Valedictorian shares Nilai U experience

NILAI University’s 2017 Valedictorian Elwin Heng shares his thoughts on why he chose Nilai U, his enriching learning experience, his achievements and his plans for the future.

Elwin Heng will always remember the date he was announced as Nilai University’s 2017 Valedictorian.

On that significant date, Aug 26, Elwin together with 314 Degree and 561 Diploma undergraduates received their scrolls at the university’s Convocation Ceremony held at the President’s Hall.

In this interview, he shares his reasons for enrolling with Nilai U in his pursue to become a fullfledged Mechanical Engineer.

“In mapping my academic path, I concentrated on looking for an institution that could provide me with pastoral care and peace of mind,” Elwin said.

“I know of others who prioritised the popularity of an institution instead but my personal choice went to Nilai U for its calming green environment that enabled me to enjoy an enlightening and enriching learning experience,” he added.

“When I first stepped foot onto the university grounds, I was impressed by the beautiful campus and its peaceful surroundings. I immediately knew that it would become my second home,” he added.

Elwin’s parents were thrilled with his decision as they felt the campus equipped with oncampus accommodation and living amenities, would be a safe place for their son.

“I was aware that Nilai U has pioneered many firsts in its curriculum but my experience during my Degree leads me to summarise that Nilai U has always put its students first,” he said.

Elwin stressed that the financial assistance he received for his Bachelor of Mechanical Programme is proof of Nilai U’s commitment to provide education for people from all walks of life.

“The financial aid I received when I enrolled in 2013 was a huge financial relief for someone like me who comes from a middle income family,” he added.

Elwin emphasised that he received ongoing care and support at faculty level from the lecturers and staff who were highly supportive of the students’ academic and extra-curricular growth.

“During my studies, I was encouraged to participate actively in the various activities organised by the faculty with its external engineering accreditation partner organisations. These activities gave me an insight into the engineering industry and taught me valuable organisational skills that I would not have otherwise acquired,” he said.

“I also had the privilege of joining The Institution of Engineers Malaysia, IEM (Malaysia), The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, IMechE (UK), The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET (UK)), and TheAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME (USA)) as a student member,” he added.

While Elwin was clearly impressed with his academic experience, what made his tenure at Nilai U a special experience was the comfort that he obtained from the University’s live-in facilities.

“The complimentary shuttle service provided students like me who do not have our own transport a means to get around.

“The on-campus accommodation together with the multitude of sports and recreational activities, including specialised sports such as golf and fencing, greatly enriched my university experience,” he said.

“I have made so many good friends through these activities and I missed them dearly when I left,” he added.

As a Valedictorian, Elwin was required to deliver his Valedictorian speech to the Class of 2013 during the Convocation ceremony.

“The requirements to be nominated as Valedictorian require candidates to excel both academically and socially,” he said.

Aside being top of his class, Elwin’s other achievements include, being awarded a Gold Medal in 2016 by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia. He is also the founder and chairman of Nilai U’s Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Student Section.

“The formation of this student section involved the formation of the Board of Executive Committee right through the successful approval of the student section.

“We were then tasked with the planning and execution of technical visits and special projects that involved coordination and collaboration with the industry,” he added.

“This was a valuable experience that taught me skills, which I now find useful in the working world,” he added.

He now workswith Intel Corporation as a Process and Equipment Engineer.When asked what his future plans are, Elwin confidently said, “I will strive to become a registered Charted Engineer and to further my Master’s degree.”

Nilai University was established in 1997 with all its programmes being approved by the Ministry of Higher Education.

For more information, please visit its campus on Open Days on March 31 – April 1, 2018.

To speak to a counsellor, please call +606 850 2308 or connect with us via our website at www. nilai.edu.my or email marketing@ nilai.edu.my.