[What's Next? Malaysian-UK Students Outreach Fair 2023]
Personal Statement Samples Booklet
CONTENTS
Contributed by AMEU, MACFIS, MBIOS, YME members and other students
Engineering
BA/MEng Engineering
MENG MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MENG BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
MENG AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
MENG Chemical Engineering
MEng Civil Engineering
MSci Physics
3
3
4
5
7
8
9
11
Economics
BSC ECONOMICS
BSC ECONOMICS
BA ECONOMICS
MA ECONOMICS
13
Accounting and Finance
MA ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
BSC ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
BSC ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
BSC ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
20
Law
LLB Law
LLB Law
25
PPE
BA PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS
28
Mathematics
BSc Mathematics with Statistics
BSc Mathematics & Operational Research & Statistics & Economics (MORSE)
30
Actuarial Science
BSc Actuarial Science
33
Computer Science
MEng Computing
35
Bioscience
BSC MEDICAL BIOSCIENCE
BSC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES WITH BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
BSC APPLIED SCIENCES
BSC BIOCHEMISTRY
BSC BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
37
Medicine
44
44
46
13
15
17
18
20
21
22
23
25
26
Bachelor in Medicine, Bachelor in Surgery
Dentistry
BDS Dentistry
28
30
31
33
35
37
38
39
40
42
46
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Engineering
BA/MEng Engineering
During my high school’s science fair, being in charge of the optics demonstration, it had
always seemed magical to demonstrate how linear polarisers work. The sparkle in the kids’ eyes when
they saw that the screen would appear black when I turned one of the polarisers clockwise, that
reflects how I feel about physics and engineering. Physics concepts, like the Brayton cycle and even
the innocuous Newton’s Laws, have never failed to amaze me, exemplified by my realisation that the
famous Tsiolkovsky rocket equation can be derived from Newton’s Second Law.
In high school and college, I have been able to consistently maintain an exceptional academic
record, excelling in both Mathematics and Physics. During my free time, I would spend time reading
books, watching YouTube videos and learning about physics and its application in engineering. I have
also been a fan of the YouTube channel Real Engineering, where they provide succinct yet
informative videos about engineering concepts. One video, with the title “Why are Airplane Wings
Angled Backwards?”, piqued my curiosity. Air travel has been so common these days that we tend not
to think of the technology behind aeroplanes. My first instinct was that it increases the lift generated,
but the video suggested that it allows the aircraft to fly faster before the flowing air reaches supersonic
speed. Why is it important to delay supersonic airflow, I thought. Since then, I have been hooked by
the study of aerodynamics, trying to satisfy my craving for knowledge.
A gap year after A-Levels offers me ample opportunity to not only learn new skills important
to engineering, such as Python, but it will also allow me to deliberate on the field of engineering that
excites me. Lately, I have started reading Exactly by Simon Winchester, and it reminded me of a video
I once watched about compliant mechanisms, where it may be counterintuitive to think that flexible
objects have precise movements. I have realised that I am a fan of mechanical engineering, in
particular how we as humans can reduce the environmental impact of the aviation field, and how we
can continue learning about efficient engineering design by tapping into nature via biomimicry.
I consider myself autodidactic and can learn new knowledge and skills as a complement to
knowledge in school or as an alternative to conventional classroom learning. I am intrinsically
motivated to learn new knowledge and engage in tasks. Even after examinations, my inquisitive mind
keeps me motivated to learn new knowledge. Approaching challenges, I persevere and always deal
with the problem head-on. I have participated in several science competitions, such as the Science
Discovery Challenge, and the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), where
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I was awarded Honourable Mention in 2019. A takeaway from these competitions is that often the
thinking process towards getting the answer is more important than the answer itself.
Being surrounded by knowledge, I do not forget to spend time on extracurricular activities.
Participating in the Model United Nations helps me to convey my ideas better and bring upon me a
unique perspective of everything, e.g. why some politicians act in a certain way or implement certain
policies. It also helps me to develop many soft skills, including communication, diplomacy, and
leadership skills, which are assets required by engineers working on big projects. Currently, I am
holding the position of Vice-President and Secretary-General in the MUN Club and Conference
respectively, and the Founder/President of the astronomical society.
As a Malaysian, I see an apparent decline in the engineering expertise needed for Malaysia to
become a developed nation. Hence, I aspire to put an effort into filling the gap and make a tangible
impact on the community. Therefore, it is in my interest to pursue aeronautical or mechanical
engineering to make a positive contribution to the lives of Malaysians.
MENG MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
During 1902, in the wake of the sudden popularity boom of the bicycle, The New York Times deemed
the automobile impractical due to its high prices compared to the bicycle. It took one of the world’s
greatest minds, Henry Ford to revolutionise the auto-industry into what we know today. His brilliance
as both an engineer and an industrialist gave rise to the Ford Model T. The easy to drive and practical
car was made inexpensive to the consumer by the development of the Ford assembly line; and by
1912, over half of all cars in America were Model T’s. This led me to realise how closely daily life
was related to business and engineering; how all the world’s largest corporations are striving to create
products that improve the lives of people. And it is through this realisation that drove me into the
person I am today, one which seeks to improve lives through creation and innovation.
My nagging drive to solve problems and create led me into participating a nation-wide Young
Inventors Challenge, where I rubbed shoulders with many of the nation’s brightest young minds and
had a chance to speak to Malaysia’s then Deputy Minister of Higher Education. The competition had
us incorporating multiple concepts of physics and required us to broaden our knowledge on certain
topics far beyond our syllabus, my team also reached out to local electrical engineers when confronted
with a problem beyond our skillset. One notable example was when our team needed a design for a
circuit which converts electricity from the mains, into high voltage DC current; which our team used
to discharge electrons into a casing made of materials low in the triboelectric series. This allowed the
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casing to be electrically charged, making it able to attract dust settlements and airborne particles,
which my team hopes to utilize in cleaning homes and improving urban air quality. Apart from the
theory, the competition had me realising the process of building the prototype was not as clear cut as it
seemed. Many technical issues were met when optimising our prototype, one notable example was
requiring our casing to be airtight as to not let any electrons discharge through air molecules. As the
leader of my team, I was able to learn how to create for my teammates an environment where they
could communicate and express themselves without hesitation. It also took much effort from me to
arrange and coordinate meetings with professionals, settling secretariat work and motivating my team
through the peaks and troughs of the journey, and as a result I was awarded by my school for
possessing the virtue of perseverance.
The 10 subjects I studied during middle school has given me a strong foundation to excel
academically and in the corporate world. having taken economics and business studies allowed me to
think about the problems our world face critically and practically; and how solutions to global issues
such as climate change aren’t as clear cut as it may seem. I have also demonstrated that my life and
interests do not solely revolve around academics; having participated in my college’s model united
nations club and being part of the committee of the astronomy club has thought me how to connect
with people and as result become better at communicating ideas. I also play guitar and drums
proficiently. It is also worth mentioning that I am fluent in 4 languages and have taken part in public
speaking competitions at a state level.
Growing up in a rural part of a developing country, I have always been looking to broaden my
horizons, be it by joining competitions such as the International Maths Olympiad or by participating
in volunteering work and meeting new people. I moved away from home in order to pursue A-levels
on a premise of a scholarship, in doing so I have met and exchanged ideas with many brilliant people
coming from varying backgrounds. These aspects of my life reflect on my love for lifelong learning
and how I keep an open mind entering further studies.
MENG BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
The idea of being able to improve healthcare by applying engineering principles to devise
solutions for various medical issues is what piqued my interest in biomedical engineering. The
invention of computed tomography (CT) scans in 1975 is simply one of the many products of
biomedical engineering that changed the world – by helping doctors make quicker and more accurate
diagnoses. This power to positively impact millions of lives around the globe through the invention of
a piece of technology makes biomedical engineering such a boundless and fulfilling field.
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My interest began when my grandmother had a pacemaker, which ultimately saved her life,
implanted in her. I was intrigued by how a device smaller than the size of a palm could control
arrhythmias and regulate heartbeat. This led me to read up on its mechanism and how the electrodes,
generator and computer work collectively to detect and send out electrical impulses accordingly. This
incident opened up my eyes to this field of study and sparked my interest in wanting to improve the
quality of lives of people by applying science and mathematics.
Reading magazines such as the Scientific American and New Scientist has allowed me to gain
an insight into emerging scientific discoveries and research. In recent years, regenerative medicine has
rapidly progressed due to advancements in tissue engineering. Bioengineered lungs were successfully
transplanted into pigs, with no signs of rejection, and a network of blood vessels had developed within
2 weeks. This was a huge achievement as lab-grown organs will help satisfy the ever-growing demand
for organs whilst eliminating risks of transplant rejection and the need for immunosuppressants.
Organ transplantation can potentially become more widely available, and thus saving the lives of
thousands of people that die each year due to organ shortage.
Not only does studying mathematics and science at A-Levels sate my curiosity in the
sciences, but it also helps me to develop skills that would be useful as a biomedical engineer. Biology
and Chemistry enrich my understanding of the mechanisms of the human body and various chemical
compounds such as how the sequence of amino acids alone can extensively modify the structure and
functions of a protein, including its interactions with its surrounding environment. Physics and
Mathematics enhance my numerical and critical thinking skills which are essential for an engineer. In
an effort to challenge my understanding of these subjects, I participated in the Malaysian National
Chemistry Quiz and the University of St Andrews Mathematics Challenge, for which I earned the
merit award.
Holding the position of treasurer of the student council has strengthened my interpersonal and
time management skills. The experience I gained from working with people from various
backgrounds has helped me to build up my confidence and communication skills, especially when
discussing ideas and solutions. Volunteering at various events on campus has also further developed
my abilities to work well in a team. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano and practising
Taekwondo. My passion for both of these activities has taught me the importance of self-discipline
and perseverance in achieving my goals.
Biomedical engineering holds the key to the future of medicine. Potentially life-changing
advancements to healthcare can be made by integrating the various areas of science and engineering. I
believe that furthering my studies in the United Kingdom will enable me to develop various skills,
both academically and professionally, to become a versatile individual. With my inquisitive nature and
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passion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, I hope to be able to contribute to this
rapidly advancing field and make healthcare more accessible for the masses.
MENG AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
I was just 7 when I experienced my first flight. It was just a 6 hours flight, but I remember we
had to be on board one hour before the flight and the pre-flight takes a lot of time. I was annoyed by
the consequences of noises around me. This led me to have a naive thought of: “Why does it take so
long for a flight to take off comparing to a car?” thus stimulated my interest towards aircraft. The
disappearance of MH370 incident in 2014 which caused much debates around the world encouraged
me further to study the structure and communication systems of aircraft. Initially, I just wanted to
analyse the disappearance of aircraft in scientific aspects, but at some point, it expanded my horizon
to this industry, lastly shaped my direction to continue my study and research in aeronautics.
Pondering about aerospace engineering excites me as I am working on the mechanism of a
mobile system that travels in the air and goes around the globe. Then, I started my research on flight
engines, turbomachinery and aerodynamics. I was shocked when I found out that the engine of A380
weighs 6500 kilograms. The two BOEING 737-MAX crashes of Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines that
happened in the last October and March respectively due to false sensor data of the MCAS then
caught my attention and stimulated me to study the software side of aeroplanes. Nonetheless, I am
more to the structural aspects of aircraft instead of piloting as working out new items requires
innovation and this serves as a metamorphosis in this competitive and aggressive age.
It is undeniable that the field of engineering is significant in this technological era as with
imply our knowledge of science to make conventional improvements in our daily lives. For instance,
the materials used for aircraft evolved along the years from pure aluminium to composites and alloys
such as fibreglass and duralumin. This has shown the importance of advancement as this makes the
aircraft lighter and stronger. My exposure in the Robotics Club since primary school has fostered my
creativity and analytical skills hence pushing me up in this area. My current Pre-U course provides me
with in-depth learning of the subject instead of learning broader topics. This plays a role in my desired
engineering degree studies as learning deep is vital to understand the physical world around us.
Despite my busy academic studies, I still manage to free some time for social life in orchestra.
Music has always been part of my life. As I hold positions in the committee, it helped me to develop
various soft skills such as leadership and management. Through national and international
competitions, my clarity in demonstrating ideas and critical thinking was strengthened as we do
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improvisation in music. Aside from that, my part-time job as an administrator in a music centre
improved my organising and communication skills which are required as an engineer. On the contrary,
my other pastime is basketball as I believe a healthy lifestyle is crucial to maximise our capacity to
learn and absorb information.
A philosopher, Roger Bacon, once said: ‘Mathematics is the gate and key of the sciences’.
Within this context, I had been participating in Olympiad Mathematics Competitions since high
school and my passion for that is still flourishing in college as getting involved in activities and
competitions would contribute to my varsity’s reputation. On the other hand, I also participated in the
Inventors’ Competition because I enjoy generating new ideas to fulfil needs and establish practical
solutions. Currently, I am working on an Arduino project to design a door which opens automatically
using infrared sensors as detectors to implement it in my house.
I wish to set foot in a top university in the UK to achieve my ambition of enhancing the
aircraft industry in the future. This can be done with the strong research infrastructures provided
alongside with the career opportunities in Britain.
MENG Chemical Engineering
‘Rummy-O’ is a favourite pastime in my family. It is a numbers game that trained me to scan all
available tiles and form specific patterns to produce a solution. Many engineering concepts are
reflected in the game, and it excites me to enhance and apply this skill to improve the quality of life.
I believe engineering weaves itself into our world, as I have noticed its parallels with my job at a cafe.
The experience opened my eyes to the amount of food waste generated per day, causing me to analyse
what could be done better throughout the life cycle. The conclusion I arrived upon is to implement a
system that redistributes untouched food to those in need, which I imagine is similar to the
responsibility of an engineer – shifting the economy from linear to circular, hence increasing
sustainability. I started volunteering at Zero Food Waste to do just that. However, even with these
efforts, there is still a large proportion of waste resulting from unfinished or expired foods, which left
me pondering the idea of what came next: disposal in landfills or biomass for energy? It led me to
uncover conversions of food waste such as hydrothermal liquefaction, bringing about several
questions regarding efficiency, environmental impact, and cost. This engineering aspect – examining
and improving processes or designing new ones – is something I wish to explore further in my degree.
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The insight I have gained from work experiences reinforced my appreciation for the field. I shadowed
a team of process engineers at Sime Kansai Paints, where I performed quality control and observed a
hazard identification study to reduce a paint defect. Seeing firsthand the application of engineering
theory enables me to visualise its context in the real world, driving me to make an impact with the
knowledge I acquire. Moreover, my practical training at BOH Plantations allowed me to study the
processes of this vertically integrated company — from farm to factory. I admire how they manage
uncontrollable factors like weather, weeds, and disease; I expect an engineering degree will equip me
with the required skills to do the same.
After reading Hockfield’s ‘The Age of Living Machines', I was fascinated by how existing
mechanisms in nature elegantly execute their functions. Every chapter depicted a bioengineered
technology, some of which influenced me to pursue new experiences and ideas. I was motivated to
volunteer at Limbs for Life, where I discovered how the engineer adapted the method of sand casting
to construct inexpensive, customised prostheses. It showed me that engineering is about seeing things
differently to devise a creative solution. The book also prompted me to write a research report about
lungs-on-chips. Through exploring how this microfluidic cell culture chip could improve drug
development, I realised my interest in models that illuminate the underlying processes within an
organism. This and the chapter on cancer-detecting nanoparticles, detailing its development by testing
and understanding each observation, inspired me to study the fundamentals of processes before
delving deeper into biological systems.
During my gap year, I completed a Python course and a few projects including a simulation of the
solar system. It taught me to solve problems by breaking them down into sections, thus developing my
analytical skills. I also worked as a tutor, which enabled me to improve my communication skills by
explaining a problem from different angles. Additionally, organising an art workshop to raise funds
for Papyrus helped me acquire skills of collaboration and management. This complemented my role in
YME where I learnt the importance of cooperation within and between departments. The broadness of
the discipline, particularly the transferable skills and knowledge, attracts me to study engineering. I
aspire to innovate medical and environmental solutions in the future, and I hope the foundation
provided by this degree will aid my success in my chosen path.
MEng Civil Engineering
I learned about the Tacoma Bridge incident in high school. I was amazed that such a mighty structure
could collapse due to resonance caused by natural vibrations in a bridge and driving frequencies from
the wind. I was fascinated to discover that the concepts of oscillation and conservation of energy,
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concepts I was learning in school, were used to design tuned mass dampers that potentially save lives.
As I learned about projects like a road energy harvesting project in South Africa that aim to generate
electricity in rural areas and modular construction techniques that allow for a more sustainable way of
providing affordable housing, I have come to appreciate the fundamental role that civil engineering
solutions have in making people’s lives better and safer. In our current context of climate change,
economic uncertainty and insecurity, it is imperative that we develop sustainable and affordable
solutions to our structural needs and I am committed to participating in this endeavour as a civil
engineer.
To this end, I have pursued A-levels subjects that intrigue me for further studies. In Further Maths, I
have learnt that out of the box thinking can originate from persistence and experimentation. While
working on the relationship between the roots of polynomials and their coefficients, I experimented
with various substitutions and used what I learned in these attempts to construct a useful one. In
physics, I learned that one has to practise more even if the whole concept is unclear. For instance,
while I could picture planets' orbits, I found it was initially challenging to visualise and understand the
invisible and intangible gravitational potentials and fields. But after researching from the internet and
extensively discussing with my lecturers, I was able to connect these slippery concepts to more
tangible ideas. A-levels gave me a solid foundation to further explore engineering concepts. To satisfy
my curiosity, I spend a significant amount of time learning from industry experts through webinars
and interviews. I interviewed Lim Thiam Lock, a veteran civil engineer and the project manager in the
construction of the Baha'i Local House of Worship in Battambang, Cambodia. Despite limited human
and financial resources, this architectural marvel was completed in record time through the unity and
selfless dedication of local inhabitants. From him, I garnered that this edifice not only serves as the
place of worship, but also to transform the lives of the entire community and serve as a centre of
civilization and education. The application of engineering knowledge, he shared, must be coupled
with qualities such as humility, love and truthfulness. Mr. Lim's advice taught me that, to be an
outstanding and purposeful civil engineer, I have to cultivate virtues and gain valuable skills as a
student.
To foster my leadership skills, I captained my high school and college basketball teams and
volunteered as a certified First Aider at district and state sporting events. As the division leader for the
Civil Engineering branch in college, I proposed a platform for engineering enthusiasts to brainstorm
the features vital to a sound structure, like materials, safety, delivery and possible obstacles to the
building process. Peer-tutoring physics and mathematics has given me the opportunity to research
beyond the syllabuses in order to communicate my insight into problem-solving with my tutees.
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Though I have been engaged in various leadership roles, my resilience and time-management skills
help maintain my academic accomplishments. I was awarded as the best student for my outstanding
academic and co-curricular activities. I am also working toward a Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award.
All the experience, skills and knowledge I have gained thus far will give me invaluable insights for
future success.
With passion, dedication and a humble posture of learning, I look forward to beginning an exciting
journey of becoming an outstanding civil engineer!
MSci Physics
Studying physics for a future career never came across my mind as it was just about forces of push
and pull. My perception changed completely after my physics teacher in high school showed me that
it was so much more. He explained to me Einstein's famous energy equation; about how much
condensed energy matter possesses and that it could be converted to pure energy. It's fascinating how
extreme these phenomena may seem when you finally understand it; yet physics is able to explain
these in such simple theories. Even more so how it is mathematically proven that one cannot deny the
theory. Therefore I view mathematics as the language of physics. I love the sense of accomplishment
these two subjects give when solving a challenging problem. Gradually I realised that physics could
be something I could cherish though my life and career.
What I particularly like about physics is the way we could research a specific topic and make
connections and draw links between one and another. It is the ‘Eureka’ moments and the realization
that knowledge has no boundaries. There could be more than what we already know. I enjoyed
reading Hawking's “A Brief History of Time”; never in my life would I have ever thought about the
possibilities of there being a 4th dimension or even more. Besides reading outside of the syllabus, I
keep up to date with the latest research online. Last year I was intrigued by the latest discovery of the
Higgs field. Reading the comments on the same topic by different physicists made my thinking more
flexible and opened my mind to other possibilities or multiple solutions to a problem.
During my summer break, I had a two-week work experience in the Department of Bioinformatics at
the National University of Malaysia. I worked with a research group helping with their computational
research on the biological molecule level. Though it was a field outside of my targeted course, it was a
first-hand experience working in a research field and was very exciting. This experience helped me to
adapt to the environment and learn different concepts within a limited time.
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The week after I worked at the Department of Nuclear Science, where I was able to observe the
radiation of cobalt-60 using a Geiger counter and a liquid scintillation counter. They showed me how
to look at publicly available data from CERN of previous investigations on particle collision in the
Large Hadron Collider. It was a very useful experience as I was able to apply what I learned in school
to a professional research lab. This was a different experience compared to learning the theory and
exposed me to what a physics-related occupation is really about. Although I was successful in the
Bioinformatics Department, I had more excitement working in the Nuclear Science department,
proving to myself that a physics course would be more suitable for me.
In high school, I played chess and was competing at the State level. Playing chess helped me to
develop analytical thinking and taught me to compare multiple strategies when solving a problem. I
was also a Prefect and President of the Prom Committee during my Senior Year. Having such a
responsible position improved my leadership and communication skills later helped during my
Research Group placement where I was confident in taking part in the open discussions. Currently, in
college, I hold a position as a Multimedia EXCO and get involved in various activities helping
different clubs to learn and improve new techniques such as video and image editing. My peers have
told me that I am very good at producing the best results whatever the situation may be.
I hope to get experience and education to work in research and development by studying overseas. I
would like to surround myself with people with similar interests and inspirations. I will be a highly
devoted, hard-working and inspired student you would not regret taking in if you offer me a place. I
am aspired to become a physicist who one day could make a revolutionary discovery in the world of
physics.
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Economics
BSC ECONOMICS
Many of the concepts in Economics appeared logical and predictable when I started to study the
subject two years ago. However, I began to encounter aspects that appeared to be counter-intuitive.
One example was the fact that drug prices in America are 3 times greater than the global average.
Their monopolistic healthcare system and other unique characteristics meant that basic explanations
using the price mechanism were not possible. The example of the US developed far beyond the usual
boundaries of mathematical and social modelling. At this point, I realised that the study relies upon
the application of diverse quantitative and qualitative methods.
Being a keen mathematician, I enjoy applying quantitative solutions to complex problems. I was able
to do this during a 3-month internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers. I was assigned to the Compliance
Specialist Group preparing tax returns. My role involved preparing tax returns for
clients and assisting managers to amend official tax documents. At PwC, I developed the ability to
work in a large team, delivering to expected standards and meeting deadlines. I experienced the
interchangeable role of leading and being led. It showed me the value and importance of mutual
respect in building meaningful relationships. I saw, at first hand, the application of behavioural
'nudges' to guide clients towards optimal outcomes.
As part of my interest in the fundamental tenets of Economics, I read a condensed version of Adam
Smith's 'The Wealth of Nations'. I admired his concept of specialisation and can see how that has
helped the world in the age of globalisation and also the way the 'invisible hand' allows markets to
clear. However, there were some topics upon which I take issue with Smith - I think that his statement
that law enforcement would not positively affect the future was misguided. Another book, 'Nudge' by
Sunstein and Thaler was key to my deep interest in the behavioural side of economics. It provides a
lot of anecdotal and scientific experiments based on behavioural economics. The deeper explanation
of inertia, in particular, sparked my curiosity because people usually think that they have the
willpower to choose the most apt action - in reality, we are often too lazy to differ from our set
actions. This certainly proved true with respect to the pension system in America, which has default
options that the majority of people are enrolled in because of this issue of inertia.
I have participated in a myriad of school-wide activities such as singing in the performing arts
competition and performing a traditional dance at Theatre Severn. I was initially out of my comfort
zone. However, I thoroughly enjoyed representing my country. I consider that my willingness to try
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out new activities would be particularly useful when it comes to being part of a university community.
I also attended the Concord College Politics, Philosophy and Economics summer program on a range
of topics such as Brexit and the Belt and Road Initiative.
I found the lecture from Ole Jann on the complexities of economics very interesting. He imparted new
ideas and theories while expanding heavily on the basics of demand and supply, such as how
producers and consumers interact to reach common goals.
Being an international student, I am aware of the significance of the interaction between different
countries and the repercussions of political and social change. Economics offers a route to understand
such changes and identify potential solutions. I am convinced that we live in turbulent times with
fragile governments and polarised societies. Therefore, I believe that Economics may provide
solutions to the problems we face, rather than solely relying on dogma. With the development of a
much more mathematical and data-driven side of the subject, I consider that I am suited to studying
Economics at the highest level.
BSC ECONOMICS
Adam Smith, the Father of Modern Economics quoted "No society can surely be flourishing and
happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable". According to Credit
Suisse Global Wealth Report 2018, since the last 12 months up till mid-2018, global wealth has risen
by $14 trillion to $317 trillion, with a growth rate of 4.6%. Countries like the USA, China and some
EU countries seems to cope better than countries like Brazil and Argentina. Generally it proved that
while the world might be getting wealthier, it is still on the downside, for the inequality gap is
continuously getting wider and wider every day.
Earlier this year, my country, Malaysia had our 14th General Election which made history, where one
of the longest ruling party in the world, which was plagued by corruptions claims, was defeated. The
new government wasted no time in tackling the corruption claims and put the country back on firmer
footing. However, even though the national income might have increased, income inequality remains
a long term issue. The threat of widening income gap means that the same standards of living are
difficult to sustain. The same seems to happen in developed countries too. I have been to Italy, a
developed country which, to my dismay, has a high number of poor and homeless that leads to high
theft and social ills. I have the experience of being one of the unfortunate pickpocket victims. It shows
that the economy in Italy, together with its politics and social reasons, was equally unable to sort out
the income inequality gap among its people. Understanding the economic parameters and theories
such as Gini coefficient and the Lorenz curve, which measure the distribution of income in an
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economy, together with an understanding of the politics and social systems of a country will provide a
better insight and analysis of how to resolve a country's socio-economic ills. How such scientific
theories and methodology can be apply to real life economic environments amid different social
backgrounds are really of great interest to me.
A-levels was the first medium that connects me with Economics. Since then, I was inspired by the
importance and significance of this subject and the impact that it plays in this world. My passion and
interest for Economics never stopped developing since then and I definitely long for deeper and
further studies of this subject. I believe that Mathematics, Accounting and Business Studies will come
in handy when I pursue my undergraduate study in Economics, especially when assessing and
evaluating the data, such as the aggregate changes in the economy, the unemployment level, inflation
rate, and others. They will allow me to logically express the performance of the economy in numbers
and variables which will further refine my analytical skills. Apart from my studies, I was also elected
to be the Publicity Coordinator in the Student Council of my college. This has allowed me to observe
critically in real life, through the students' behavioural changes during their studies, how rapidly the
world environment and lifestyles can change. Thus in reality, it proved to me that firms also have to
adapt quickly to the rapid changing economic environment to ensure that they will continue to stay
relevant and sustainable. Being in the council has also given me opportunities to represent the student
body which further strengthened my interpersonal and leadership skills. I believe these skills would be
essential as I pursue my undergraduate studies.
BSc in Economics would provide a pertinent path for me to further develop and enhance my
understanding and interest in Economics. I look forward to pursue this challenging yet rewarding
degree in the UK, contributing back to the community, locally and globally. I believe with my strong
and persistent desire to develop my knowledge and understanding for Economics, I will be able to
strive for greatness and excellence in my personal and career development.
BSC ECONOMICS
While Malaysia has done substantially well in reducing the income inequality gap in the last few
decades, it still has the highest Gini coefficient within Asia. After conducting deeper research and
analysis, I discovered the reasons behind this alarming trend could be largely attributed to corruption
and the influx of low skilled foreign workers. Corruption has been proven to have profoundly
detrimental effects on public finances, while the influx of low skilled foreign workers has suppressed
low skilled wages over the years. This has taken its toll on the Malaysian people and the Malaysian
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economy is in serious need of a revamp. After eradicating corruption, Malaysia will need to focus on
using long term supply-side solutions such as education, retraining and investments in infrastructure
to attract foreign direct investments and restructure into an open, dynamic and competitive economy.
This need for correction in the Malaysian economy, and my desire to be a part of the change to better
my country, was what reeled me in to pursue a degree in economics.
To fuel my interest in economics, I attended the Economics and Leadership Forum both in 2018 and
2019, where I was not only exposed to current policies such as the Belt and Road initiative but also to
developments in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Fintech. I was also blessed with the
opportunity to attend a talk by LSE Director, Minouche Shafik where she discussed how economic
inequality, fear of automation and identity politics, coalesced with media misrepresentation, creates
uncertainty and pessimism for the future. She also stresses the importance of education in aiding
economic growth, which I agree is imperative in breaking the poverty trap among the lower-income
group. These exposures gave me insights into the worrying economic trends in Malaysia and further
fuelled my drive to want to do my part to correct the wrong and improve the Malaysian economy.
To keep myself up to date with current affairs, I read the BBC website and the local newspaper daily.
This has, however, created more questions than answers in my mind and has led me to read a series of
books by Prof. Lin See-Yan which discusses the dilemmas of governance in this ever-complex world.
It gave me a new perspective and understanding of the current state of affairs which I read about daily.
To satisfy my inquisitive mind, I’ve also enrolled myself in advanced calculus courses so that I can
understand complex economics equations which I’ve come across in books, such as Thomas Andren’s
“Econometrics.” I am also pursuing a course in A-Level Further Mathematics to better prepare myself
for likes of regression analysis and game theory at the degree level.
In high school and college, I have also assumed several leadership positions that have taught me
important 21st-century soft skills. Holding the position of treasurer and sponsorship director in my
college society has taught me how to budget prudently and market my ideas to clients, while being in
part of the prefectorial board and school cheerleading team has allowed me to hone my leadership and
communicative skills. These skills were put to the test when I participated in an international Model
United Nation conference and was placed against the best from around the world. The conference
required me to present my ideas succinctly and diplomatically, which I did eloquently and was
awarded the best delegate award.
Having the opportunity to pursue tertiary education in the UK will not only allow me to further my
interest at the highest level, but also provides me with an opportunity to interact with like-minded
students from around the globe and develop a global and critical mindset. This will allow me to
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analyse issues using different perspectives which is paramount in the field of economics. I aspire to
address issues as a future policymaker in my country, and I hope to be given the opportunity to do just
that.
BA ECONOMICS
When I was younger, I adored going to museums and galleries to gain new knowledge about
the world. I relished in learning about history and human behaviour. I would read all sorts of books on
philosophical and economical theories such as This Book Will Make You Think by Alain Stephen,
The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura and many others. Because of this, I knew I was interested in
social sciences and humanities.
In high school, I was part of the English Motivational Committee which required me to inspire other
students to interact and communicate in English. It taught me how to connect with people of different
personalities and sharpen my leadership skills as well. I was also keen on learning and experiencing
different cultures from people around the world, which is why I joined an exchange program trip to
Japan hosted by International Hiroshima Club. It allowed me the chance to expose myself to a new
community with different morals and opinions. During this trip, I was able to understand the
difference between countries across the world, both socially and economically. I have also represented
my school in several mathematics competitions such as National Olympiad Mathematics as well as
Kangaroo Maths Competition and have also participated in UNSW Global Mathematics Competition.
This helped me sharpen my mathematical skills and instil my passion for mathematics.
During my college days, I have also joined a programme on financial literacy hosted by CIMB
Foundation which taught me to be more rational in my financial choices in order to be more equipped
and prepared in the long run. I was also given the chance to be the floor manager for my college’s
annual dinner. Through this event, despite the struggle, I learned to make beneficial choices for the
satisfaction of everyone. I had to work on time management, cooperative skills and opportunity cost.
I am currently studying my A-levels at MARA Seremban College. The subjects that I take for my
A-Levels are Economics, Mathematics and Physics which, in my opinion, is a very unique
combination. I chose to study Economics in particular because I enjoy understanding how people
make choices in life when faced with different circumstances and how those choices affect them and
the community as a whole. It is interesting to see how each choice we make has its cost and benefit
towards ourselves and the people around us. I also enjoy learning the various theories and concepts of
economics and the history behind it all.
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Through Economics, I learned how firms make decisions to achieve maximum profit and satisfaction.
It was interesting for me because I understood how some firms may abuse their power towards
customers, especially if they are a monopoly firm, and through several case studies I did during
classes, I learned how some firms engage in price discrimination. I was also able to learn about the
relationships between countries particularly when performing trade and I believe now I am able to
understand the concepts of currency and inflation even better than before.
Also, having mathematics as one of my subjects has been really helpful in sharpening my skills that
can be applied in both economics and physics when plotting graphs and understanding formulas.
Similarly, physics has also been an interest of mine. I have always been intrigued in the concepts of
life and further understanding the laws of nature.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to be sponsored by MARA to further my studies in subjects I am
passionate for. Being in this college has taught me to be grateful for the opportunities given to me and
helped me become more humble. It was because of this environment, I was able to have a conducive
study life with my lecturers and classmates.
MA ECONOMICS
I asked my mother to describe me in a single word. Without hesitation, her reply was
"entrepreneurial". Her answer surprised me, but after some reflection, I realised my mother knows me
better than I know myself.
From a young age, I have always had a penchant for finding ways to make money. Be it
bargaining a wage for doing chores or teaching my cousins for pocket money, finding financial
security was always my priority. Later, that drive to be aware of and steady with my finances stayed
with me. At 15, I joined the Young Entrepreneurs Club. That was my first taste of "working" in a
corporate environment. The experience was interesting because it was the first time I realised that so
much went into running a company. From that moment, I decided that I liked the experience and
wanted to continue in the future.
Next, I moved on to the Leaderonomics Club, a club that focused on helping local
communities. There, I got to hone my leadership skills, along with heightening my entrepreneurial
skills. As part of the club’s founding members, I got to experience what it was like to start a project
from scratch. In addition to these clubs, I was also part of other extra-curricular clubs, including the
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Japanese Language Club, Librarians, the Editorial Board, Chess Club, and Police Cadet Corps. Each
of these benefitted me in different ways. As Vice President of the Japanese Club, I learned what it was
like to lead a club and also got to experience both learning and teaching a foreign language. While the
others honed my writing skills and time management abilities, taught me discipline, and critical
thinking.
Additionally, I was also active in conferences and model United Nations (MUN). In 2016, I
joined an International Students' Forum in Indonesia. The forum was my first international experience
and sparked my interest in both environmental and economic issues. Later, in 2018, I joined my first
MUN which was the first government-backed MUN in Malaysia. In October this year, I participated
in OxfordMUN, Singapore. Both of these experiences showed me the meaning of privilege. Most
participants for MUNs are private or international school students. The economic inequality that exists
in Asia means that some students do not receive as many opportunities to learn as others. They do not
get the help needed to become leaders in their own countries and communities.
Concurrently, I kept up good academic results. I am a person who thrives under pressure.
Hence, my results improved once I became more active in extra-curriculars. Also, specialising once I
started doing my IB diploma helped me feel more passionate about my subjects. I especially enjoyed
learning economics at Higher Level. The subject changed me; it was a new way to understand the
world. I am the type of person who loves learning, with an insatiable hunger for knowledge. I want to
know how the world works and what motivates people to behave the way they do. Economics gave
me that understanding.
Before college, I worked part-time at Coffee Bean. I chose to start working because I wanted
to be able to experience working in the service industry. After my 7-month working stint, I can
confidently say that I fully respect service workers. I lived my life before comfortably blessed, blind
to the fact that I was so privileged. Working allowed me to interact with people who were less
fortunate. It made me grateful for everything in my life, both past, and future.
During this time, I wondered how I could help these people who had become my friends,
who smiled and laughed with me as they lived from paycheck to paycheck. I will not be able to help
them today, nor will I be able to help them tomorrow. But, I hope that one day, if I choose my path
wisely, I can. I have a dream of helping those less fortunate than me. I think that the first step towards
that dream is studying a subject that will help me make a difference in an increasingly economically
divided world.
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Accounting and Finance
MA ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
It was not until the age of 16 when I started to hold a grasp of the stock market. I regularly read up
online to explore the world of finance. Investopedia was my source of education on the terms
associated with the stock market. I even tried out a stock market simulator to have a taste of how real
life trading operates. Naturally, when I was bestowed upon the opportunity to choose the subjects for
my A-Level course, I immediately took Economics as my first choice as it would present me an even
clearer outline of the realm of finance.
Moreover, in order to push myself beyond my comfort zone, I consistently involved myself in
discussions to interact with many people whom have different views about the world economy. I have
also assisted my father in managing his personal stocks portfolio by investing in the local stock
market, Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE). Surprisingly, I have made a substantial amount of
capital gain on my investments. In order to monitor my stocks effectively, one of my daily routines is
to read up on “Starbiz”, the local business newspaper, to keep myself updated on the stock market. I
also go online to do fundamental research on firms such as reading their financial reports before I
invest in them.
Moving on, with the booming of technology in this era, I continuously understand the need to keep
my skills sharp and up to date so that I am able to have an edge in my future career. As Benjamin
Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest”. With curiosity as my
main driving force, I often take an interest in learning about emerging new technologies in the
financial
world.
Take
cryptocurrencies
as
an
example,
I
find
the
concept
behind
cryptocurrencies—blockchain technology, to be a groundbreaking idea for the future of the financial
world in terms of transactionary and investment purposes such as initial coin offerings. Although
there are heated debates in the utilisation of cryptocurrencies, I trust that blockchain itself could prove
to be an important technology to be implemented by banks and governments into public services in
the future.
Additionally, I feel that accounting would be a very important aspect in reinforcing my skill sets in
order to walk the world of finance. The significance of accounting is very much related to my future
prospects in the way of analysing and also verifying financial reports of firms. I believe that validity
and accuracy of information is crucial for survival in the financial world.
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Definitely, I acknowledge that there must be a balance between academics and co-curricular activities.
My participation in football has taught me that teamwork and coordination are two very distinctively
crucial elements for finishing tasks in a stipulated time. Likewise, I also have a passion and
experience in expeditions such as hiking and kayaking. My participation in the Duke of Edinburgh
Awards taught me resilience and persistence is the key to staying positive in extreme conditions. I
hope that these skills that I have acquired will be able to assist me in my future career when working
in teams.
I have a vision, one day I would be able to enter the world of corporate finance and work alongside
the likes of Warren Buffett in drawing up investment plans. From there, I will build upon my own
legacy by making my name known to the world.
BSC ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
My interest in the world of business was sparked by my father who is a company CFO. It was from
him that I learnt the basic rudiments of how to run a company with good business acumen and to look
out for as well as to deal with the pitfalls and snares. Apart from my family’s influence, the core
principles guiding me are integrity and trustworthiness, hence newspaper articles headlining
corruption and money laundering cases attract my interest, and fuels my goal to understand and tackle
these unethical corporate malfeasances. As a qualified accountant, I would be enabled to handle these
issues in the most professional manner. Hence, my career goal is to become a chartered accountant,
working as an executive at one of the MNCs in the UK.
A major stepping stone in my decision to build a career in accounting and finance was my internship
at a small automotive business firm, shadowing and assisting the CFO of the firm. By using a cloud
accounting software to bookkeep documents, I realised the importance of integrity and trustworthiness
in a financial system. As it was an automotive business firm, I was exposed to a different perspective
of the financial world as I dealt more with car sales, car loans and depreciation of car values and other
car accounting components which I self-learned to keep track of and be ahead of what I was doing.
After my internship, it made me question how the information would had been dealt with in other
countries as accounting principles vary from country to country, and also to consider the possibilities
of vertical innovation in financial reporting to reduce accounting scandals, which is rather stagnant.
Driven by curiosity to learn more, I resolved to pursue a career in accounting and finance.
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Studying Economics at A-level provides me with a more in depth knowledge of the ambitious world
of finance. For instance, from case studies of multinational corporations (MNCs), reading Grinding It
Out: The Making of McDonald's written by Ray Kroc and watching The Founder, I learned the
success story of McDonald’s, an idea originally conceived by the McDonald’s brothers. Also, I am
more aware that due to some individual’s self-interest, cases like collusion between oligopolistic firms
happen, thus giving rise to corporate malfeasances. Furthermore, studying Mathematics at A-level
refines my ability to approach problems in a different manner, which demonstrates my numerical skill
and critical thinking skill, hence being well suited to study accounting and finance.
BSC ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
Everything has a starting point, just like my interest towards Accounting and Finance. My sister first
introduced me to the world of accounting when I visited her at college. If it was not for my sister, I
would not have been interested in this particular major. Terms like “equity” was foreign to me at that
time. This made me notice that I wanted to know more about what it meant because I was intrigued
and fascinated about financial terms. Hence, the decision to pursue my future in Accounting and
Finance.
During my second last year of high school, I planned to take accounting as my extra subject for my
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). Even though I only studied it for a year and a half, I would say that it
already gave me an impact big enough to influence my choice on my future career. Besides the
secondary education I took, my passion grew as I attended a seminar on finance held by CIMB Bank.
It consisted of talks and games about handling money and investments. One of the games we played
was an investment on trust funds. Each group had a certain amount of money and had to choose which
trust fund to invest in based on their conditions in the current time and future. I was my group’s
auditor, as I needed to always check up on the treasurer’s work and make sure everything was in
order. It really opened my eyes about decision making under different economic circumstances. I am
taking my A-Levels with subjects Accounting, Mathematics and Physics. These subjects helped me to
understand the course better. For instance, Accounting helped me in terms of learning the basics of the
course itself like the double entry and other aspects of the course. It sparked a rather deeper interest in
me about the course as it teaches me that the course is not only about calculating profits or losses, but
also managing an entity, such as partnerships and companies. Mathematics and Physics made me
realise that calculation skills and critical thinking is important in Finance, as Finance really revolves
around thinking outside the box and I’m really interested in knowing more about investment
management and financial regulation that is offered in this course.
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I entered several debate competitions during high school and I also participated in the Kangaroo Math
Competition and received honourable mention twice. Debate was my instrument for polishing my
speaking and confidence. I was also the deputy of the Student Representative Council in high school.
In order to be a member of the Student Body I had to go through campaigning and elections. This
definitely helped me in handling pressure because of the deadlines, paperwork, and handling other
people’s behaviour. Moreover, I held the position as a treasurer for my homeroom and my extra
curricular club. We usually made food sales to raise funds for specific goals. This really taught me
how to make right decisions under pressure because I was the only one who had the authority to
decide what will the money be used for. It helped me to be more organised in managing money and
keep in track of the flow of cash. Besides that, analytical thinking made sure that I was selling items
that suits the situation and demand of the students at that time.
When I was in college, I had the opportunity to guide my fellow peers with their academics through a
program named One Step Closer To A*, or OSCAR for short. I became a mentor for two subjects,
which was Accounting and Mathematics. The responsibility and trust the lecturers gave me was a bit
overwhelming but I see it as a challenge and a way to fix my own understandings towards the
particular subjects. In my opinion, seeing other people’s weaknesses or vulnerability is what made me
more empathetic, and that is a vital trait I need to own to become a useful person.
If I graduate from an institution with such high reputation and excellence, it will definitely make me
cherish the name and pride bestowed upon me and motivate me to bring prominence to the university.
BSC ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
A few years ago, my father handed me a newspaper and asked me to read and explain an article. I
attentively read the article. After reading the first paragraph, I realised that the article was generally
about accounting. Back then, I did not understand a single thing about accounting as I had no interest
in accounting or finance, but post-reading the article, my interest in both sparked. I managed to
explain the article’s main points well and I remember my father's comment: "One day, you would
make a great accountant."
I am now on a road towards achieving my dream in becoming a Chartered Accountant and excelling
the ICAEW papers. Currently, I am an A Level student studying Accounting, Mathematics and
Economics with no basic Accounting knowledge. I studied with dedication in order to polish my
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basics. Learning about how money flows in and out of firms and how the companies' finances are
handled had deepened my understanding and passion for Accounting and Finance. For instance, I can
distinguish the financial management system in societies and manufacturing firms and I am aware of
how local businessmen/women use consignments to expand their businesses overseas. Thus, I plan to
pursue my Accounting and Finance degree in England as this is the country that I have been dreaming
to study in since I was young.
In order to enhance my Accounting and Finance knowledge, I went on a remarkable field trip to
ACCA and PwC Malaysia. The trip was filled with motivating and eye-opening sharing sessions. A
senior Executive Director at PwC Malaysia informed us of how most ACCA members did not become
accountants. Some of them became top CEOs or famous public figures: Tony Fernandes established
his own successful airline company known as AirAsia. At that moment, my ambition changed. Instead
of just being an accountant, I want to be part of the top management team like my father, who is a
qualified accountant and an Executive Officer of a local company. My financing skills and knowledge
also improved due to a financial literacy programme held by CIMB Foundation: Be $mart. During the
programme, I gained numerous skills regarding practicing an effective financial management such as
early money planning, correct credit card ownership and efficient debt management. I also learnt
about Delayed Gratification: the dismissal of personal wants, so that a person would receive a greater
reward later. All in all, the programme had boosted my financial management skills.
I also developed my knowledge through constant classroom participation: individual or group
presentations, helpful discussions and mock debates. My tests' grades were not always the highest in
class, but my lecturer once said: “I see your efforts in trying to excel in your studies.”. Hence, I
continued to strive onwards despite the many challenges.
As I grew up, my personal skills had improved since my time as a timid child. My experiences as a
member of many organisations such as the Student Disciplinary Board serve as proof that I can be a
great leader. I was also a member of my college's Editorial Board. My English skills are often praised
and respected by teachers and peers, so I accepted the offer in becoming a reporter for the Board to
broaden my writing experience. Withal, I have always been the kind of person to voice out my ideas
and share my general knowledge with my peers. Ergo, I seldom feel nervous if I was to face a large
crowd and speak. Despite all my academic involvements, I also enjoy doing other activities. My
passion for running is due to my aspiration to be an active marathoner like my father. I also enjoy
playing badminton and volleyball from time to time. Moreover, despite the gender stereotypes, I love
watching football games and prefer history films over romance. It was a prominent fact in my family
and friend group that I am different than other girls my age. I am proud of that because being
sanguinely different is what makes me special.
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Law
LLB Law
It all began with Holly Painter's poem, "Find Your Voice". As a young girl, it did not matter that my
voice was small because a lawyer's speech in high school made me realise speaking out for myself is
exciting, but standing up for those who are unheard gives my voice its true meaning.
A play about domestic violence woke me up to the dangers of keeping silent. If the voices of victims
are suppressed in the dark, how can justice be done? Inaction is not an option - how do I bring these
cases to light? In my search for answers, I came across the CPS's Violence Against Women and Girls
strategy. I was inspired by their commitment to build compelling cases so that victims need not appear
in court. Thus, I believe that studying law in the UK would give me firsthand experience of the robust
English Legal System, making it a key step for me to be part of the solution.
In IGCSE Sociology, I discovered more unheard voices in numerous cases, notably Stephen
Lawrence's murder. This drove me to take A Level Law, and I resonated with the aim of the law to
strike a balance between certainty and flexibility. Contract law sharpened my legal sensibility; I now
look at everyday matters through a legal lens, even analysing purchases in terms of offer and
acceptance. Data responses further exposed me to a wide range of Parliamentary Acts. When my aunt
was worried about the personal injury her dog caused, I offered suggestions based on the Animal Act
1971. This experience made me appreciate law for the assurance it provides to people in need. An
article in the Law Review Journal on statutory interpretation highlighted the significance of
interpretive skills. English Literature became a training ground to harness my skills in close reading
and selecting relevant textual evidence. In Economics, I learnt to formulate sound arguments, examine
assumptions, and draw conclusions. I noticed how a visual approach helped in conceptualising
theories and ideas. Proceeding to apply this in law, I employed diagrams and flowcharts, producing
clearer insights into legal concepts such as the segregation of powers or the multi-route criminal
appeal system.
A barrister I shadowed reiterated that "the answer is always in the books", reminding me to back
arguments with legal authority. Noting the importance of research skills in case preparation, I
embarked on the Cambridge International Project Qualification and investigated the effectiveness of
legislations in mitigating educational inequalities. Although occasionally frustrated by the load on my
reading list, I grew to be disciplined, organised, and competent in handling stress. I learnt about the
extensive field of Alternative Dispute Resolution by speaking to a case counsellor in the Asia
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International Arbitration Centre. To broaden my exposure, I read more into ADR and was captivated
by the parallels between the UK Arbitration Act 1996 and the Malaysian Arbitration Act 2005.
In a memorable court hearing I attended, a lawyer stood his ground firmly in the face of formidable
challenges from the judge. His conviction reminded me of my experience in Model United Nations as
a delegate of the Netherlands. Despite much opposition, I defended my stance until my draft
resolution was passed.
Taking my cue from the court observation, I gathered my peers for a series of forums on judicial
dilemmas. I designed the forums to simulate actual court proceedings, giving us a taste of being a
litigator. While exploring cases like the Re A (conjoined twins), I observed the unique presentation
styles of my peers and the ways they tackled intellectual challenges.
As Painter puts it in her poem, "the world is in need of people who see the power of words and use
them wisely". I thank you for hearing my voice in this story. I will use it wisely, and lend it to others
in this journey of advocacy.
LLB Law
My choice of reading Law was a journey of self-discovery. Whilst initially having difficulties in
deciding what to study, I soon realised my connection towards Law. I have come to understand from
Hobbes’ political theories that Law establishes the framework by which our society operates. It is this
significant influence that will combat the dire “state of nature” humans resort to based on pure
selfinterest and entitlement to scarce necessities, which has changed my perception of Law.
It is incontrovertibly a part of our daily life, from the fundamental tenets of the Constitution being the
supreme law of Malaysia to more mundane matters like contracting every-day necessities. This
realisation was cemented when facilitating debates about the justice of legislation through the Model
United Nations, as well as being tasked to research and draft the appropriate constitutional format for
the Student Council; naturally I was hooked.
The A Level subjects of History, Literature, and Economics allows me to hone critical thinking skills,
develop an analytical filter, and an independent thought process in a structured manner. History allows
me to perceive the same event from a myriad of different perspectives; a constant reminder not to
remain confined to a singular viewpoint. The study of Literature has developed critical analysis and
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nurtured independent reasoning to apply context and interpretation to the circumstances, environment,
and theme of the literary work. Economics has taught me the drivers from both the micro and macro
level which would influence and govern the choices of individuals, business organizations, and
governments. This combination of subjects has equipped me with the requisite skill sets in my pursuit
of Law.
During my internship with Adnan Sundra and Low, a leading law firm in Malaysia, I gained a taster of
what it is like in the legal profession. Part of my task was researching and writing up on the legislation
and rules applied to the Malaysian oil and gas industry. I gained valuable insight on the governing
framework of this crucial industry, as well as its complex regulations and policies. Additionally, I
acquired some understanding in advocacy work and witnessed the administration of justice through
the court system. Under the close guidance of my mentor, I thoroughly researched client concerns and
feedback via a presentation.
Alongside academic study, I have positions of responsibility as Student Council President,
Undersecretary General of Finance of the ISPMUN Conference 2019 and as an Event Organiser for
my school’s 10th Anniversary Carnival. Each opportunity has honed my interpersonal skills, as I
focused on efficient coordination in order to project a decisive action plan. As Student Council
President, diplomacy and reaching amicable outcomes have become second nature to me. In this
position, I am used to leadership and managing conflicting views which are useful tools in life. In
addition, my musical involvement in the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and other concerts,
as well as my regular participation in Church and attendant religious activities, have taught me to
structure a balanced timetable allowing me to accommodate all my activities. This also demonstrates
my expanded capacity to be dedicated and focussed in developing an eye for detail.
Impartiality, progression, certainty and equitability in my view make up the cornerstones upon which
the Law should be founded, and thus with this understanding, I see now that a Law degree is the
steppingstone which would provide me with an ideal platform in my life. I aim to pursue Law in order
that I may be able to accurately pinpoint barriers which will hinder the quality of growth and work, as
it cultivates the ability to advise and guide others to achieve a more effective outcome.
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PPE
BA PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS
By Wong Yit Xiang, AMEU
Note: He is happy to answer any questions. You may contact him at yitxiang@gmail.com
In a time where the world is fragmented by division, nationalism, and selfish opportunism, global
cooperation is facing a period of great challenge. Yet I can't help but recall my year 9 humanities
class, sitting enthralled as I learnt of the establishment of the UN, 198 countries working together in
an attempt to establish lasting peace. Inspired, I joined my school's Model UN, and immersed myself
in the discussion of tough international crises, winning the Best Delegate award in OxfordMUN
Singapore, later chairing the International Court of Justice in an international conference.
I thoroughly enjoy participating in monthly conferences, and this prompted me to join an external
International Relations summer program in Oxford in 2019 under the tutelage of Dr. Ivo Gruev. A
particularly memorable tutorial focussed on theories of leadership and discussion of Modi's populist
methods during the 2019 Indian Elections, specifically the stirring of racial divisions. This resonated
with me as many Malaysian politicians use more subtle populist methods to fragment racial diversity,
and being a racial minority in Malaysia, I became more self aware in identifying populist politicians.
The COVID-19 lockdown surprisingly gave me more time to focus on my interests. I interned for Dr.
Kuik Cheng Chwee in the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies and the East Asian
International Relations Caucus. I assisted in consolidating research for his book regarding hedging
behaviour of Southeast Asian states that disproves Western IR theories of balancing and
bandwagoning. I also spoke to the former Deputy Minister of Defence regarding Malaysia's Defence
White Paper, subsequently writing a commentary on the need for ASEAN collectivisation as a
response to China's encroachment in the South China Sea. Consolidating my passion for politics, I
gained insight in both IR research methodology and its usage, encouraging me to pursue it further in
university.
I do believe, however, that politics is a discipline not to be studied independently, evidenced when I
worked under the United Nations Association Malaysia. I was recruited due to my prior experience in
2018 for drafting the first edition of rules of procedure for the Model Malaysian Parliament,
introducing me to the philosophical groundings of Malaysian politics. Having read Jonathan Wolff's
Introduction to Political Philosophy, I wanted to develop a greater understanding of Rousseau's view
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on direct democracy, and found myself reading Rousseau's The Social Contract. I found the discussion
intriguing, as party hopping frequently occurs in Malaysian politics, critics claim the process to be
"undemocratic", as representatives act against the wishes of their voters despite claiming otherwise.
This supports Rousseau's principle that a democracy cannot be representative, as politicians make
decisions on behalf of their constituents, not agreed upon prior to their election.
Though philosophy serves as a grounding for politics, modern day politics is guided by economics.
My interest in economics is more recent. Preparing for the National Debate Team selections,
economic stagnation in Japan caught my attention, specifically Abenomics. Abe decided to weaken
the yen in order to become an export powerhouse, yielding short-term benefits. I believe these policies
would, however, simply plaster over the issue, failing to resolve their low aggregate demand.
I hope that by reading PPE, I may encompass all my interests, having the opportunity to further study
the interdependency of the subjects. As an experienced debater, having won the Overall Best Speaker
in a Hong Kong debate tournament, and Third Best Speaker in a local tournament, I look forward to
engaging with other like-minded peers. Furthermore, studying in the UK at the forefront of research in
the humanities sector, with a rich history in philosophy, politics and economics, I will gain a deeper
understanding of international affairs.
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Mathematics
BSc Mathematics with Statistics
Mathematics amazes me – it is logical, diverse and a great way to stimulate my brain. Recently, I have
become interested in its applications, particularly with statistics and probability. The ability to
calculate risks and analyse trends is essential in all walks of life, and with technology, we can explore
data in more exciting ways. Statistics is a rapidly evolving field that requires quantitative proficiency,
and as someone who loves challenges, I am determined to further my studies at degree level.
My passion for statistics stems from the classroom, where I first learned about probability
distributions and hypothesis testing. Curious to learn more, I glimpsed at articles in the RSS’s
magazine ‘Significance’. One article that fascinated me was ‘The flying bomb and the actuary’ – it
intrigues me how the dropping of V1 bombs in WW2 could be modelled accurately against the
Poisson distribution. It was nice to see many articles discussing more modern problems, such as the
impacts of global warming. Moreover, I read Steve McKillup’s ‘Statistics explained’, a book
providing me with an insight into biostatistics. From it, I came to acknowledge the importance of
good experimental design and mathematical rigour when aiming to draw valid scientific conclusions.
Likewise, MEI’s data science course taught me how to use programming, namely Python with
MATLAB, to effectively manipulate and illustrate large datasets. I look forward to learning more
about computational methods and their advantages.
Besides statistics, I love pure mathematics. At A-level, I enjoyed discovering the world of calculus –
as a result, my ability to scrutinise graphs and functions has improved drastically. Exploring number
theory has also been captivating, especially when I read through Eugenia Cheng’s ‘Beyond Infinity’.
Her breakdown of analogies, including the ‘Hilbert hotel’, made grasping the concept of infinity much
more accessible; ultimately, her book gave me a better intuition as to how mathematicians think
abstractly. Furthermore, by attending a maths summer school at Queen Mary, I learnt more about
combinatorics. I investigated various counting problems that involve the Catalan numbers, and on the
final day, I delivered a presentation on permutations. Overall, I benefited from engaging with a
university-style of learning.
Throughout school, I have relished participating in a variety of competitions. Achieving gold in the
UKMT maths challenges has only encouraged me to work harder to train my problem-solving skills.
This year, I decided to push myself by taking part in Manchester University’s ‘Mathsbombé’. As a
team of 4, we worked collaboratively to solve a set of brain-wrangling puzzles - my favourite puzzle
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involved finding the theoretical area of a Sierpinski triangle. What made the Mathsbombé experience
so exhilarating was realising that our methods had flaws; it was necessary to meticulously consider all
aspects of the question. By adapting our methods appropriately, we managed to derive all the correct
answers in the end. More recently, I competed in the National Cipher Challenge, where I utilised
modular arithmetic and frequency analysis to crack secret messages.
When I’m not studying, I am heavily involved in my school’s music society. I enjoy playing the
French horn in Symphony, Sinfonia and Wind Orchestra, as well as singing in the Senior Choir. I also
play the piano and am working towards a diploma to be taken in spring 2021. For the last 7 years, I
have been attending Taekwondo classes regularly, competing and winning medals in several national
Poomsae competitions. My extra-curricular commitments both in and outside school have resulted in
me developing organisational skills and great discipline.
BSc Mathematics & Operational Research & Statistics &
Economics (MORSE)
During this era of technology when data is born out of necessity, the process of gathering, structuring
and creating models to predict the future state is essential in sustaining global development.
Especially during this period of global pandemic, all industries, including the world of insurance have
been striving for survival by being adaptable as well as resilient while balancing the risks to keep
going forward.
The curiosity of how raw data can result in pragmatic decision making has fascinated me and made it
a logical choice for me to pursue actuarial studies. The term “E Peritia Ratio” which can be found in
the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ logo, meaning “reason from experience” has indicated how
actuaries have been providing solutions to their clients by leveraging historical data. With such
inspiration in mind, I have selected Mathematics, Economics and Chemistry at the A Level and AS
Level Further Mathematics to ensure I have a solid foundation in becoming a qualified actuary. Even
though my school does not provide Further Mathematics as part of its curriculum, I am in cognizant of
the requirements of the undergraduate course and have taken the initiative of self-learning the subject
with the aid of external online courses.
The “Joy of Stats” series presented by BBC Four, where the status of development of 200 countries
were compared throughout their histories, a graph from a range of data points can easily recognize a
pattern and make predictions. I am intrigued by the beauty of statistics which statistical models can
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portray relationships, ranging from the Supply-Demand model of a business to the economy of a
country.
My fascination led me to participate in online courses on Mathematics, Statistics and Risk
Management conducted by FutureLearn and edX. This has further developed my interest in data
analysis as I discovered how statistics can be applied across various areas as well as understanding the
benefits of predicting the future accurately. On top of my academic studies, I have taken the initiative
to gain deeper insights on some of the essential tools needed for data analysis such as Microsoft Excel
and MATLAB.
In school, I have taken the initial step forward by accepting the role of Treasurer of Tenby Penang
Student Leadership Council and worked my way up to becoming the Secretary General of Tenby
Penang Model United Nations 2020. As a committee member, teamwork has been essential in
ensuring all events run smoothly such as holding inter-school meetings and liaising with Multinational
Corporations, such as Jabil Penang, which supports the electronics industry and conducting seminars.
Furthermore, I have been exposed to writing reports with figures and to make sound financial
decisions based on the facts that I have had before me.
With my passion for Mathematics, along with its close relationship to Statistics and Economics, my
next step is getting a well-founded university education before being a qualified actuary in order to
achieve my ultimate goal which is to create new models that are able to predict the next future state of
an entity’s ability, not only for profitability and sustainability, but also includes having predictable
quantum leap in growth.
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Actuarial Science
BSc Actuarial Science
In search of a future career, I enrolled in a work experience program at an electronic measurement
firm. I recall the moment when my mentor used a sine graph to illustrate the Analog signal. Driven by
curiosity, I inquired about its correlation to Mathematics and was notably responded to with “Maths is
everywhere”. Indeed, Mathematics has wide applications, but instead of just acknowledging it, I
believe that the skill of popularizing concepts behind the applications is much more important.
When I was a Student Council executive, I led a team to tackle the problem of the school's long lunch
queue. Sample groups of students were chosen with Simple random sampling method and were asked
about their lunch preferences. This information would then allow the school cafeteria to increase its
workforce accordingly. Unfortunately, the project was halted by teacher advisors, as they believed that
the popularity of lunch choices is independent of the length of the lunch line. If knowledge of testing
association through contingency tables had been known to me at that time, the teachers’ hypothesis
could have been tested instead of dismissing the scheme based on assumptions. This personal
experience only imparts the slightest potential usefulness of Statistics if popularized.
Conversing with student actuaries clarified for me that Actuarial Science offers the opportunity to
apply Mathematics in many studies including Economics and Business. I was reassured about the
course’s broadness when a WSJ article led me to a report titled ‘Monitoring And Interpreting Excess
Mortality Statistics’ (John Roberts, 2020). Through the report, I identified that the cumulative
age-standardized mortality ratio is a better display of the impact caused by the Covid19 pandemic as it
eliminates the need to consider different population sizes of countries. I later discovered that the tool
was originally developed for actuarial use. This impressive display of actuaries’ ability to apply
Mathematics in many different fields, including epidemic analysis, solidifies my aspiration to become
an actuary: an actuary who can demystify mathematical findings comprehensively.
To enhance my communication skills and ability to simplify ideas extensively, I worked as a
salesperson at a lighting exhibition. When promoting a product like a light bulb, it is important to
understand the colour temperature and the technology behind the bulb. However, the information is
only valuable if I can convey it clearly to the consumers. This is even more true for jobs of a complex
nature like that of an Actuary. Rather than just having the ability to determine the probability of future
events, I believe that the skill of conveying information in the simplest manner is as important.
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As a club fundraiser, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to experience similar aspects of an
actuary’s job. For instance, I forecasted college students’ buying behaviors in order to facilitate the
process of choosing the type of seasonal products to sell and to approximate reserve funds that ensure
payments to suppliers are made promptly. This is achieved by deducing the expected sales trend with
statistical methods like the Moving Average using data of monthly sales for each product type from
previous years. Helped by my grasp of spreadsheets, I was able to aggregate a sum of RM 4,300 in
three months.
When I was a long-distance swimmer for the Penang Swimming Club, I was able to build up my
ability to persevere through grueling hours of daily swimming training. Furthermore, time
management and discipline are crucial to coping with studies and sports on a daily basis. These
qualities have definitely elevated my performance academically, especially when dissecting
challenging mathematical questions. Along with my passion for the subject, I believe that I am
well-equipped to pursue the journey of becoming an actuary and making the knowledge of
Mathematics easily accessible to people.
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Computer Science
MEng Computing
Computer science has taught me to think logically and critically to achieve or improve something. It
has shown me how there is no right or wrong to a solution as long as it accomplishes its tasks, while
there is only an argument on whether it is more suitable and time-efficient. Computer science has
taught me to accept challenges that allow my mind to brainstorm and think out of the box. Tough
challenges were what made me grow and learn new skills, and it always felt so rewarding when I had
learned something new. The fact that I have an opportunity to learn something new about computer
science makes me thrilled and this motivates me to research more on it.
In my high school years, I had a great interest in computers, and the main factor that grew my interest
in computers was games. Through the many years of gaming, it made me curious about how the
games were made. ‘God of War’ was a game I enjoyed and did research on it. I was curious about
how the graphics were made and shown on screen, and also how the game sets up a scene or
environment to guide players on how they should act or be aware of. YouTube videos and
documentaries had helped me to understand the game mechanics and the process of producing a
game. This led me to work on my own game. I learned a lot about how game engines work in
computers and how the computer logic and events build up the mechanics of a game. It also honed my
skills in coding. One of my biggest struggles whilst coding was having to deal with the mess in my
codes. However, through learning and trying, I finally figured out how it should be done, and it felt
very rewarding and pushed me to learn more about game production with computer functions. This
experience gave me a clearer idea of how coding works.
Through the course of research in games, I began to grow an interest in coding. Coding was fun for
me because it involved logical thinking and algorithms. For algorithms, in particular, I love the fact
that by approaching a problem with a different thought process, the time used by a computer will
differ significantly even though the results are the same. HackerRank was a website that gave me
good exercises for my coding skills and I learned the basics from it. I also searched for YouTube
videos and tutorials to learn the basics of coding. The languages that I learned were Python, C++, and
C#. I participated in a coding competition once and it was quite tough, but I tried my best and got a
silver award. The most interesting part of it was the problems given to me during the competition.
They were tough but I improved a lot in my coding skills.
I was curious about how computers work and how they function that made them become one of the
humans’ best companions. It is astonishing how computers have made people’s life so much easier. It
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pushes boundaries on what humans can achieve. I researched computers by watching YouTube videos
and documentaries, one of them was Crash Course. From the videos, I learned that computer
commands are made by simply switching on and off a circuit. Through this, it can store memory and
display them to the user, which forms the base of a computer. Complex images and calculations all
come from this simple idea, and it amazed me.
Ultimately, I would love to learn and explore new things in computer science. I also hope that I can
use my knowledge in computer science to help and improve the community. To help my friends who
loved gaming, I created a bot in a ‘discord’ server with my knowledge of programming. This made
their gaming experience better and much more enjoyable. It always felt rewarding when I was able to
bring ease to people with the skills I have. So much can be done through technology and I hope that I
can seize this opportunity to impact the community in a positive way.
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Bioscience
BSC MEDICAL BIOSCIENCE
I believe that biomedical science forms the base for medical research, without which cures for
diseases and vaccines wouldn't be possible. My interest in biomedical diagnoses and research was
sparked a few years ago, when my family members were diagnosed with the Chikungunya virus
(CHIKV), which is transmitted to humans by an infected Aedes aegyti or Aedes albopictus mosquito.
My dad suffered severe joint pain due to the disease and unfortunately, there is no cure for this
disease. After further reading, I found that the CHIKV adapted A. albopictus as host due to its
survivability in urban and rural areas. A single mutation that affects cholesterol dependency is needed
for the virus to adapt to A. albopictus without affecting the viral replication in A. aegyti.
I next successfully obtained a shadow placement in Tropical Infectious Disease and the Stem
Cell Laboratory in University Malaya. I gained first-hand experience on what is it like to be a
researcher and performed several procedures to help in research, including a study for a possible cure
for the CHIKV. One of the procedures that I was exposed to is the Western Blot. This is a method to
detect specific proteins in biological samples such as blood, urine and cell cultures where proteins are
separated by their molecular mass using gel electrophoresis, then transferred to a membrane and
added with primary and secondary antibodies so that it binds to the specific protein of interest. After
further research, I found another method for protein detection called the enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It is a plate-based method that allows the detection and quantification
of proteins in their native form hence will have the advantage of detecting multiple samples in a single
assay. In terms of specificity, I believe that Western Blot is a better choice because proteins added for
Western Blot will first be separated by its molecular mass using gel electrophoresis so the chances of
cross-reaction are less. In ELISA, the sample is added into the antibody. Given that, an antibody is not
100% specific, there is a higher chance of cross-reaction in ELISA, which is undesirable for
researchers. However, there are times where ELISA is better such as doing a diagnostic test for the
presence of a pathogen.
After the shadow placement, I was inspired by the medical researchers. I understand that
being a researcher requires skills such as critical thinking and communicating. To further develop my
skills in research, I am currently doing an EPQ on the effectiveness of mindfulness on exam stress
reduction in high school students to devote myself with passion into researching something that is
beyond my A-Level syllabus.
I have engaged in voluntary work at a clinic that provides free medical service. During this
time, I was exposed to different kinds of medication and learnt how to communicate with diverse
patients effectively, often when they are under stress. I apprehended that for a clinic to work
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efficiently, teamwork is the key, just like in the medical research world. Being a director of my
school’s LEO Club, I organised events for the club, such as a trip to volunteer at the National Cancer
Society, and planned various activities to raise awareness on different health issues, which helped me
to improve my organisational, procedural, leadership and teamwork skills. Regularly participating in
various voluntary services where I tutor children in English and general knowledge, and being a
Chemistry Ambassador in school, I have learnt to systematically break down and arrange complex
ideas and communicate these clearly and succinctly.
My personal academic research on CHIKV and my EPQ, my reflection on the skills that I
have been developing, and, in particular, my time in a laboratory at University Malaya have affirmed
my desire to study Biomedical Sciences at university. I am keen to move on to the next stage of my
academic development.
BSC
BIOLOGICAL
SCIENCES
WITH
BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT
Born to a father who is working in the business management sector and a mother who is keen in
psychology, I have been exposed to both science and social science streams. However, there has been
something about science that caught my attention. It was when I first noticed that the Moon was
following me. I was curious as this happened everyday. When I asked my parents, they said the
distance between the earth and the moon is great that when you move, the distance is very small in
comparison. So in whichever angle we see the moon, it seems to be in the same place.
As I grow older, my curiosity towards science also grows deeper. Pursuing my studies in the science
stream was expected as both my parents also had a science stream background during their high
school years. Being in a science school was a blessing as I am surrounded by people who have the
same passion as me. With an open mind and eagerness, I came to class ready to scoop all the
knowledge I can. Leaving the class with questions mingling in my mind makes me feel unsettled,
therefore I opted to dig up more from other sources. For instance, my teacher mentioned that dark skin
is actually good for us who live in hot countries. Therefore, I began reading articles online and
discovered that the darker the skin, the more melanin we have. These melanins are produced to protect
deeper layers of the skin when there is too much exposure to UV light.
Because of my passion towards science subjects, I willingly entered International Competition and
Assessment for School by University of New South Wales for science subjects. I was able to obtain
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credits for it. Next, I was chosen to represent my school for the National Science Challenge in the
preliminary level. Other than participating in science competitions, I made an effort to help my friends
in their studies by being a mentor in various subjects which include biology, chemistry, physics and
mathematics. To strengthen their understanding in these subjects, we would spend time doing
exercises, discussing it and dividing the task for everyone to make notes. As a result, most of them
were able to obtain flying colours in their exam.
At the same time, I was appointed by the teachers as the Vice Deputy of the Students’ Disciplinary
Board. Although academics is my top priority, I am also actively involved in many co-curricular
activities such as nature and adventure club, softball and gamelan which is a traditional orchestra
made up mainly of tuned percussion instruments. Balancing all these responsibilities has taught me to
manage my time well. Moreover, it has helped me in broadening my social circles as I was given the
opportunity to represent my school and meet people from other places. It has also greatly improved
my communication skills by engaging with many people. As an acknowledgement to my contribution
and participation, I was awarded as the best academic achiever and the most active club member.
As much as I like science subjects, social science has also made quite an impact on me as it sparks off
my fascination towards management specifically. As a Vice Deputy during my high school years and
a leader of the current sport club, I have realised the importance of having good management skills
where an organisation is able to perform at its full potential when it is well managed. Putting my skills
to use, the organisation under my lead was able to receive good responses from teachers and students.
On account of this, I believe that the management skills are essential in Biological Science field in
order to contribute and give a larger impact to society.
I chose this university because of the great reputation and the facilities here for my subject are second
to none. I look forward to be part of your institution.
BSC APPLIED SCIENCES
Learning Biology in class always intrigues me as an individual because I can understand further
about the mechanism of our body. Furthermore, living with a Haemophiliac father and a Down
syndrome brother has sparked my interest to learn Biology as I can explore deeply about the
diseases. Pursuing Bio1op=ical Science in Genetics has always been my dream since I have read a
lot about the vast number of diseases that exist in the world. For instance, I read an article recently
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about Angus Palmer, a 13-year old boy who has a rare chromosome abnormality which stunted his
growth after he was 3 years old which means he will always look like a toddler. There is no
scientific name for this rare disease since he is the only one in the world who is battling with this
disease so his mother just calls it "Happy Syndrome". This kind of news has always inspired me to
find new rare diseases that can be found in the world and given the opportunity to analyse them.
Furthermore, I believe that I am an analytical person and able to think critically. These skills can
help me to conduct any research throughout my study time. So far, I have conducted two
experiments independently; the first one was about "How temperature affects the iron content in
spinach?" and the other was about "Which fruit peels act as the best fertilisers for the growth of
Trigonella foenum graecum?". These researches have given me the gist of what I am going to be
facing for my degree later.
I have taken science subjects since I was in primary school and started learning Biology when I was
16 years old and this has given me an insight into what I am going to study further in my degree
later. Other than Biology, I also enjoy learning Chemistry. In 2016, I volunteered to become a
facilitator for a Haemophilia Junior Camp and I joined a charity programme conducted by my
college to visit patients in Hospital Serdang in 2017. I was also actively involved in running a
1-year charity project where we raised funds for the community in Cambodia to help them build a
school for the unfortunate children. These activities opened my mind and showed my commitment
in contributing back to society.
Moreover, I always challenge myself in school to try something new in order to gain new
experiences and skills. In my previous schools, I was actively involved with numerous club and
sport activities. For example, I participated in Entrepreneurship Expo and won first place for a
creative product and was rewarded as the best presenter in a Business Game. I also had the
experience of participating in the Selangor Model UN where I represented India for the conference.
These participations prove that I have excellent communication skills which are fundamental for
me to study abroad and adapt to a new environment. I am also a member of the college frisbee
club where I was elected as the secretary and have participated in a few matches and friendly
competitions. Frisbee is a sport that requires a strong teamwork among the members and I have
shown it throughout my time with them.
During my leisure time, I enjoy baking; I have joined a few baking classes as I believe that
baking is the science of cooking. I need to be very accurate and precise in order to get a perfect
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outcome. This is very similar to the skills needed to conduct any research. The fun thing about
baking is that I always feel like I am a researcher.
Hopefully, I can fulfil my dream of becoming a researcher in the biological field and bring
benefits to the community with my new findings. Giving a positive impact to society means the
world to me. I hold with the stance that "Believing in yourself is the first secret of success." I look
forward to the opportunity of pursuing Applied Science courses at your university which will
provide the knowledge and experience essential to my future career.
BSC BIOCHEMISTRY
In Science, every answer raises a new question. The field is one of infinite possibility and this is what
most attracts me to it. Studying biochemistry would allow me to understand in detail the complexity
of life and how different systems within it interact. To me, it explains the beauty of life, how it can be
catabolised and broken down into various chemical reactions. Studying the chemical composition and
structure of separate biological molecules, I hope to gain a more cohesive understanding of life.
I was fortunate to be accepted by my local Hospital KPJ Seremban to have a career attachment with
the pharmacy department where I observed how biochemistry is largely implemented in pharmacy
from its production to prescription. By this attachment, I’m more determined to choose biochemistry
because it reflects my personality where I need to be precise and attentive in handling chemical
substances as well as working with my colleagues.
My favourite subjects are biology and chemistry because they can be closely related to our life where
every action will have its own specific consequences carried out through unique procedures in the
most harmonious way. These efficient processes minimised any waste calculated via the atom
economy. I’m planning to work as an environmental scientist as it will enable me to have better grasp
on the mechanisms of nature, effects of humankind towards it and reducing the negative impacts by
maximising positive outputs
Conducting our own experiments in college allows me to have a better interpretation of the future that
I want to be. I am always intrigued by the various conclusions that can be drawn from a mere yellow
gas flowing out of the test tube. Thanks to my wonderful teachers, I am able to be a person that does
not stick to the textbooks, allowing myself to question the results of my experiment with deeper and
wider criticisms.
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My Biology International Baccalaureate (IB) course companion has helped to elevate my interest in
biochemistry as it contains many mind challenging topics that require more than understanding the
crucial details but to also question its relevance and importance. The books make it possible for me to
be a critical thinker where I don’t necessarily digest all of the things that I learnt but to also specify its
benefits and drawbacks.
I have joined numerous science fair competitions which contributed to my English fluency and good
public speaking skills. It has exposed me to innovative and creative scientific ideas allowing me to be
awed and broadened my scientific thinking. I researched the efficiency of bagasse as oil sorbent to
reduce the cost needed to clean marine oil spillage which catered to the important skills needed when
I operated my own self-made experiment in a university laboratory. From these precious experiences,
I learnt the importance of having good data collecting procedures and making my data as
comprehensible as possible to be understood by my teammates, advisor and especially the public
audience. Aside from the skills, I learnt the harsh effects of oil spillage as I become more
environmentally aware of the world.
Biochemistry combines the best of what I have found most challenging and rewarding in the different
subjects I have studied. I am certain that it is what I want to specialise in and am confident that my
curiosity and determination will help me do so.
BSC BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
My interest in Biomedical Sciences is mainly due to understanding the physiology of how the
body fights against diseases and how drugs work. The course would deliver an excellent grounding in
a range of medical-related disciplines as well as ways to apply biology-based science for medical use
through practical sessions and research. In addition, practical sessions provide a sound-basis for a
research career, as well as roles within and outside the lab.
I have great enthusiasm to further study on how varying chemical structure of drugs behave
so as to invent vaccines that prevent diseases from spreading. Hence, by all means, the amount of
people suffering with diseases, notably in underdeveloped countries, would decrease. With the
understanding that I had, ever since my first contact with Chemistry and Biology as well as when I
joined St. John, now I’m looking forward to augment extra professional knowledge under this course
to help the society.
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Both my secondary studies and A-levels courses included Chemistry and Biology where I
learnt about the structure, function of living things and the reaction of chemicals. One of the topics
that I am captivated by in Chemistry is Organic Chemical which explains how chemicals react and
form various types of products with a tiny difference in the structure; in Biology, the immune system
parts attract me with ways of how the immune system fights against pathogens within a short time.
In secondary school, I joined Short-case competitions where not only I gained skills of
dealing injuries with medicines but also teamwork and critical thinking during emergency cases from
team members as well as competitors. For instance, I tend to make quick decisions when treating a
patient so that he or she would be in less pain.
Even though I am from a Chinese background, I have no problem in understanding
English-based courses as I have been learning English for years. Additionally, I have consistently
joined activities which are conducted in English. For instance, I am a member of Toastmasters Club
and St. John Ambulance. Wherever I am, communication skill is the key to make my life easier when
facing obstacles ahead. Without communication skills, I could not ask for help from others to solve
my problems at hand. Being a science student, the deeper I learn, the more questions I have.
Consequently, good communication skills allow me to learn, especially those that are not listed in
books.
Furthermore, I hold the position of Vice President Membership of Toastmasters Club, the
Student Ambassador in College as well as a St. John member in my division. As a student with
multiple extracurricular activities, I enjoy participating in events as I could learn from others'
strengths and weaknesses, and, by meeting people, my confidence level could increase day by day that
builds me to be a well-rounded person.
Undoubtedly after shadowing a pharmacist for a month, I have a deeper interest in research to
explore drugs and at the same time, I learnt how vital that strong analytical thinking plays the role
when facing a problem. By volunteering as a St. John member, it has aroused me to further understand
about drugs that help us to cure from infections. I learnt to observe and understand things in further
detail. At once, my critical thinking skill could construct a well-thought-out judgment, in short,
self-discipline.
The knowledge gained from the course could be used to help the society by understanding the
origin and development of human disease and at the same time design a more effective drug for
infected persons; however, I do not resist joining a career which requires working outside the lab to
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widen my social skill. I hope that expansive experience in this field would make me a great asset to
your esteemed institution as I look forward to contributing more to the society.
Medicine
Bachelor in Medicine, Bachelor in Surgery
What is the purpose of life if death is our ultimate destination? The question struck me during a family
bereavement of mine and this led me to recall back what I had experience since the day I came to this
world. Being born with atria and ventricular septal defect, not to mention having allergic rhinitis and
eczema, my life of growing up is concomitant with different healthcare expertise. Thinking of the
tender care that I received, it then dawned on me that the purpose of life is to experience hope and
love. I aspired to become a doctor as I wish to have the capability to create hope and love amongst
those vulnerable and pull them through their most fragile days, just like what I had received.
To gain insight of the medical world, I shadowed a junior doctor. Seeing the doctor modifying
closed-ended questions for different patients, in a case which the patient was diagnosed with
pericardial effusion only after further inquiries of the onset of the chest pain, I learnt that doctors
should be analytical in taking patient history by building rapport with patients, in this case adapting
their linguistic approaches. Having fascination in cardiology field due to my heart condition, I secured
a cardiology attachment in a private specialist centre. I was fortunate enough to witness an invasive
procedure of percutaneous coronary intervention. Watching the collaboration of the cardiologists and
the radiology team, I understand that doctors should have the ability to communicate and work under
a multidisciplinary team to ensure a holistic patient care by minimising one’s limitations. Learning
that doctor should treat patient as a whole but not exclusively focus on the intricate physical
complications leads me to explore the book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande which displays the quality
of empathy of doctors to minimise mental torture inflicted on patients.
Being curious about congenital heart disease, I went on to read about the current available treatments.
I was captivated by stem cell therapy research at which the intramyocardial injection of umbilical cord
cells into 3-month old infant’s heart proved effective proliferation. I believe congenital heart disease
can be cured from the root with further researches, especially after Yamanaka’s discovery of the
induced pluripotent stem cells, which human’s fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into
embryonic-stem-cells-like cells and I wish to be in the cohort to apply this technology on patients with
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heart defects.
Being inspired by the relief effort, I decided to volunteer in Malaysia Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth
Association to distribute groceries to those affected by COVID-19. In my time spent on volunteering,
I had come to further recognise the disparity in our society in terms of resources and healthcare
distribution. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, I signed up as a volunteering tutor online to
help students and this strengthened my problem-solving skills and patience. Besides, working as a
part-time waitress during holidays trained me to work under pressure as long hours of serving people
placed me in a position to deal with uncertainties.
In 2017, I constructed a Chinese debate team to represent my school in state debate competitions
which taught me to think critically, let alone developed my leadership quality for leading training
camps. Being the secretary of the Pre-Medic club in my college, I got the chance to work under a
team as well as had hands-on clinical experience in the first aid training course. Ten years of formal
training in playing piano and Chinese calligraphy not only improve my cognitive and manual
coordination which are essential for being a doctor, but also crucial for my stress unwinding.
I am prepared to embrace the arduous and challenging lifelong journey as a doctor. I yearn to return
and contribute back to the society the ardent care that I had received earlier in my life as to me the
meaning of life is no other than creating the connection of love and being meaningful in others’ life.
As a state merit scholarship holder, I will spare no effort in defending the dignity and beneficence of
every life I will come upon.
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Dentistry
BDS Dentistry
When I was ten, I shattered my first molar when I chewed on a nutshell. Luckily, I had access to
immediate dental care as I lived close to a dental clinic. I pondered the outcome if this had occurred to
someone who lacks access to dental care. At an early age, I recognised my mother's hardship and
began noticing the relief in patients' eyes after getting treated. My interest in dentistry sparked as I
researched on the history of dentistry. I find it riveting how science, craftsmanship and social
intelligence are integrated into one. As I used to have a midline shift that affected my smile, I am
aware of the physical and psychological benefits of orthodontic technology such as Invisalign. In my
country, nurses pay annual visits to primary schools to perform checkups and briefly teach students
how to brush their teeth. However, crucial steps are often left unsaid thus many neglect personal oral
hygiene and perceive they do not have oral problems. Government dental clinics lack funds and
maintenance, and equipment used to perform checkups are archaic. I hope to engage in the
progression of dental care quality in my nation.
I find dentistry compelling as everyone has distinct sets of teeth and problems, such as periodontal
and malocclusion issues. On an elective placement at an oral and maxillofacial clinic, I witnessed a
case that altered my view on dentists. The patient had brittle teeth due to a genetic condition and felt
pain when instruments were put on her frail teeth. The dentist ensured the patient felt at ease while
completing the procedure. I acquired that dentists must think rationally and present solutions
promptly. I shadowed dentists at Tzu-Chi International Medical Association charity outreach and
observed treatments namely tooth extractions and fillings. I realised body language is vital in patient
care, mainly when facing children as they are easily petrified by the sound and visual of a dental
setting. When shadowing an orthodontist I learnt that besides doing practical work, dentists also
explain procedures to patients using words that are easily interpreted. I spent time with nurses and was
guided through their routine which included taking X-rays and mixing composites. I discovered new
things such as the use of nickel and copper-titanium wires and three-dimensional imaging in
orthodontics. From my placements, I learnt that dentists and nurses must have the propensity to
observe and interact with patients to understand their frustrations. This invigorates patient trust in the
profession and allows doctors to establish a rapport with patients.
In college, I was a Mandarin Language tutor and would like to teach my peers when time permits to
enhance cultural diversity. During my seven-month break, I worked at a mental arithmetic learning
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centre as a tutor and front desk admin. I attended teaching courses and my patience cultivated as I
taught children aged five to ten the method of using the abacus. As an admin, I refined my soft skills
as I faced people with distinct personalities. Volunteering to travel to the high hills of Nepal, I visited
six schools that were affected by the Gorkha earthquake. It was gratifying working with the team as
we collected funds and distributed school supplies. Playing basketball and netball helped me relieve
stress and have good work-life balance. Becoming the president of multiple societies in high school
has taught me salient soft skills namely responsibility and teamwork. With my discipline and
perseverance, I honed motor skills along my journey as a pianist, ballerina and Taekwondo black belt
degree holder.
I look forward to reading dentistry in the UK as I am fascinated by the highly advanced dental
facilities used by dental schools and wish to partake in outreach clinics. I would like to expand
horizons in dentistry by engaging in charity organisations. I hope to transform the lives of others by
bestowing my opportunities and knowledge.
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