âWhenever you face challenges, just think of it as the place where you grow the most because thatâs when youâre most uncomfortable. And once you overcome it, it makes you stronger.â
A Foundation of Academic Consistency
Growing up in Malaysia, academics were never just about chasing grades; they were about proving to myself that perseverance pays off. I worked my way to 10As in SPM and later earned 4A* in A Levels.
But numbers alone donât tell the whole story. And so, here is my journey: a chapter for the history books, written not just in grades, but in grit, growth, and grace.
Why Geology? The Seeds Planted at Home
Choosing Geological and Earth Science wasnât random. It was seeded back in my school geography lessons, where I discovered my love for understanding the planet. But the true spark came from my father, who dedicated his time and retirement savings to mangrove forest preservation in Malaysia. Seeing his passion for protecting ecosystems made me realize how deeply interconnected humans are with the Earth.
Thatâs when I knew I wanted to pursue geology, to combine science with impact. Geology wasnât just about studying rocks; it was about sustaining life.
PETRONAS Scholarship: A Turning Point
Receiving the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Program (PESP) scholarship was life-changing. It wasnât just financial support; it felt like a vote of confidence in my ability to contribute to something larger than myself. The scholarship covers the full cost of my tuition fees for both A-Levels and my degree, as well as living expenses, accommodation, and travel allowances, easing the practical burdens of studying abroad so I can focus entirely on learning and growth.
Crossroads of Choice: The Path That Pointed to Canada
At first, I had my sights on the United States. The application journey there was intense: filled with long nights, endless drafts, and the sting of rejection. But it was also deeply formative. It pushed me to uncover resilience I didnât know I had and taught me the art of self-reflection.
As I often say:
âThe US application journey is what Iâd call a self-finding journey. Youâre forced to search for the truest version of yourself, so you can write the most âpersonalâ personal statement possible.â
However, despite securing placements at top institutions like UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, my sponsor has made a last-minute decision to reroute my batchmates and I to other countries like Canada and the UK due to the ongoing geopolitical risks in the USA.
On the bright side, PETRONAS is expanding significantly in Canada, particularly with LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) projects. Therefore, I chose Canada because I could align myself with PETRONAS' goals there while still stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing the North American education system.
Passing the Torch: Guiding Others as I Was Guided
One of my proudest chapters has been tutoring and mentoring. At Tutor-in-Action and Yearn Academy, I guided juniors not only in academics but also in navigating their own uncertainties.
I strongly believe in the cycle of giving and receiving help. I wouldnât be here without the support of my teachers, mentors, and seniors, so paying it forward feels like the right way to honor that.
Lessons From the Application Journey
If thereâs one thing the application process taught me, itâs not to compare yourself endlessly to others. There were times I doubted myself, especially when others had more extracurriculars, founded clubs, or looked more âimpressiveâ on paper. However, I learned that the most powerful essays and the most compelling applications come when you lean into your authentic self.
When my friends read my personal statement, they said even without my name on it, they knew it was mine. Thatâs the kind of honesty I wish I had embraced earlier: to celebrate my uniqueness rather than chasing someone elseâs path.
Looking Ahead: My Future Plans
The future feels wide open, yet the paths I envision all circle back to a common theme, which is to use geology to solve real-world problems. I see myself as an unconventional geologist, drawn to the challenge of tackling Canadaâs complex formations where extraction isnât straightforward. At the same time, I am inspired by the possibilities of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), especially carbon mineralization, a solution that locks COâ safely into rock instead of leaving it to harm our oceans.
Beyond the energy sector, I am also open to environmental consulting, where I can advise on striking the delicate balance between development and preservation. Whether through industry, research, or consultancy, my compass points to the same direction: building a future where progress and protection go hand in hand.
Lessons Etched in Hindsight
If I could speak to the Khoi Yern who was just starting out, I would remind her that feedback is not an attack but a tool for growth, that failure is part of success, and that confidence must always be tempered with humility. Most importantly, Iâd tell her not to lose herself in the chase for dreams, because university applications are less about acceptances or rejections and more about discovering and embracing who you truly are. In the end, my story isnât defined by grades, scholarships, or universities, but by resilience, kindness, and authenticity; and I hope it inspires others to believe in themselves, to uplift those around them, and to remember that true success lies in staying grounded, staying kind, and staying true to oneself.
