How KYUEM transforms Malaysia's brightest into global trailblazers
LEMBAH BERINGIN : As Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM) celebrates this year's awards day, what shines through is the remarkable transformation of its students.
For Petronas scholar and Sabah-born Uzair Zuhri Sharif, KYUEM was the launchpad for a mission he never thought possible: bringing sustainable electricity to rural Sabah.
Soon, he'll head to the University of Southampton to study electrical engineering, determined to create solutions for his community.
'Electricity is considered a luxury in some rural areas in Sabah. I hope that taking this course will help me develop solutions that not only preserve Sabah's natural heritage, but also provide electricity to these communities,' he said.
Uzair Zuhri Sharif, his father, Sharif Din, and his older sister, Sharifa Najjah Sharif celebrating his achievements at KYUEM.
Growing up in Labuan, Uzair never thought he would study overseas. He credits KYUEM with broadening his horizons and building his confidence.
'Here, everyone accepts you for who you are, and that gave me self-confidence. We learn independence, and we also learn that it's alright to ask for help when we need it,' he said.
Stories like Uzair's show how KYUEM helps students build on their aspirations, equipping them with the skills and confidence to turn dreams into reality, and to thrive at some of the world's best universities.
This year's awards day on June 28 showcased how 268 A-Level graduates achieved just that as they took part in a graduation ceremony marking the start of their journeys at some of the world's most prestigious institutions.
As each graduate's name was called, parents smiled with pride and the hall was filled with applause, honouring the students' hard work and the journeys ahead.
The graduates' achievements were reflected in the impressive conditional offers they received from various top universities, including nine from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, 46 from Imperial College London, 26 from the London School of Economics, and 117 from University College London.
Across the Atlantic, 11 students were offered places at Ivy League universities, including two from Harvard University, and other offers from Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
Over the past 25 years, KYUEM has produced 108 Cambridge-bound students, 38 for Oxford, and hundreds more for top universities in the UK and US – a testament to its track record of excellence.
Over the same period, eight graduates secured places at Harvard University.
A return to inspire
Guest of honour Novan Amirudin, CIMB Group CEO and a member of KYUEM's first cohort, attended this year's awards day to share how KYUEM shaped his path.
'KYUEM was a turning point for me. It taught me more than just academics – it exposed me to different cultures and perspectives, and helped me learn how to work with people from all walks of life,' he said.
'KYUEM taught me to embrace diversity. In doing so, you get different perspectives – and that has helped me tremendously in navigating the corporate world.'
Dare to dream big
Permodalan Nasional Bhd scholar Namira Lee, one of only two Malaysians accepted to Harvard this year, said KYUEM made the impossible feel within reach.
'I came from a daily school in Terengganu, and Ivy League or Oxbridge universities felt so far away. But at KYUEM, everyone talks openly about those dreams, and it made me think: if they can do it, why can't I?'
Namira Lee was one of two Malaysians accepted into Harvard this year.
Another high-achiever, Wan Nurain Adriana Mohd Hassan who is a Yayasan UEM scholar, will be heading to University College London to do economics and business with East European studies. For her, the biggest lesson wasn't just academic.
'I realised everyone has different characters, and that changed my mindset. We have to adapt to others – that's something I know will help me in the future,' she said.
Yayasan UEM scholar Wan Nurain Adriana and her father, Hassan Mamat, were all smiles after she received her certificate during the awards day ceremony.
KYUEM's acting principal Kasthuri Thilaga Munikrishnan said the students' achievements were a reflection of more than just rigorous academics.
'Academic excellence is a culture here. Teachers don't just deliver lessons; they set very high standards, encourage good work ethics, and promote independent thinking,' she said.
Kasthuri added that KYUEM's unique environment – with highly motivated students and experienced, dedicated teachers – created a space where students truly thrived.
'Most of our extracurricular activities are student-led initiatives. From submitting proposals to managing logistics and evaluating activities, they take charge from start to finish,' she said.
'That way, they learn ownership, decision-making, and real leadership.'
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