PETALING JAYA: It was a dream come true for Vivian Ho after she was selected to be the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Oxford-Jeffrey Cheah Graduate Scholarship at Sunway University here today.
Vivian, who graduated in Bachelor of Science with flying colours, said that dedication and perseverance are the two pillars of her success.
“I was offered by Oxford to study there but didn’t have the fund and somehow the university’s science department contacted the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF) and here we are today,” she said in an interview with NSTP after the ceremony.
Describing her passion in biology as her driving force to continue studying in Bio-Science, the 20-year-old said she would continue her study in stem-cell biology at Oxford.
“My parents were very nice to buy me encyclopaedias; therefore I always have the chance to expose myself with various science books.
“I always have high expectations for myself and always hope for the best. Determination is key,” she said when asked about her study motivation.
She will start her PhD in Developmental in Bio-Science at Oxford this September.
The scholarship was launched by British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, founding trustee of JCF.
Sunway University, which is governed and owned by the foundation, had first partnered with Brasenose College of the University of Oxford in late 2015. The agreement allows a two way flow of scholars between the universities.
At the ceremony, Cheah thanked the university for its continued partnership with JFC in helping young talented Malaysians to reach their potential.
To date, the foundation has allotted more than RM330 million in scholarships and grants to deserving students.
