

HOOI SOONG LING
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Honours
Sunway Excellence Scholarship Recipient
SOONG LING'S STORY
“Why Chemical Engineering” is what I’ve always been asked. For others, asking about your choice of degree and institution can be a part and parcel matter, but for me, it was a great sense of pride to boast about it.
After securing an entrance scholarship to study A-levels at Sunway College, I was over the moon to continue studying my 3 favourite subjects, Chemistry, Physics and Maths as well as creating my very own chapter of ‘college life’. My plan used to be to pursue my dream degree in Australia and to experience a new cultural environment. However, things took a 180-degree turn when the pandemic hit as my plans had to come to a halt indefinitely. Despite the difficult transition, I'm grateful my family emphasized there is more to life than just academics. Since I was always fascinated on how things were made, I embarked on new hobbies during the MCO such as baking, gardening and discovered the new TV series “Inside the Factory” about how products came to exist as we know them today led me to ponder my next step after A Levels.
As days passed, I decided to pursue my degree locally, realising how financially exhausting it is to go overseas. One day on campus, I bumped into an advertisement about the newly introduced Chemical Engineering Course at Sunway University. Nevertheless, I was determined to find an institution which could prepare me for the workforce, hence my education fair-hopping began. While doing research, Sunway University stood out the most among other universities in terms of campus life and scholarships. The campus visit to the chemical labs equipped with the latest technology at level 11 had already captivated me. Knowing that Sunway is well-known for its investment in holistic education whilst embedding the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in its curriculum, I applied and was awarded the full scholarship to pursue a chemical engineering degree in Sunway University.
As I stumbled upon challenges in my degree which was very different from A-Level, I decided to join the committee of Sunway Student Ambassadors through my scholarship to divert my attention. Ever since then, my student life was never just black and white anymore. The opportunity to organise various activities for underprivileged children was what I enjoyed the most. It was fulfilling to know I could also contribute back to society. Through this student leadership body, I also had the chance to partake in many internal and external initiatives.
After 3 years on hiatus, being part of the organising committee of an event as big as Sunway’s Got Talent Season 5 and leading a team of 10 members for six months in the Logistics department whilst engaging with different stakeholders was like flipping the pages of my new storybook. During these events, I learnt multiple valuable skills on the ground while fostering long-lasting friendships with my teammates and Sunway Staff. It is their efforts and passion that have inspired me to strive forward.
Recently, I was awarded the “Global Explorer Award” by the Student Life Unit. As I recollect what seems like a distant dream to further studies overseas, I was able to achieve these experiences through my vibrant University life here at the most happening campus - Sunway University.
Lastly, I would like to put it out there to #MySunwayStory readers, that you don't have to be a special someone to achieve something. Be an explorer and constantly seek growth in whichever path you’ve chosen at your own pace. To be able to achieve so many goals only in my first year of degree, I’m proud to say that Sunway University was my ideal choice of university after all.