Three get to fulfil dreams

By EE-LYN TAN

A CHANCE sighting of an advertisement in the newspaper was all it took to fulfil the dreams of three students. 

Sabrina Lim, Chin Joe Yang and Yeoh Wan Xin became the Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) inaugural scholarship recipients recently. 

Although only one scholarship was initially offered, two additional scholarships were offered due to the high quality of the candidates. 

Armstrong (right) and Taylor’s University College group registrar Lim Tou Boon (left) congratulating Joe, Wan Xin, and Sabrina

Sabrina, 17, was awarded the inaugural Senior Scholarship while Joe, 17, received the Supporting Scholarship in Science and Technology, and Wan Xin, 18, the Supporting Scholarship in English and Humanities.  

AISM principal Anne-Maree Armstrong said they were looking for a candidate who had good academic results and leadership skills, was active in extra-curricular activities and scored well in the entrance examination. 

Eight of the candidates were recalled to sit for the examination and for an interview. 

Sabrina, Joe and Wan Xin were eventually selected. 

“It was during the interview that we discovered that these three candidates showed a special ability and a passion in an area of study in which their goals could be met by AISM,” she said. 

Armstrong said the scholarships would provide Malaysian students with the opportunity to study in an international environment. 

The scholarships, jointly offered by AISM and Taylor’s University College, cover two years of academic study towards the Higher Secondary Certificate (equivalent to STPM). 

Successful candidates have the option of continuing with a degree programme at Taylor’s as part of the scholarship package. 

Sabrina, whose father is a lecturer and mother is a secondary school teacher, has found learning at AISM to be a refreshing experience. 

“In class, we don’t just memorise facts. Instead, we debate and discuss what we’re learning which has helped me to understand things better,” said the Kuching native, who aspires to pursue a career in the biotechnical or biomedical field. 

Wan Xin echoes her sentiments. 

“I’m thankful that we are able to choose the subjects that we want to learn,” said the daughter of a policeman and primary school teacher. 

Joe, who was part of the team that bagged the award for the fastest car in the Formula One in Schools World Championship in Birmingham, England, last year, is excited about studying an Australian syllabus.  

“My dream is to study automotive engineering in Melbourne University, so this opportunity will give me a taste of what it’s like in the Australian stream,” he said.  

AISM will be examining and reviewing the progress of the three recipients to further improve on what will become an annual event of providing scholarships to Malaysian students.