Valedictorian Advise Fellow Graduates to Shoot for the Moon at Sunway College FIA Graduation

“What is FIA? The first thing that comes to mind would obviously be Foundation in Arts. However, for us sitting here, these three letters carry a lot more meaning than what many may see. It carries a journey, an experience and the beginning of so much more”, said Avryl Ooi Wan Cheen, valedictorian of the Sunway College Foundation in Arts (FIA) at the programme’s14th Graduation Ceremony.

Lia Tian Ai, Dr Elizabeth Lee and Avryl Ooi

Avryl further elaborated, “We had many assignments and presentations which helped us develop the skills which were not taught back in high school. Besides, in FIA, they believe no one is a failure and they show it by giving everyone equal chances and putting aside past failures.” She celebrated the graduation with over 300 graduates, with lecturers and parents in attendance. She is grateful for the FIA experience as, “The lecturers, are caring and they really invested their time and effort in us. We all felt that we matter a lot to them.” She received high praise from her teachers for her modest and responsible character. Avryl graduates with the Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship, a full scholarship for any degree programme at Sunway University, the Vice-Chancellor’s Subject Award for Mathematics for Actuarial Science and a Certificate of Academic Excellence. She intends to pursue further studies in BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at Sunway University with the scholarship. On hand to share Avryl’s joy were her proud parents, Ooi Cheng Bin and Mag Ng and 3 sisters, Anne, Amy and Amanda. “I am very happy that she did well in her studies. The full scholarship that she is receiving will definitely help reduce our family’s financial burden. I thank God for having such wonderful daughters,” said Avryl’s mother Mag Ng.

(from left)- Amy Ooi, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Mag Ng [mother], Ooi Cheng Bin [father], Avryl Ooi, Anne Ooi and Amanda Ooi

In her speech, Avryl also urged her peers to not forget to thank their family members. On behalf of her fellow graduates, the youngest in the family also paid tribute to all parents and family in attendance, “Besides the fees that you were forced to pay, your words of encouragement have brought us a long way. We will hold dear to our hearts the advice you have given and the emotional support you have provided. Words cannot express how grateful we are for each one of you because without you, none of us will be sitting here.”

Avryl’s fellow graduate, Lia Tian Ai also received the Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship, also a full scholarship for any degree programme at Sunway University, and a Certificate of Academic Excellence. Tian Ai, who has showcased admirable leadership traits and excellent team spirit throughout her FIA studies also intends to pursue the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance. “All the assignments are different, I learnt many new things. This was a totally new experience for me. I enjoyed the lessons which are so unlike those we had in high school. I think our relationship with our teachers here are also different, here they are more approachable and friendly”, said Tian Ai who has enjoyed her time in the FIA.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship recipients

Together with Avryl and Tian Ai, a total of 30 graduates who displayed consistent academic performance in certain particular subjects received the Vice-Chancellor Subject Award. More than 192 graduates in total received the Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship, which enables them to continue further studies in the various programmes of psychology, business, computing, communication and hospitality at Sunway University, and also the Victoria University degree programme at Sunway College.

“Today marks the next leg of your academic journey. As you leave the FIA, always remember that learning is a lifelong process. The FIA is yet another door, but you must be ready to face challenges and obstacles that are all part of life. I hope the tenacity and values you have learnt in the FIA have equipped you to remain focused on your goals and dreams”, said Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director, Sunway Education Group and Sunway University in wishing all the graduates a successful journey ahead.

Avryl advised her fellow graduates to always strive for the best, she summed it up with a quote by Les Brown, “Shoot for the moon and even if you miss, you’ll still land among the stars.”

The Foundation in Arts is Sunway College’s homegrown programme and is recognised for being a holistic programme that helps to broaden students’ general knowledge, develop communication skills and is underpinned by the pillars of literacy and numeracy. The programme is a direct pathway 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 & Finance, Actuarial Studies, Business Management, Business Studies, Information Systems, Information Technology, International Hospitality Management or Psychology. Over the years, more than 50% of Sunway’s FIA graduates have qualified for the Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship.