Sunway AUSMAT Students Acquire the ‘Slight Edge’

Deadlines, exams and constant mugging are familiar routines for all students. To assist students in staying focused and becoming high achievers, Sunway College’s Australian Matriculation Programme (AUSMAT) put together a mini-workshop called S.O.S, an acronym that stands for Strategise, Organise and Soar!

The dedicated team of AUSMAT lecturers recognised the needs of these students and identified students to participate in a series of motivational and inspirational workshops that will make up S.O.S. According to Mrs Ruma, Director of the AUSMAT programme, “A series of talks by specialists in the fields have been organised for our students to inspire them. These special sessions are designed to make our students believe in themselves to achieve the best they can be.”

Ms. Mien Cheng inspiring the students with principles found in Jeff Olson’s book entitled The Slight Edge.

The first workshop was facilitated by Ms. Mien Cheng who has been conducting coaching programmes for student leaders and teachers for more than ten years. Using the metaphor of soaring eagles and principles found in Jeff Olson’s book entitled The Slight Edge, students were led through group activities to hone in key learning points on strategising, organising and soaring. Through this workshop, students discovered that successful individuals are not perfect individuals, but are the ones who receive coaching and mentoring to develop and perfect their ‘slight edge’.

The students also reflected on learning points from an inspirational short film about a successful football club that originated from youths living in a small fishing village. The young footballers overcame many obstacles to emerge as champions for many years in a row.

Yee Sue Anne, a participant of the talk said, “The SOS programme injected a boost of confidence and motivation in students by helping them realise the potential and possibilities awaiting them through guidance. It also made me feel special and honoured to be part of the movement.” Wong Keit Sean, another participant said, “The workshop was motivation squeezed within half an hour that was truly inspiring and fun.”

The workshop ended with Mrs. Ruma’s encouragement to students to press-on and stay focussed on their life goals. She said, “Often in life, you will be presented with challenges, but it is up to you to use those challenges to your advantage. Identify, strategise, and focus and be insanely committed to your goals, and you will soar in life!” Remembering the importance of nourishing the young bodies and minds, the students also took away a complimentary lunch pack at the end of the workshop.