Six International Medical University (IMU) Foundation in Science (FiS) students received a financial boost when they were awarded the University’s Scholarships for their undergraduate studies. The Scholarships in the form of full or partial tuition fee waivers are for students demonstrating outstanding academic excellence, extra curriculum participation and leadership qualities. Lim Xin Ying, who received full scholarship to pursue Bachelor of Science (Hon) Chinese Medicine, was elated to receive the news. News of her receiving the scholarship is also a relief for Xin Ying’s family, as that would allow more financial flexibility on the family. When asked what she felt were criteria that helped secure the scholarship, Xin Ying felt that getting good grades weren’t the only factor. “Grades only ensured eligibility to apply for the scholarship. What’s more important is our initiative to express ourselves during the interview,” added the lass from Penang.
On how Xin Ying is coping currently in her first semester of undergraduate studies, Xin Ying pointed out that report writing skills and literature review taught in Semester 2 of the Foundation in Science programme has given her the early exposure to these skills.
Thin Shiang Yu, more fondly known as Eric by friends, was home-schooled during his secondary education, obtained a full scholarship to pursue Bachelor of Science (Hon) Psychology. He was excited and nervous as there were three other candidates interviewed for the scholarship. Eric’s family was of course excited that his education is now funded, hence enabling more financial allocation to be given to Eric’s younger siblings. Contemplating, Eric said, “I think it is my enthusiasm, openness to talk and most importantly, my non pretense attitude during the interview, which helped me obtain the scholarship.” How has his one year of studies in Foundation in Science helped him with his achievement today? Eric credited his achievement to the development of his communication skills in the last one year through subjects like English for Academic Purposes and Cross Boundary Studies. Cross Boundary Studies which involve project planning and implementation of a social service project, has enabled him to interact with various parties, not just peers and lecturers. Besides that, because he was home-schooled, and self-taught during his secondary education, he became an independent learner, which was a very important skill in a university learning. As for Lai Yin Zhen, he managed to secure partial scholarship to pursue Bachelor of Science (Hons) Psychology. Being a rather quiet student, receiving the scholarship was totally unexpected for Yin Zhen. When asked how his family felt about him receiving the scholarship, he responded that his parents are proud of him! Running a business of their own, this news would mean more flexibility in cash flow for the business, having the assurance that Yin Zhen’s education is partially taken care of via the scholarship.