As each graduate’s name was announced and they walked to the stage clad in dashing suits and extravagant kebayas, the names of the universities that followed were hard to overlook.
This year, five students secured conditional offers at the University of Cambridge, while six others clinched spots at Ivy League institutions, including Cornell University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Princeton University.
Meanwhile, 146 students received conditional offers from universities such as Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, University College London, and King’s College London.
Eighty-seven others secured offers from the top 25 universities in the US.
The walls of the college’s Great Hall have become accustomed to these names year after year, thanks in no small measure to the teaching staff, 80% of whom have more than 10 years of experience, and more than 60% hold either a master’s degree or a PhD.
The college’s principal, David Vroege, attributed KYUEM’s continued success to the reciprocal trust between students and staff.
“They trust in our experience and dedication as we trust in the industry and attitude of our students, most of whom are scholars under prestigious academic sponsoring bodies.
“With decades of outstanding success in placing students at some of the world’s leading universities, we have gained a reputation of excellence with academic officers and admission tutors,” he said.
The secret to success
It might be hard to believe that Tan Hui Hui, a public services department scholar headed for Robinson College, University of Cambridge, once felt unworthy of her place at KYUEM.
However, Tan soon learned her self-worth through the encouraging behaviour of her peers. She said the college’s competitive spirit not only nurtures, but pushes students to excel through a combination of osmosis and motivation.
“I think the people you’re surrounded with push you further than what you think you could achieve. Everybody here aims for Oxford, Cambridge or Ivy League universities.
“Such people motivate you to achieve higher standards and support each other to reach greater goals together,” she said.
Nur Qistina Afiqah Shaibi, who is heading to Cornell, praised the close-knit student body for fostering a supportive environment free of toxicity.
“You are surrounded by like-minded peers who don’t back down. Even if you feel like giving up, you’re surrounded by driven people who make you feel driven as well. KYUEM is a pressure cooker, but in a good way,” she said.
Meanwhile, the college’s conducive environment encouraged Nur Atiqah Abdul Halim to become an all-rounder, pushing her to explore new interests.
“KYUEM provided an excellent environment for me to explore beyond (my interest in civil engineering). I joined the Bangsawan Night competition and won the award for best scriptwriter.
“(The competition) actually got me where I am now because without that sense of competition, I think I would just be my old, plain self,” she said.
Nur Atiqah added that the healthy support system and the inspiring nature of the students around her helped her secure a conditional offer at Imperial College London.
Testimonies to success
Bursa Malaysia chairman Abdul Wahid Omar brimmed with joy as he watched his daughter Hazrina, set to study accounting and finance at the University of Warwick, walk up the steps of the Great Hall’s stage.
“I saw the college nurture students, providing them with a complete life that comprised not just academics, but also extracurricular activities. The college prepares them before they go to the UK and this holistic development is something I appreciate,” Wahid said.
This well-rounded educational experience is why the former senator has sent his children year after year to the institution.
“My eldest daughter Haziqah was here last year, and she’s now at Reading. She enjoyed her two years here at KYUEM as did my second daughter Hazrina. She also enjoyed her time here, and it boosted her confidence and improved her interpersonal skills,” he said.