Evelyn Rebekah Wee Chia May

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