Overcoming limitations
> Under Sunway University, Melvin Siew Jen Fung rose above his difficulties
FEEL happy that I did as well as I did. It came as a surprise to learn that I got those awards as I did not know of them prior to the graduation day,” said Melvin Siew Jen Fung.
“I also feel grateful to my parents, lecturers and friends who helped me get this far.”
Melvin received the Vice-Chancellor’s Subject Award for Computing, the Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship and the Exceptional Award at the Foundation in Arts (FIA) and Foundation in Science and Technology (FIST) graduation ceremony in March last year.
The former student of SMK Seri Hartamas Kuala Lumpur chose to pursue FIA at Sunway College due to the prospect of pursuing a degree at Sunway University. A recipient of the Sunway Special Scholarship, Melvin enjoyed the multitude of projects, broad scope of subjects and hands-on learning.
Though visually challenged, Melvin faced roadblocks with physical materials due to the small print and group projects, but he learned to be independent as well as taking on the leadership role in group projects.
“Most assignments in FIA were done in groups. I often took the opportunity to become the group leader, and when I do not, I am selected as one. In a project for programming, we had to create a mock app. We had to plan ahead on what we intended to do, delegate and then compile the work,” Melvin elaborates. “I delegated the work based on our own strengths and weaknesses, and gave deadlines to my group members for completing specific parts to allow ample time for compiling and revising.” Pointing out that problems would normally occur due to communication issues, Melvin says, “As such, I requested constant status updates from my group members and encouraged them to share any issues faced with the group.” “It is a thrilling experience for those looking to broaden their perspective on education in general,” he said of the FIA programme. Currently pursuing BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with the Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship at Sunway University after enrolling in August 2017, Melvin explained his choice of study by saying, “Computers give me a huge benefit for careers as my impairment should not hinder much in terms of my performance”. He cites his father as someone he looks up to. “He always supports me and tries his best to help me while ensuring I remain as independent as possible.”
On the 19-year-old’s advice to future FIA students, “'Be the best you can be. It is a motto common to FIA and is rather appealing to anyone. If you try your best, you are certain to succeed in one way or another. No one is a failure. Everyone is good at something. And the FIA can help you find that ‘something’.”
Both Foundation in Arts and Foundation in Science and Technology are Sunway College’s homegrown programmes.
These programmes are direct pathways to undergraduate programmes at Sunway University where students who meet the undergraduate programme entry requirements are assured their place in Sunway University’s Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance, Actuarial Studies, Business Management, Business Studies, Information Systems, Information Technology, International Hospitality Management, Medical Biotechnology or Psychology.
Students from the Foundation in Arts programme at Sunway College who continued further studies at Sunway University have performed well academically. Forty-two percent of the graduation cohort at the Sunway University 2017 graduation ceremony who achieved first class honours in various disciplines are alumni of the FIA programme.
The Sunway Foundation programmes emphasise the importance of holistic development of well-rounded students in both numerical and communication skills through structured subjects in Mathematics and English.
Students also take specialist electives such as Information Technology, Accounting and enrichment electives like Culture and Ideas, and Critical Thinking Skills that offer them exposure to multiple disciplinary thinking and analysis.
For further information about the Foundation in Arts programme, call 03-7491 8622, email info@sunway.edu.my, or visit https://college.sunway.edu.my/programmes/foundation/arts