PETALING JAYA: Ipoh-born Ho Wei Wen Vivien, 20, became the first recipient of the Oxford-Jeffrey Cheah Graduate Scholarship at Sunway University, here, today.
She has a University of California, Los Angeles Bachelor of Science degree and graduated with a 3.94 CGPA.
“I was offered by Oxford University to study there but didn’t have the funds. The university’s science department contacted the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and here we are today,” she said.
“I received the offer via email and was so thrilled that I called my parents right away.”
The PERMATApintar National Gifted Centre alumnus said she had loved science since she was a child and her parents had always supported her passion.
“My parents were very nice and bought me encyclopedias. Therefore, I always had the chance to expose myself with various science books,“ she added.
“I always had high expectations for myself and always hoped for the best. Determination is key.”
She will start her PhD in Developmental Bio-Science programme at Oxford University on Sept 20th.
The scholarship was launched by British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell and JCF founding trustee Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah.
Sunway University, which is governed and owned by the foundation, had first partnered with Brasenose College of the University of Oxford in 2015. The agreement allows a two-way flow of scholars between the universities.
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 RM330mil in scholarships and grants to students.