KUCHING, Nov 26: Oxford and Cambridge alumni in Kuching shared personal insights on application and interview processes, and academic support with about 20 students from private and public schools, as well as university students aspiring to attend Oxford or Cambridge for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
In a statement today, the alumni revealed “The Sarawak Connection: Coffee Table Insights” session which was organised in collaboration with MABECS, was held on Nov 25 at Grounds Coworking Space in Kuching.
It attracted students from St Joseph’s Private Shool, Lodge International School, SMK St Thomas, Borneo International School, Sunway University, and Open University.
The attendees, including postgraduates, also engaged in meaningful networking opportunities, connecting with alumni who have successfully navigated the academic landscapes of these prestigious universities.
An Oxford alumna, Datin Alice Hu, who delivered a presentation during the event said that as an alumna, she is proud to be part of an event that opens doors for the next generation.
“The journey to Oxford or Cambridge may seem daunting, but events like these showcase that it is not only achievable but can be incredibly rewarding,” she said.
During her presentation, Hu gave insights about the assistance offered by current students through the Oxford University Malaysia Club (OUMC) and the Cambridge University Malaysian Society (CUMaS), reinforcing the sense of community and support available to students from East Malaysia.
Among others, Dr Xavier Sim Yoon Han (Cambridge, 1995) shared about some of his experiences in Cambridge and highlighted his life after he took the tools taught to him by Cambridge and returned home, citing his extensive work with the Penan Health and Malasyian Society in providing medical and dental care to Penan communities in the interiors of Sarawak.
Apart from that, there was a video presentation from Cambridge Alumni and Senator at the International Council of Malaysian Scholars (ICMS) Jordan Kho, who was not able to attend the event physically.
In the video, he encouraged the students, saying, “Everyone can make it to Oxbridge, do not think that you can’t.”
He also emphasised the importance of seizing the opportunity and not writing themselves off before even giving applications a try.
MABECS, a crucial collaborator and co-host of the event, provided a succinct statement underscoring the support and resources accessible to Malaysian students aspiring to study abroad. Their pragmatic depiction of the application process, including insights into deadlines and expectations, offered a grounding and reassuring perspective.
With the success of this inaugural gathering in Kuching, local alumni are looking forward to creating similar gatherings in East Malaysia in the future, with a shared vision of unlocking the potential within East Malaysia’s younger generation and encouraging them to aim higher and go further than they may have originally thought. — DayakDaily
