UP2-March2017

CONTENTS The Sunway Education Group

Face To Face Sunway College
03 Enjoying Effortless Excellence
04 Volunteering Is Its Own Reward No. 2, Jalan Universiti
06 I Heart NYU Bandar Sunway
08 A Platform For Learning And 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
Earning Ideas T: 603-5638 7176
12 Reinvent To Create E: [email protected]
sunway.edu.my/college
New Beginnings
14 Teaching Is My Life! Sunway University
T: 603-7491 8622
Making A Difference In The Lives E: [email protected]
Of Others sunway.edu.my/university
15 In The Pacific Northwest
Monash University Malaysia
10 Victoria University Homecoming T: 603-5514 6000
E: [email protected]
Movers & Shakers monash.edu.my
07 The Big Five Increases
Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine
Engagement With Students and Health Sciences
13 Adding Colour To Academia T: 603-5514 6000
16 Breeze Or Storm, MUFY E: [email protected]
med.monash.edu.my
Graduates Shine Again
17 Starting The Year With Sunway International School
T: 603-7491 8070
A Great Celebration E: [email protected]
18 Winning Twice The Most sis.sunway.edu.my

Outstanding Club And Society Sunway College Johor Bahru
19 Celebrating Excellence T: 607-359 6880
E: [email protected]
Social Report sunway.edu.my/jb
05 Sustainable Future Of
Sunway College Ipoh
No Wastage T: 605-545 4398
09 Headed Into A Sanctuary E: [email protected]
sunway.edu.my/ipoh
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 Sunway College Kuching
leading private institution of higher learning is forging ahead towards the next level T: 6082-451 221 / 573 251 / 573 252
of excellence. E: [email protected]
swck.edu.my
Advisor : Dr Elizabeth Lee UP2 is published by Sunway College
Sunway-TES
Editorial & : Jerrine Koay Should you have any comments, Centre for Accountancy Excellence
kindly contact:
Photography Team Katherine Kee T: 603-7491 8622
The Public Relations Department E: [email protected]
Tan May Ling Sunway Education Group sunway.edu.my/college/sunwaytes
T: 603-7491 8622
Concept & Design : Writers Ink E: [email protected] Sunway International Business
www.sunway.edu.my/college & Management
Printer : Gloverin
T: 603-7493 7023
No.3, Jalan SR 3/7, E: [email protected]
Taman Serdang Raya, Seksyen 3, sibm.com.my
43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Shanghai Sunway Financial Training Co. Ltd.

T: 603-7491 8622
E: [email protected]
sunway.edu.my/college/ssft

Sunway Le Cordon Bleu Institute of
Culinary Arts

T: 603-5632 1188
E: [email protected]
lecordonbleu.com.my

Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia
T: 603-7491 8622
jci.edu.my

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.

- FACE TO FACE -

ENJOYING EFFORTLESS EXCELLENCE

Starting end of February,
Ng Jee Hong is pursuing a
Bachelor of Design majoring in
Architecture at the Melbourne
School of Design, the University
of Melbourne. A Monash
University Foundation Year
(MUFY) alumnus, Jee Hong
plans to pursue a Master of
Architecture for another 2
years after completing his
Bachelor of Design.

He thinks Architecture may
be the perfect course as he
enjoys studying concepts
of physics behind the
construction of buildings. At
the same time, he will be able
to use his ideas to create
structures that excel practically
and design-wise. He is very
much looking forward to
the classes where he will be
exposed to a completely
different field of knowledge in
his quest to be an architect.

For Jee Hong, his most
important takeaway from
the MUFY programme at
Sunway College has been his
understanding of “If you enjoy
what you’re doing, you will
excel at it effortlessly.”

Formerly from Catholic High
School in Petaling Jaya, he
remembers having spent the
past twelve plus years as a
school student whose future rested on a single paper at the end of the semester. This paper contributed
90-100% of the final score. When all the topics of the semester are condensed into one final examination,
Jee Hong thinks it is quite hard for students like himself to study an entire semester’s worth of knowledge
knowing that testing will be on a tiny portion of what is learnt throughout the whole semester. That meant
students like him ended up taking these exams with a hit-or-miss strategy.

For the fair distribution of scores across the internal and external examinations, 18-year old Jee Hong
chose the MUFY programme as his next step. MUFY gave him the option to devise his study schedules to
fit his personal preference and he believes the internal exams are what makes MUFY different. He was
particularly drawn in by the research project in his English Unit 2 class. According to him, “Being able
to actually research and work on your own gives a surprisingly good sense of accomplishment upon
completion of the research paper. Nothing beats the sensation of slapping down a stack of completed
papers of your own creation.”

For Jee Hong, MUFY was a great choice as he had the freedom to choose whatever subjects suited him
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.

03

- FACE TO FACE -

VOLUNTEERING IS ITS OWN REWARD

Applying to Harvard to study biochemical
science, Marian Yeow Chee Yen formerly
from the Canadian International Matriculation
Programme (CIMP) believes she reaps more
than she gives when volunteering.

A Special Scholarship recipient and a After class in the main hall
Chemistry tutor to her CIMP peer, Marian was
busy juggling her time between her studies and
her activities in CIMP. As former President of
the CIMP Choir Club and member of the CIMP
Basketball Club, Swimming Club and CIMP
Dance Club, her time in the programme has
changed her perspective of life for the better.
She advises future CIMP students to jump right
in to learn about the different cultures of the
world through interaction with international
students and the friendly teachers.

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
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
04

- SOCIAL REPORT -

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OF NO WASTAGE

Merging the yearly practice of reducing un-called for disposal of recyclable resources with providing
opportunities for the less fortunate is an ideal way for both Sunway College and Rentwise to give back to society.

By putting a “no wastage” policy into practice, both Sunway College and Rentwise have taken the initiative
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
grown to include a collaboration with Rentwise.

In working together with Rentwise, the IT department of Sunway College has just taken one step forward
into a sustainable future for electronic gadgets. By providing thirty sets of refurbished Dell desktops and LCD
monitors to Sekolah Kebangsaan St Mary in Kuala Lumpur, the IT department of Sunway College has helped
the school to set up their first computer lab.

Although no longer new, these refurbished computers will enable St Mary students to gain the opportunity
to pick up computing literacy and knowledge for the next three to five years. The maintenance of the
computers will be carried out by Rentwise and are expected to perform similarly to new computers.

In boosting St Mary of Kuala Lumpur’s computer-aided learning, these students now have the opportunity to
expand their knowledge horizons to include access to technology and hopefully a gateway to a brighter future.

Launch ceremony of the computer lab The computer lab

Students trying out the computers

05

- FACE TO FACE - Roommate and friend Michael Cleary
Khye Borg
I HEART NYU Khye Borg with friends

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.

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
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
between Chemistry and him was strong. In his own words, ”It is
probably because my mum is a Form 6 Chemistry teacher and
I have been to a number of Chemistry classes in the 9 months
my mum was pregnant with me and teaching chemistry. I could
also totally imagine myself as a Chemistry teacher, hoping to
help students who are not too keen on the sciences to see the
beauty in science. Science can be really beautiful when you stop
memorising stuff and start appreciating the beauty in it.”

Finding his programme at NYU very challenging, Khye Borg has
learnt the beauty of knowing more through learning about things
outside his field of interest in Chemistry. Having auditioned for the
NYU choral society with the song “Think of Me” from Phantom of
the Opera, Khye Borg was selected into one of the selective choirs
and has given two performances for the public.

Having watched ‘Wicked’ at the Broadway Theatre, visited Times
Square, experienced the Bronx Zoo, passed by the Statue of
Liberty and gone on a trip to Washington DC with international
students, Khye Borg’s favourite place is still his dormitory in
Manhattan, New York.

Having a good friend in 18-year old Michael Cleary, his roommate;
Khye Borg had an accelerated introduction to New York because
Michael is a native New Yorker. Respectful to each other as
roommates, both Michael and Khye Borg bonded over how much
they hate travelling and how much they preferred staying in the
room and enjoying their time instead of getting tired travelling
everywhere.

With a unique singing voice and having New Yorkers seeing this
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.

06

- MOVERS & SHAKERS -

(From Left) Sridharan Nair, Adrian Lee, Lee Soo Fern, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Tan Theng Hooi, and Dato’ Gan Ah Tee

THE BIG FIVE INCREASES ENGAGEMENT WITH STUDENTS

Taking their commitment to accounting to the next level of advancement, BDO, Deloitte, EY, KPMG and
PwC have established corporate suites on the Sunway Campus. Launched at the tail end of 2016 by Tan
Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, AO, Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group, Dato’ Gan Ah Tee, Managing
Partner at BDO; Tan Theng Hooi, Country Managing Partner at Deloitte; Lee Soo Fern, Partner, Malaysia
Talent Leader at EY; Adrian Lee, Audit Partner at KPMG and Sridharan Nair, Managing Partner at PwC
were present for the momentous occasion together with Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of
Sunway Education Group and Sunway University and Teo Ee Sing, Executive Director of Sunway College.
“The first to have the big five employers based on campus, our Sunway TES Centre for Accountancy
Excellence (CAE) students are expected to benefit significantly from these partnerships”, shared Teo Ee Sing.
By enabling the Big Five managers, directors and partners to engage with students at a higher level,
students can gain information and insights into the various areas of accounting and finance they might
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
sets required by graduates to be industry ready. A win-win situation, the students at Sunway TES CAE and
Sunway University may gain an extra edge in employer-employee relationship as the Big Five are able to
engage with potential talents at an earlier stage.
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
building industrial knowledge, updating them on what is happening in the industry”, explained Teo.
Through collaborations and activities on campus with the Big Five which includes workshops, talks and
dialogue sessions with industry experts, Sunway TES CAE hopes to expose students to current relevant
topics, emerging issues in the market, better insights and a more in-depth understanding of tax, audit
and advisory areas related to accounting and finance. With the addition of audit simulations on campus
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
for the students and in providing quality leaders for the Accounting and Finance industry.

07

- FACE TO FACE -

A PLATFORM FOR LEARNING AND EARNING IDEAS

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
develop the critical thinking skills he needs.

For future FIST students, Ajnish is of the
opinion that Sunway is a place where every
student gets a rare opportunity to be a
pioneer of the world. Sunway has enabled
him to realise who he is and to think of ways
by which he can benefit society.

Compared to Nepal, Ajnish finds the
infrastructure here more developed
which has provided a better quality
of living in Malaysia. Having visited
PetroSains, Malacca, Shah Alam, Port
Dickson and tried a variety of Malaysian food like roti canai, Chinese chicken rice, nasi lemak and durian
juice, Ajnish has yet to discover a favourite Malaysian food. Finding Malaysia a vibrant country, Ajnish has
learnt to be independent as his interactions in a country foreign to him has enabled him to be open to
exciting new challenges that he would not have had the opportunity to experience in Nepal.

With aspirations to work in policy making for public health in Nepal, Ajnish plans to help his country improve their
health index and help the government establish a research institute for Nepal’s future medical students. The 2015
earthquake in Nepal helped Ajnish realise that community health issues are his foremost interest.

Ajnish took a trip back to Nepal for twenty-two days in December 2016 to spend some time with his family. For
him, “Family are like branches on a tree where we may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.”

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
work with senior researchers, professors and students in the programme.

08

- SOCIAL REPORT -

HEADED INTO A SANCTUARY

AUSMAT students with their lecturers at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary

Classroom learning in Sunway College in the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) programme took an
interesting turn one fine Saturday morning. To aid the group of forty students in understanding the role of
Corporate Social Responsibility and its impact on the environment, AUSMAT lecturer Sangeetha Muniandy
led an excursion to the Krau Wildlife Reserve in Pahang.

As part of their Business Management and Enterprise syllabus, these forty students and their AUSMAT
Business Management lecturers began their visit with an introduction to the area followed by a guided
tour of the nature museum. Aided in their excursion by a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia
representative, the students learnt that human activities such as uncontrolled land clearing and poaching
is one of the leading causes of wildlife extinction.

The jungle trek was next on the agenda. Escorted by a forest ranger, the students played the roles of
scientists by carrying out water quality testing at a stream. Through this exercise of testing for water
pollution, the students had the opportunity to connect various aspects of business to the management
of resources and the impact of business decisions on the environment. By creating an awareness of the
importance of ethical and environmental considerations when it comes to running businesses, Sangeetha
hopes the field trip will aid the students in nurturing the need to protect the environment and at the same
time develop the realisation that businesses should be accountable for giving back to society and not just
aim for profits.

One of the aims of the Business Management and Enterprise syllabus is to help the students develop
successful entrepreneurship skills. Ending the day at the Krau Wildlife Reserve with a visit to the Kuala
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.

Thrilled by the out-of-classroom experience, AUSMAT student Sahadev found the trip educational. The
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.

09

- FOCUS -

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING

A triumphant homecoming event for 42 of the attendees, the much anticipated Victoria University (VU)
homecoming event took place at the end of last year in the presence of Ms Greeja Hemalata De Silva and Mrs
Irene Teoh, the Director and Deputy Director of the VU programme.

The brainchild of VU alumna Yanty Kurnia, the homecoming was an opportunity to bring together university
mates and lecturers to catch up with old friends and strengthen ties. With many of the alumni flying in from
Indonesia with their spouses and children, they were welcomed warmly by the Victoria University Business Club
(VUBC) student committee (made up of current and former students) and the Sunway CPA Australia Student
Charter (SCSC) student committee in the reception area.

Lined with balloons of different hues and a welcome banner, the reception area was filled with a sea of VU blue.
Each VU alumni was handed a “goody” bag which included a VU blue t-shirt, VU Centenary luggage tag, VU
Centenary key chain, VU Centenary lapel, generously donated by VU Australia, and pens. The children were
given a koala bear souvenir soft toy each and Kit Kat chocolates. A long serving VU lecturer, Dr Jason Cheok’s
booming voice greeted each VU alumni as he tried to identify each guest at the reception area.

Taken on a tour of the vast campus grounds, the VU alumni were impressed by the new additions such as the
field, library, auditoriums, the new VU office, covered walkways, Sunway International School, Sunway Monash
Residence and the basement car park (which used to be the college field).

Taking pride in the development of leading edge learning facilities that the college now offers, the VU alumni
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
amusing traits.

Thanking the committee for their hard work in putting together this homecoming, Ms Greeja warmly welcomed
the alumni back to Sunway. Turning this gathering in Audi 4 into class-mode, the alumni were bombarded with a
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
of the alumni when old snapshots of their college and graduation days were shared during the session.

Gracing this special occasion was Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and
Sunway University. Participating in group photos with the alumni, Dr Lee was flanked by the alumni and their
children, who could possibly be future Sunway-ians.

10

- FOCUS -

Adjourning to the Atrium for the dinner, Dr Elizabeth Lee spoke fondly about the growth of the Sunway
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.

4 good friends – Suanny, Yanty with son Delmond, Suan Ling Vinson Ng with Mrs Irene Teoh, Paulina Yunita,
and Francisca Mitsuroyya and Doris

Mr Tee, Alex Teh, Puan Haslinda, Dr Jason Cheok, Rachmat After organising a poolside farewell party in 2004, I made a promise to
Junaidi, Irwan Limpah, Celine Phang, Yeoh Suang Ling and Mrs Irene Teoh to have a reunion 10 years later. But I couldn’t plan for one
Chee Wei Yen 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
Cutting the Welcome Home Cake thanks to the organising committee for all the efforts. I was very excited
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
is kind and friendly. I want to study here too!” I hope that VU Sunway will
continue to grow and offer more courses. Glad to be back, and always
proud to be part of VU Sunway!
– Yanty Kurnia

All of these happened almost a decade ago and a lot has happened
in our lives. We appreciate the effort and initiative to have this, to call
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;
if it happened in a hotel, then it would be so different. It is a good
arrangement. Tonight is one of the very important memories in our lives.
We hope to make it a yearly event. VU is family.
– Jess Lum, Ling Chee Liong and Ling Chee Siong

It is good to be back. I almost failed Ms Greeja’s subject but I managed
to get through to go to Australia. For me, looking at the field, the walkway
and the foyer where we use to study, are all fond memories.
– Rachmat Junaidi and Larisa Siah

We are very excited and happy to be back. It reminds us of the good old
days. We are tremendously surprised at how much things have changed
here. It has been a good journey for me and there are many memorable
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.
– Fransisca Agustiono and Suanny Junus

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.
– Dennis William and Stanley Tan

The campus is very different now, very modern. The environment is very
good. When we had exams, we were very stressed, I remember that.
– Agung Kurniawan

I am happy to be here with father. Yes, I would like to study here one day.
– Jeremy, son of Agung Kurniawan

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.
– Irwan Limpah

11

- FACE TO FACE -

REINVENT TO CREATE NEW BEGINNINGS

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.

Sheung Un (right) at a recent networking session with listeners 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
post-production.

When panelling in-studio as part of the technical aspects, Sheung Un has to monitor audio quality, and
ensure that everything runs on time as scheduled to the second. These include everything from interviews,
ads, promos, news bulletins to featurettes for time is money, especially in a medium like radio.

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
wiped off before it went on-air. “So stay alert, for things happen when you least expect them to.”

Citing BFM as possibly the only place CEOs of listed companies in suits, entrepreneurs in slacks, musicians and
quirky comedians all come under one roof, Sheung Un is aware that his interactions with them has helped
shape his world view and notions of business and politics.

Sharing the story of currently the 40th richest man in Malaysia
on BFM proved to be a memorable moment for Sheung
Un. Maha Sinnathamby, Founder and Chairman of Greater
Springfield Land Corporation shared his story about growing
up in a rubber estate in Negeri Sembilan, building his fortune
in Australia, going through multiple bankruptcies, sour deals
and described his lowest point as standing in line to collect
unemployment benefits.

On his wish list for future BFM interviews, Sheung Un hopes The Morning Run Crew
to one day interview the stalwarts like Warren Buffet, Li Ka-
shing, George Soros, Carl Icahn along with the likes of Peter
Thiel, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Ma.

As for his days in the ACCA programme, Sheung Un is
grateful for the discipline and the analytical skills instilled in
him as a result of the programme. He believes these skills
have served him extremely well as a radio producer with
BFM and would like to remind future ACCA students to pay
attention in class, study hard, take the trial exams seriously
and remember that passing the ACCA exams is just the first
step in building a career or profession.

With Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz
12

- MOVERS & SHAKERS -

ADDING COLOUR TO ACADEMIA

Caitlin Ung Yue Wen receiving the Maple Leaf Award Nicholas Yap Chien Shing receiving the Community
from Bill Ironside Service Award

At the recent graduation ceremony for the Sunway College Canadian International Matriculation
Programme (CIMP), a total of 201 graduates received their internationally recognised Ontario Secondary
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.

Gracing the graduation ceremony were Her Excellency Judith St. George, the Canadian High
Commissioner to Malaysia along with Puan Sri (Dr) Susan Cheah, EXCO member of the Sunway Group;
Professor Peter Heard, Provost of Sunway University; Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway
Education Group and Sunway University; Cheng Mien Wee, Director of Pre-University Studies; and Bill
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
the difference they can make in the community, but also help them gain a greater understanding of their
role in society and the impact of their contributions towards those in need.

In her valedictorian address, Caitlin Ung Yue Wen thanked her teachers for adding colour to the world
of academia with their enthusiasm and colourful personalities. Having earned the Maple Leaf Award
for being an exemplary CIMP student, excelling academically and being active in extracurricular
activities, Caitlin shared that Sunway’s CIMP is the true manifestation of the phrase “work hard, play hard”.
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
(Hons) Biology with Psychology.

An important component in the completion of the OSSD, CIMP students are required to complete a
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.

With the aim to create awareness of modern day slavery and human trafficking, 8 students led by
Nicholas Yap Chien Shing participated in the 24-Hour Race and organised a month-long fundraising
project. Recipient of the Community Service Award, Nicholas shared that he learned a lot from
volunteering, being part of different communities and meeting different kinds of people. “You may pick
up new skills, just as I did, and gain more confidence and self-esteem, thus encouraging your self-belief.”

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
when it comes to choosing her career path. She believes one should learn and try different things.

13

- FACE TO FACE -

TEACHING IS MY LIFE!

Lai Sok Yee, Senior Lecturer
Australian Matriculation Programme (AUSMAT)

Having the passion and a dream to impart
knowledge to others, Sok Yee has been teaching at
Sunway College for the past five and a half years.
A Mathematics specialist in AUSMAT, Sok Yee finds
the work challenging and rewarding. She believes
in making a point to always teach with a smile and
in an upbeat mood.

Citing her homemaker mother as her role model,
Sok Yee believes in the power of nurturing her
students. In fact, she was happy to receive this note
of appreciation from her student Bhumika Vijaye.

“Thank you so much for being a guide for me

throughout AUSMAT. You built my courage up and

you always believed that I could make it. Thank

you for the times you stayed back in class to talk to

me about life and for cheering for me every time

I do well in my studies. You are my inspiration and

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

hope I made you proud! I love you very much and thank you for the best experience!” - Bhumika Vijaye

Being an educator, Sok Yee hopes to see her students do well in life - following her lessons and doing well in
their examinations.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS

Greeja Hemalata De Silva, Director,
Victoria University (VU) Bachelor of Business Programme

Having had more than 20 years of teaching experience,
Greeja looks forward to the challenge of each day being
different. As the director of the programme, she has had
the opportunity to interact with a variety of people, and
various groups in and out of college.

Motivated by the students’ interests, the confidence of the
management, the assistance and support from her team
and peers, Greeja loves the challenge of trying to juggle
the diverse demands of the various stakeholders involved.

Deriving the greatest joy from seeing how her young
wards blossom and contribute to society by making a
difference in the lives of others, Greeja remembers fondly
the time she accompanied the VU Bachelor of Business
students for the Yokohama University International Summer
School in 2015.

A one week trip with both educational and non-
educational elements embedded, she had the
opportunity to experience Japanese customs, culture,
educational systems plus the opportunity to network with
participants from various countries.

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.

14

- FACE TO FACE -

IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Economics at the
University of Washington, Seattle, 22-year old Looi Shin Yee
really loves the Pacific Northwest landscape of Seattle with
the majestic Mount Rainier, an abundance of sea, lake, rivers
and pine trees.

Her only regret is there is virtually no Malaysian food around
here but this KPM (Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia) scholar
chose to study at a university in the United States as she
admits she does not enjoy the examination system of United
Kingdom universities. With a preference for the United States
system of having multiple exams, quizzes and assignments
which sometimes has participation count toward the final
grade, Shin Yee finds the course material at the University of
Washington quite challenging.

Currently in her second year, Shin Yee shares that the
university uses the quarter system, where there are 10 weeks
of classes per quarter which is immediately followed by a
week of final exams. Since there are no study breaks, pulling
all-nighters are almost inevitable during finals week.

Asides from studying, Shin Yee is also working part-time at
the on-campus catering company. Learning about financial
independence, time management, humility (washing
dishes), obedience (listening to your manager), responsibility
and accepting criticisms are all part and parcel of her
college life.

A former A-Level and Monash University Foundation Year
(MUFY) student in Sunway College, Shin Yee gained a solid
academic foundation in the A-Level and discovered Economics in MUFY. Her advice to students is that
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.

Asides from work and her role as a student in the University of Washington, Shin Yee has managed to explore
the three states on the West Coast of the United States and even managed to visit Vancouver in British
Columbia, Canada. She intends to visit the Grand Canyon and New York City before graduating and returning

home to Malaysia to
serve her four years
as a JPA (Jabatan
Perkhidmatan
Awam) scholar.

The positivity and the
enthusiasm of the
people in the United
States is something
Shin Yee appreciates
culturally. For now,
Seattle is still her
favourite city and
she enjoys the United
States for the no fuss
attitude and the
freedom of speech.

At the University of Washington

15

- MOVERS & SHAKERS -

BREEZE OR STORM, MUFY GRADUATES SHINE AGAIN

MUFY Award recipients

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
least 80% to be eligible for the Monash University Scholarship Awards.
For achieving an outstanding average score of 99.8%, Loo Hooi Leong received the MUFY Excellence
Award. This award is given to the one who scores the highest average mark among all providers of MUFY
worldwide. For achieving the highest score among all providers of MUFY worldwide in their respective
subjects, the December 2016 MUFY graduating class took home 17 out of 22 Subject awards.
As part of a growing community of over 11,000 students who have chosen MUFY at Sunway College as
a pathway to a world class university education, Lee Thye Cheong, Director of MUFY congratulated the
cohort for a job well done. Asking them to never lose the desire to learn from mistakes as mistakes often
offer important lessons about success and often act as a springboard to greater heights of achievement,
Lee reminded them that good fortune happens when preparation meets opportunity, therefore be willing
to strive always.
In quoting ‘Harapkan persahabatan kita bagai aur dengan tebing’, graduating valedictorian Ryan Ng
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
their parents and the lecturers for their guidance, efforts and hard work, Ryan was quick to share that
their wonderful year in MUFY had taught his peers and himself to never back down from challenges and
obstacles.
Having accomplished much in MUFY, the graduates were urged by Lee to pursue success for the purpose
of making a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

MUFY Excellence Award recipient Loo Hooi Leong with Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director
of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University
16

- MOVERS & SHAKERS -

STARTING THE YEAR WITH A GREAT CELEBRATION

AUSMAT high achievers

Early January this year Twins Vilashini (left) and Adrian Wong with Vanitha Satchithanathan
turned out to be a time of Vanashri Saravanan and Dr Elizabeth Lee
great celebration for the
students who sat for the
Western Australian Certificate
of Education (WACE)
2016 examination. At the
Australian Matriculation
(AUSMAT) Achievement and
Appreciation Awards, a total
of 177 students achieved
ATAR 90 and above, and 380
with ATAR 80 and above.

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
will continue to use the skills learnt in AUSMAT to give back to their family, community and country.

Of the graduating cohort, the eight students who achieved ATAR 99 and above were Adrian Wong Chee
Seng, Gan Rachel, Chan Pei Harn, Ong Cyii Cheng, Mika Low Quan Wei, Nicholas Low Kah Yean, Cheah
Huey Lee and Vilashini Saravanan.

For Adrian Wong, the key to his success in achieving an ATAR score of 99.85 lies in saying no to skipping
classes, paying attention in class, seeking help from lecturers when in doubt, sharing knowledge with your
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,
play hard, work hard and to cherish every moment in the programme.

17

- MOVERS & SHAKERS -

WINNING TWICE THE MOST OUTSTANDING CLUB AND SOCIETY

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
and improve himself.
Agreeing that participation in the club has helped him improve his communication skills, Vincent Tan Aik Hau,
Secretary of the SCSC agrees communication skills also involves understanding others and communicating
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.
The SCSC club advisor, Fong Yen Foon, is very proud of the club’s achievement as the students actually
performed beyond the classroom, excelling in their studies and at the same time, perform very well in co-
curricular activities. According to Fong, the “Ohana” spirit in the club has helped the team work effectively
and overcome challenges together. Keeping in touch with the alumni, the current members have also
benefitted from the advice and guidance given.

William Chang, Yap Yen Lee, Fong Yen Foon and Vincent Tan
18

- MOVERS & SHAKERS -

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

Sunway College Awesome A-Level students

Over the years, students of the Sunway College A-Level programme have been consistently achieving a
pass rate of 98% and above. At the recent February 2017 gathering of the A-Level High Achievers Award
Ceremony, over 80 Sunway College students turned up with their family and friends.

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
Economics in the June 2016 Cambridge International Examinations. Intending to further her studies in Actuarial
Science or Mathematics, Ang has received offers from University of Manchester; City, University of London and
the University of Southampton.

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
as unforgettable, as he learnt how to cook and how to be independent, living away from his family.

19