana” spirit in the club has helped the team work effectively the University of Southampton. and overcome challenges together. Keeping in touch with the alumni, the current members have also benefitted from the advice and guidance given. Having achieved 3A* in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Meera Selvarajah looks forward to pursuing Psychology at International Medical University (IMU) starting end of February.

Having scored 3A* in Mathematics, Physics, Economics and 1A in Further Mathematics in the June 2016 Cambridge International Examinations, Clinton Wee Yuan took home the Cambridge International AS Level Top in the World award for Mathematics. He is currently tutoring Form 1, 2 and 3 students in Mathematics, Form 4 and 5 students in Further Mathematics and coaching Form 1 and 2 students for debate back in his hometown of Kuching, Sarawak. Headed to Cambridge to read law next year, Clinton shared he is very happy with his results. His family and his teachers in SMK Sungai Maong, Kuching are very proud of him.

Another top scorer heading to Cambridge is Chew Zi Yang from Muar High School, Johor. Zi Yang who achieved 3A* in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and 1A in Further Mathematics will be starting classes in October this year. He will be studying Natural Sciences Tripos and plans to major in Physics. Currently he is a tutor at a kindergarten in his hometown of Muar.

Formerly from Muar High School, Quek Zhen Yi Darryl with a score of 4A* in Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics hopes to pursue Engineering at the University of Nottingham or National University of Singapore. Together with his brother Zhen Han and sister Jia Yee, his mother Yeo Moy Kim came all the way from Muar to see him collect his award.

Having travelled from Kuantan, Pahang was Hamidah Shawkkathali who came to celebrate the occasion with her daughter Nur Wafiah Yusof. She was very proud and happy with her daughter’s results. The KPM (Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia) scholar achieved 2A* for Biology and Chemistry with 1A for Mathematics. Pursuing medicine with plans to specialise in Anaesthetics at Monash University Malaysia, Nur Wafiah enjoyed her time at Sunway College as she had the opportunity to mix with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and the lecturers were very helpful, even answering her questions via whatsapp at night.

See Zheng Hong formerly of Chung Ling High School, Penang has yet to make up his mind on where he will be headed to pursue Law. Zheng Hong who scored 1A* for Chemistry and 3As for Economics, Mathematics and Physics expressed he will most probably choose the University of Manchester. Currently tutoring primary and secondary school students in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin, he described his experience at Sunway College William Chang, Yap Yen Lee, Fong Yen Foon and Vincent Tan as unforgettable, as he learnt how to cook and how to be independent, living away from his family.

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