Why did you apply for sponsorship through the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship?

I applied for the sponsorship as I wanted to ease the financial burden on my parents while also pursuing my dream of studying abroad. I’m really interested in gaining experiences that I might not have gotten in a Malaysian university.

Through this scholarship, I’m given the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and grow both independently and academically. From my perspective, the programme looks for students who are well-rounded, not just excelling in academics, but students who are actively involved in extracurricular activities too.

At secondary school, I took on several leadership roles, swam competitively at national level, and worked hard to maintain strong academic results. I believe that these efforts, combined with passing their screening assessment and several rounds of interviews, contributed to me being selected.

Knowing how competitive the selection process was with over thousands of applicants,  I truly appreciate how special this opportunity is, and I am always grateful for it.

How did you feel when you found out you’d been awarded the sponsorship?

I remembered being in a lecture hall when I got the text message informing me that I had been awarded the sponsorship. I was already in the middle of my foundation year in Malaysia, where I thought I would be continuing for my Bachelor’s degree.

I was very much in disbelief at first and I could no longer focus on what was being taught during the lecture. My friend brought me back to reality when she quietly congratulated me, and the first thing I did after that lecture was call my parents to share the news.

It was a very emotional moment for all of us as we knew how much this opportunity meant for my future.

In what ways has the sponsorship supported you so far?

The sponsorship has supported me in many ways, including financially, emotionally, and professionally.

Financially, it has allowed me to focus fully on my studies without having to constantly worry about tuition fees and living expenses. This in itself, has made a significant difference to my university experience as it gives me a peace of mind.

Aside from that, the programme provides a strong support system, as being part of a community of scholars is comforting - especially as an international student adjusting to a new country. It has allowed me to build friendships with scholars across the UK whom I can visit and connect with through the yearly scholar events. 

Career-wise, they support their scholars by giving us long-term opportunities within the company after graduation, subject to our academic performance and interviews. We are also given summer placement opportunities, which allow us to gain early exposure to the company’s operations and better prepare ourselves before entering the workforce.

What inspired you to choose Chemical Engineering at Bath?

I have always been interested in how science and mathematics can be applied to solve real-world problems. I was particularly keen on energy and sustainability and how I can actively contribute towards these areas in the future.

I chose to study Chemical Engineering at Bath as the university stood out to me for its strong reputation in their engineering courses and supportive academic environment. I was also drawn to the city of Bath itself as it is very beautiful and calming which provides the perfect environment to focus on my studies and not get too distracted. 

How has your experience at Bath been so far?

My experience at Bath has been challenging and rewarding. The academic workload pushes me to grow academically but I’ve also found a strong sense of community here.

I am quite active in the Malaysian society (BAMSA) here and I’ve felt a sense of home away from home. My highlights of university so far have been trying out new things like dancing, volunteering, participating in engineering design challenges and many more.

One unexpected discovery that I’ve found going into university was how collaborative engineering can be. I feel like I’ve learned as much from my peers as I have from my lecturers.

How is studying at Bath through the programme helping you work towards your career ambitions?

Studying at Bath has given me exposure to experiences that go beyond a lecture setting. For example, in my year, we carried out a design project that is part of a wider design competition, where the top groups can compete in the actual event. It was a challenging, but rewarding experience that allowed us to apply our technical knowledge in a practical and competitive setting.

I also really value the university’s emphasis on safety and ethics through dedicated workshops. It reminds me that a good engineer doesn’t just rely on their technical abilities, but also on their responsibility and integrity. 

Do you have any advice for future applicants?

Don’t be afraid to try new things!

University is such a great opportunity for you to grow and discover your interests, so use it to your advantage. Don’t let the fear of standing out or stepping out of your comfort zone stop you from having fun and making new friends. 

At the same time,  make sure you are clear with your goals and why you’re passionate about your chosen field. That sense of purpose will keep you motivated when things get challenging and prevent you from getting burnt out.

Most importantly, stay open, stay curious, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way!