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Before receiving the scholarship, I was an ordinary student who loved solving problems and taking on new challenges. I’ve always believed in stepping out of my comfort zone to grow, and I was motivated to ease my parents’ financial burden. To me, the scholarship was more than financial support. It was a chance to prove that I could rise to any challenge and become the person I aspired to be.

When I received the news, I was on cloud nine. It felt surreal yet deeply motivating. The scholarship strengthened my belief that hard work pays off and gave me the confidence to strive for excellence. It provided a platform to maximise my potential and opened a door to endless opportunities, encouraging me to speak up, lead, and take on roles with greater purpose.

One of my proudest achievements has been balancing leadership roles in three clubs while maintaining strong academic performance. This journey allowed me to experience a fulfilling university life—organising events, meeting inspiring peers, joining competitions and hackathons, and building meaningful connections. Through these experiences, I grew in leadership, adaptability, and communication, and becoming a five-time podium winner remains one of my fondest accomplishments, reminding me to embrace every learning opportunity.

 As President of Sunway Actuarial & Financial Excellence (SAFE), I had the privilege of leading a dedicated team and witnessing their growth. Seeing the positive impact we created within the actuarial community was truly fulfilling. My passion for giving back continued as a Career Peer Advisor, where I guided students through résumé and LinkedIn reviews and mock interviews. Helping others gain confidence in their professional journey was incredibly rewarding. Later, I served as the Vice President of Operations for the Malaysian Actuarial Students Association (MASA), contributing to a national student community. Knowing that my efforts supported and inspired others is something I carry with pride.

To future applicants: if you never try, you’ll never know. Make every opportunity count—the world is truly your oyster.

None of this would have been possible without the love and encouragement of my family, friends, and lecturers. To the scholarship donors and the Sunway community, thank you for believing in students like me. Your generosity doesn’t just support education; it transforms lives.

Michelle Thong Mei Yin 
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Actuarial Studies

Sunway University Excellence Scholarship
 

Meet Oh Chiang Ru, a trailblazing Sunway University Excellence Scholar, President of Sunway Student Ambassadors, and a true believer in leading with purpose. Her journey began with a simple step: applying for a scholarship that resonated with her passion for both academics and extracurriculars. What started as an opportunity soon became a platform that pushed her out of her comfort zone, shaped her perspective, and ignited her leadership journey. 

From spearheading Sunway’s Got Talent to mentoring peers, and from driving sponsorships to creating impact through Tutors in Action and the Pals Department, Chiang Ru has dedicated herself to growth — not just her own, but also the people and communities around her.

Oh Chiang Ru 
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Actuarial Studies

Sunway University Excellence Scholarship
 

I’m Alyssa, a Malaysian who grew up in Cambodia after moving there at the age of nine. I first picked up the violin at six and, like many children, I hated it. But Cambodia changed my perspective. With little to do, music became my greatest source of joy and eventually a lifelong passion. Performances and opportunities for Western classical music were rare, so I nourished my ambition through online recordings, watching each one as though I were in a concert hall. Music has been with me since I was three, when I began piano lessons, but by fourteen, I knew it would be my lifelong pursuit. That determination guided my journey to Sunway, where I learned to manage my time with discipline, planning each semester meticulously to balance assignments, rehearsals, and performances.

Receiving the Sunway Tun Dr. Hasmah Mohd Ali Scholarship for Creative Arts and Music was more than recognition—it was a turning point. It gave me the confidence and opportunities to grow as both a musician and a student. I was able to perform at countless Sunway events and concerts, from convocations to showcases, gaining valuable exposure and experience. Some highlights of my journey include being awarded Most Promising Violinist at the Euroasia String Competition 2023, where I learned to refine my performance under pressure, and participating in side-by-side coaching with the Concordia Quartet in 2024, which opened my eyes to how ensembles work together and the responsibilities of each musician. My proudest achievement was my Final Year Project: a 60-minute solo recital. It was the most demanding performance I had ever prepared for, and although it wasn’t perfect, it became a milestone that reminded me of how far I had come.

Most importantly, this scholarship also gave me the chance to give back through my music. I had the privilege of performing in community-focused events such as the China-ASEAN Music Festival 2025, the Melodies for Relief Charity Concert 2024—a free-entry performance where all donations went toward Thailand’s flood recovery—and the Campus with a Conscience (CWAC) 2023 at Sunway University, in the presence of our Guest of Honour, the Raja Muda of Selangor. Along with projects like Rondofest (2023–2025), the Broadway & Beyond concert with Tutan Entertainment, and contemporary performances at Jao Tim and BoboKL, my journey has been filled with growth, resilience, and gratitude.

Lastly, my advice to all aspiring musicians trying to balance academics with passion is this: manage your time and stick to your priorities. Let go of habits that don’t serve your goals. Most importantly, write down your plan. As Shang-Chi’s grandmother says in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: “If you aim at nothing, you hit nothing.”


Alyssa Chong 
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Music Performance

Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali Scholarship For Creative Arts and Music
 

I grew up in Cheras, in a family that isn’t rich, but is full of love. My dad is a lorry driver, and my mom is a babysitter. I used to help her take care of the kids she looked after. Honestly, I didn’t care much about school back then. I was addicted to games and was playful until I scored a single-digit mark in Form 4. That was my wake-up call. I realised if I kept wasting time, the 12 years I had spent in school would be all for nothing. Around the same time, my grandmother’s health started to decline, her memory began to fade, and we had to send her to a nursing home. I visited her every week, spending time with her and chatting with other elderly folks there. Those moments made me view life a little differently. 

When SPM came around, I told myself I wanted to give it one last push, but I didn't know where to start. However, despite my efforts, I struggled, especially with subjects taught in Malay. When I told my mom I wanted to give SPM my best shot, she didn’t hesitate at all. Even though she's penny-wise, she signed me up for a multi-language tuition. That small gesture carried so much love, faith, and strength. I knew she was rooting for me with all of her heart. In the end, I got SPM results I never thought were possible. I felt proud, but seeing my parents' faces lit with pride meant everything. I took up part-time jobs after SPM to help out and started applying for scholarships. Still, the financial strain lingered, and scholarship rejections were tough. But I didn’t stop trying.

Then one day, the offer letter came in the mail. I still remember vividly how happy my mom was; she jumped with joy. Receiving the Elena Cooke Education Fund scholarship was definitely life-changing. I completed my Diploma in Business Administration at Sunway College without the constant worries about finances. I gained confidence, joined many college activities, made friends, and finally believed in myself. This scholarship didn’t just support my education, it gave me the courage to dream bigger and the chance to start building a future I once thought was out of reach.


Ching Zhen Hin 
Bachelor of Business Analytics (Honours)

Sunway-Elena Cooke Education Fund Scholarship

I’m Jagadesan Chandra Mohan, an entrepreneur whose journey began with a simple dream and was shaped by perseverance, opportunity, and purpose. 
Back in 2005, I was working as a steward at GSC Mid Valley, dreaming of becoming a cinema manager. Everything changed when I was awarded Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship. What began as financial support soon became a turning point that redefined my confidence, ambitions, and values. For the first time, I believed that higher education and a future beyond my initial dreams were truly within reach. 

Choosing Sunway felt natural. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I felt a sense of protection, civility, and belonging. Sunway exposed me not only to academic learning, but also to life itself — its challenges, responsibilities, and realities. The nurturing support from lecturers and staff ensured I was never alone, even during difficult moments. Through this environment, I built resilience, lifelong friendships, and a strong sense of self that continues to guide me today. 

One of the most defining moments of my journey was graduating with First Class Honours. Sharing that achievement with my mother was deeply emotional. It represented more than academic success; it was the fulfillment of a promise to my family, a moment where I could finally assure her that her son was capable of standing on his own and caring for those he loved. 

After Sunway, my journey continued into entrepreneurship. I founded Mitra IT Solutions, which grew from a small initiative into an organisation with operations in India and the United States. I later established Mitra Interiors Sdn Bhd, focusing on fit-out works for established malls in Malaysia. In 2021, I expanded into the healthcare sector with the establishment of Mitra Healtech Sdn Bhd, which owns and operates the MyHealerDoc Wound Care Platform. Each venture has been guided by the values of leadership, learning, and perseverance that were instilled in me during my time at Sunway. 

Most importantly, Sunway shaped my belief in giving back. Inspired by Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah’s philosophy of service to society, I began supporting Philea Home in Kapar, where I now regularly contribute and sponsor a child’s university education. Giving back is no longer just an idea to me. It is a responsibility and a continuation of the opportunity once given to me. 

When I reflect on my time at Sunway, I often describe it as the best chapter of my life. It was not just an institution, but a community that nurtured me, uplifted me, and gave me the confidence to dream beyond my circumstances. Ten years from now, I hope to return to Sunway and see many more stories like mine. Alumni who were empowered through education and are now making a difference in their communities. 

Lastly, to Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah, my gratitude goes far beyond words. Being a Sunwayian was a dream come true, and it was possible only because of you. I sincerely thank you and pray for your continued health, happiness, and many more years of inspiring lives.  


Jagadesan Chandra Mohan 
BSc (Hons) Information Technology - Computer Science Specialisation

Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship
 

Growing up, I was never one of those straight-A students. Getting stellar grades on exams felt nothing more than a distant dream, and let's not even mention how much difficulty I had with certain subjects (Looking at you, Add Maths). Consequently, I've always felt distant from the rest of my scholarly peers. Instead, I found greater joy in writing and drawing; the margins of my workbooks would be inundated with doodles and illustrations, much to my teacher's chagrin. Even after graduating from SACE with a high ATAR score, I felt resolute in pursuing the creative arts, which understandably worried my parents. Indeed, thoughts like "A non-traditional industry?" or "How would you feed yourself after graduating?" occupied their mental bubble since they predominantly came from a business background. Taking this route would make me the first in my family to pursue a future in the creative arts. So, as you can tell, this totally wasn't a nerve-wracking decision to make at all.

It wasn't long before I started scouting for potential scholarship options to relieve the burden on my parents. Unfortunately, I had few options as someone who wasn't academically inclined. Still, one stood out - The Sunway Art and Design scholarship. Despite feeling reticent over my chances, my parents greatly encouraged me to apply. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take after all. What transpired next seemed almost like an illusion when I received the news that I had secured the scholarship. But it was real. 

And henceforth, from that fateful day, I began my journey at the Sunway School of Arts. Since then, I've had many opportunities and experiences to evolve, both as a person and as a creative person. Getting the scholarship was just the first step to discovering who I am as a person and a designer, as well as the greater beyond. Even when I fell into a bad headspace due to the lockdown, I constantly reminded myself to be strong and push through. After all, I've worked hard to get this scholarship, so there is no way I will just let it slip past me and let my dream fade with it.

To those who constantly feel lost or constrained by grades as a measure of their success and worth, understand that academia isn't everything. There is no need to hide your authentic self; other opportunities are out there that better fit your skills and passion. Keep that childhood dream alive because one day, you will get the chance to let it blossom into something much greater. Until then, I am Li Wei, and this has been  #MySunwayStory.

Lim Li Wei
BA (Hons) in Design Communication
Sunway University Art and Design Scholarship
 

Hope seemed distant, questions remained unanswered, and uncertainties continually lay ahead of me — this was how I felt regarding my future early on my education journey. Nevertheless, Sunway University stood out to me as an ambitious high-school graduate due to its numerous opportunities and vibrant student community. 
I still vividly recall that unforgettable day during work in the Sunway Marketing Office when my superior brought my attention to the Chancellor’s Scholarship and encouraged me to apply. Initially, I was baffled as it seemed like an implausible goal. Yet, as I scoured through the scholarship details, I quickly recognised what an exceptional opportunity this was, and I felt invigorated to try my hand at the beast. Thus, I went through with the scholarship application and all its constituent stages. To this day, that fateful acceptance phone call from the scholarship unit remains deeply etched in my memories as it marked the start of a new chapter in my life. Indeed, I felt extremely elated yet humbled by this opportunity presented to me by the generous Sunway Education Group.

As I pondered deeply about life during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt galvanised to pursue several leadership roles in various student leadership bodies and clubs/societies. Discerning all the chaos, crisis, calamity, and confusion amidst the pandemic reignited a tremendous desire in me to impact the Sunway community and the local society when everyone was still confined to their homes. Eventually, this reality would lead me to spearhead a Sunway-Harvard virtual conference attended by local and international participants. Anchored upon many of the event’s national press releases, the conference metamorphosed individuals, once bashful and timid, into confident and resilient leaders in the face of the pandemic.

Moreover, my journey with Sunway Student Ambassadors (SSA) marks another important part of my chapter here at Sunway University. SSA has given me the privilege to organise various unique initiatives to empower the Sunway scholars, student community, and general public. Working with the SSA team of like-minded scholars was exhilarating as we strived to create a positive impact for every event while ensuring that, eventually, we ourselves have progressed to become selfless student leaders who serve the Sunway community within our best capacity, abilities, and resources. 
Five years ago, I would have never imagined being where I am today, on how far I have progressed personally and professionally. Networking with industry leaders, organising multiple events and conferences, working on Harvard-affiliated projects, representing the university to the summer schools at Lancaster University, hosting the inbound cultural exchange programme, mentoring peers, and being involved in other worthwhile commitments — all of this just feels too surreal. But ultimately, one of my greatest joys as a Sunway scholar exists in serving the Sunway community in the little ways; all impacts remain impacts, regardless of small or big. 

One word that greatly describes my journey at Sunway College and University would be ‘Opportunities’ — the chance to dive deep to conquer our fears, transform challenges into fruitful experiences, and embrace continuous change. Sunway Education Group’s core values emphasise the trinity virtues of integrity, humility, and excellence; traits which have greatly facilitated my personal growth. Truly, it has been incredibly rewarding to be a Sunway student. Nevertheless, my greatest hope to the readers of this #MySunwayStory is that you will strive to maximise the countless opportunities you have here at Sunway College and University. Everyone possesses the ability to create a powerful rippling effect on every tomorrow. 

Evelyn Rebekah Wee Chia May
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
The Chancellor's Scholarship of Sunway University and Lancaster University
 

My friend once asked me: “What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?” I cried before answering the question as I remembered the time when there were so many doubts and uncertainties. Nevertheless, I made it through and I am now sitting somewhere at Sunway University chatting with my friends. 

I come from an ordinary family in a small town where no one speaks English as their first language but Hakka as a native language. Since young, I was not a straight As student, not the smartest student, nor the most active student. I was just an ordinary student with big dreams. No one told me that I could choose my dream university or choose my dream course. They just told me to follow the path that my cousins have taken as there is a guarantee that I could graduate from university without straining my family’s finances. Due to the financial burden that my family had, my parents only had one simple wish for me which is that their only daughter could graduate from a university in Malaysia.  
But I always wanted more. I believed with a little more extra effort and luck, I might have the chance to change my life and my future. After completing SPM, I promised myself that I would be the one to choose my own path by going to a private university to continue with a medical biotechnology degree instead of my parents being the ones who decide where I shall continue. When I refused to go to STPM, I was actually full of worry and fear. I did not know if I could actually get a scholarship and go to university. I would also have let my parents down if I could not secure a scholarship for my degree course as their only wish for me is just to graduate as a degree holder. 

However, before I went down the safer route with a course I was not interested in, I wanted to try and challenge myself to actually study what I was interested in. I knew that getting out of my comfort zone might make a difference. After doing multiple research for a scholarship, I found out about The Star Education Fund. I started to prepare all the relevant documents needed, application emails and applied for the scholarship. It was definitely not an easy process for me as there was no one to guide me through the application stage, interview stage and so on. Thanks to The Star Education Fund,  I am now entering my final year of medical biotechnology at Sunway University, and I can now proudly say that I have nailed it and fulfilled my dream. I did not let anyone else down including my family and myself. 

Sunway University, a place filled with knowledgeable lecturers, kind and caring friends, all the people that I have met so far is truly a blessing. It may sound corny but I am truly thankful for all the things that have happened, all the people that I have met.  On my first day of orientation, I decided to join more clubs and societies in my university life as I wanted to focus not only on learning but also on extracurricular activities to improve my soft and hard skills. Hence, I applied for Sunway Student Ambassadors a few hours before the deadline. I might not be the perfect candidate compared to others but I am beyond grateful because they gave me a chance to join them, and be a part of a bunch of amazingly fun and smart people. After 2 years in SSA, I am currently the Director of the Pals Department and continue to give back to society with my own ability by working with a team of cutie Pals. Watching the children in the orphanage enjoy the activities we arranged for them, watching them improve their English level bit by bit, all the hardships faced, makes me feel rewarded. Until now, I am still very grateful to be part of SSA, to meet lifelong friends, to meet those outstanding seniors whom I truly admire, and to meet my better self at the age of 22.

And, here is my advice to my 18-year-old self. Do not worry about the future, it is okay to feel lost sometimes but never give up on yourself. God will give the best plan for you at the right time. All you need to do is just study hard, work hard, be kind, and be bold. Let the star shine on its own. 

This is #MySunwayStory, thank you for reading until here 🙂 

Chai Kai Li 
BS(c) Medical Biotechnology 
The Star Education Fund

Memories do not always soften with time: some grow like knives - memories of me graduating high school with terrible grades, my teachers looking down on me, and my friends criticising me. I still vividly remember all the comments, hate and the “you would not be able to be what you want to be”. Honestly, it has never been easier for my family and I, especially for my sister who has supported us financially as a fresh graduate since 2015. Besides all the financial support, she has supported me throughout my life mentally as well; she is the best sister ever! From time to time, I have had thoughts of just passing SPM and helping out my family as opposed to furthering my studies to reduce the financial stress and burden on my family. Nevertheless, my sister did not give up on me and encouraged me to do my best, to move forward and be better even though I had such poor grades. By the grace of God, I have come this far today, coming from a single-parent family with three siblings, and ending up graduating from Sunway University with a full four-years scholarship, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship. 

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that knowing the existence of this scholarship through an Open Day visit would alter and impact my life so heavily. Realistically, it has been mind-boggling how a campus could be so convenient, comfortable and stress-free. My overall experience in obtaining a scholarship was so hassle-free, from submitting the application for my scholarship until the acceptance of it, going into class with anticipation, and progressing to degree. This journey would have never been easier without the guidance of all the Sunwayians, especially the academic staff and counsellors. During any obstacles or challenges I faced, they would be there to back me up - not to mention the lecturers did a huge part by not giving up on me to bring the best out of me, make me outdo myself, and become who I am today. Special thanks to Ms. Annie, Mr. Charles, Mr. Gobindran, and Dr. Izian for your guidance throughout my journey in Sunway University.

Alongside this, I have experienced an exciting university life by joining all sorts of clubs and societies internally and externally, especially the Sunway Student Ambassador (SSA), the Sunway Ambassador Leadership Trek (SALT) and the Leo Club International. These clubs and societies have brought the most out of me, by giving me a chance to develop soft skills and to meet people from different programmes. Apart from the fact that this experience gave me a variety of exposure, it also helped me to decide well enough what are my strengths and weaknesses until I figured out what path I wanted to take for the future, which is the Marketing field. It has impacted me a lot from obtaining my first job in Public Bank to the present day, where I am working with Sunway Group. It has been a life-changing experience for me, knowing that even with a degree it is tough to hunt for a job we desire, let alone without holding a degree. I end my story here with a quote from Malcolm X: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today, therefore, to go further, to be better, education and learning have to be continued.”  Thank you for reading #MySunwayStory.

Alison Ooi
Bachelors of Science (Hons) in Marketing
Jeffrey Cheah Foundation Community Scholarship