I’m Adam Mukhriz Muhammad, a curious learner who finds meaning at the intersection of science and society, problem-solving and people, ambition and service. While engineering shapes the way I think about creating solutions, I’m equally drawn to conversations, initiatives, and ideas that push me to see the world differently.

“Don’t let fear of failure stop you. Every setback is a stepping stone, every doubt is an opportunity to prove yourself.”

Laying the Foundations

When I trace the arc of my academic journey, it is more than just grades on a page; it is a narrative of discipline, resilience, and growth. Achieving 9As in SPM and 3As in A-Levels, alongside international benchmarks like an IELTS score of 7.5/9 and an SAT score of 1220, represented more than academic milestones. I would say these academic hurdles are my stepping stones, one step after another, to reach my dreams and goals in life. These academic challenges put me in places where I could be challenged, and push me beyond my limit, only to understand myself better, and see the things this world has to offer, as well as putting me in places where like-minded people are at…

Why Mechanical Engineering?

I settled for mechanical engineering, not for my passion towards it, but for the doors it opens. Partly being selected as a PETRONAS scholar and getting the chance to study abroad. All of these only happen because of the path I took, which is mechanical engineering. This path leads me to this opportunity, and it totally makes sense if I decide to change my major sometime in the future.

Fueled by The PETRONAS Scholarship

Receiving the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme was a turning point. It wasn’t only financial aid, it was a validation of my potential and an entry into a network of future leaders. The sponsorship extends far beyond tuition: it covers living expenses, mentorship opportunities, and structured development programmes that equip scholars to thrive not only academically but also professionally and personally. Knowing that an institution like PETRONAS believed in my capabilities gave me the confidence to dream bigger, work harder, and prepare myself to contribute back meaningfully.

Beyond Books: Leading with Purpose

Someone has told me that the true and purest form of happiness comes from helping others, and that is what I am seeking in life. This is the purpose I am looking for beyond books, which is to be the happiest while serving others. Apart from that, these projects I took part in serve as exposure for me to discover new things and see if they are up to my liking. While at the same time, projects such as the Projek Anak Malaysia also taught me a lot about education inequality in Malaysia and how some people are put at a disadvantage in life. To summarize, I put myself out there to find the joy in helping others, and I want to continue to do so as much as I can. I also put myself out there to try new things, see my interests, and learn more about the world and myself.

Why Pennsylvania State University?

Penn State offered the right blend of academic rigour and global exposure I was searching for. When I was choosing universities, I looked beyond rankings. I wanted a place where I could grow holistically: academically, socially, and personally. Pennsylvania State University stood out because of its strong engineering faculty, research opportunities, and vibrant international community.

The Application Journey

Every rejection, every revision, every sleepless night taught me resilience. Applying for scholarships and universities was an emotional rollercoaster. There were moments of doubt, times I questioned if I was good enough. But through perseverance, guidance from mentors, and sheer determination, I found my way. Each application was more than paperwork; it was a chance to tell my story and prove my worth. Looking back, I’m grateful for the obstacles; they prepared me for bigger challenges ahead. To add, my application journey was also a stepping stone towards self-discovery. I was told to write a story that is meaningful to me. A story that is impactful and changes the way I view life. I ended up writing about biased decisions and how things would never be equal for everyone. Life itself is slightly dependent on luck.

Looking Ahead

Some parts of me want to explore everything the world has to offer by travelling and experiencing new things, while other parts of me are telling me to keep pursuing engineering and integrate it with the environment. In other words, doing environmental engineering or applying mechanical engineering knowledge towards building better concepts/products that benefit the environment. All I am certain of is that I will grow, and my vision and aspirations will change with time. As of this moment, my dream is to serve my bond with PETRONAS, and once finished, I plan to open an animal shelter and a low-cost vet.

Keep Dreaming, Keep Building

As I embark on this new chapter at Penn State, I carry with me not just my achievements but the values of resilience, service, and curiosity. To anyone reading this: remember, the path may not always be easy, but it is always worth it. Dream boldly, work relentlessly, and never forget to leave the world a little better than you found it.