Only 20, and she’s already pursuing doctoral studies
PETALING JAYA: She is only 20 years old but she is about to pursue her doctoral studies in biological sciences.
Ipoh-born Vivien Ho Wei Wen will be going to Brasenose College in Oxford University, Britain, to pursue her Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), focusing either on developmental biology or stem cell biology.
The older of two sisters is also the first recipient of the Oxford-Jeffrey Cheah Graduate Scholarship.
During the launch of the scholarship yesterday, Ho said she has always had a keen interest in the biological sciences, especially research.
She added that her interest in developmental biology stemmed from her undergraduate degree days doing research on fruit fly larvae at the University of California, Los Angeles in the United States.
“Research is the most challenging aspect because there is no right or wrong answer,” she said.
She also said she is excited to start her four-year-stint at the university and thanked the foundation for the scholarship, which will cover tuition fees, college fees and provide a stipend.
She was chosen for the scholarship based on her exceptional academic record and other activities.
Ho received her early education in SJK(C) Ave Maria in Ipoh before being selected to attend the Permata Pintar National Gifted Centre in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
She then went to California in 2014 to do her bachelor’s degree in molecular cell and developmental biology.
British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell told Ho: “Gain not just an edu- cation but a world view so that you gain a 360 degree experience.”
Jeffrey Cheah Foundation founding trustee Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah said the scholarship came about in October 2017 when Oxford University launched a “Matching Fund Scheme”.
“Under the scheme, the (Sunway) university would match any funds raised by the colleges for scholarships and other scholarly activities on a 1:2 basis,” he said.