Understanding the Cambridge Experience

Sunway College received tremendous response from pre-university students and parents as they attended a talk on the Cambridge Experience held at its campus recently. The talk was presented by Professor David A. Cardwell from the University of Cambridge and Associate Professor Dr George Lee from the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia. 

Professor Cardwell giving a talk on the Cambridge experience to students and parents.

Professor Cardwell explained that the Malaysian system is very compatible with the UK system and the University of Cambridge is constantly looking for academically-abled students who enjoy a challenge. He said, “Students who have a passion for their course will have a great opportunity to learn in the University of Cambridge if they take advantage of it.” He proceeded to share the procedures in terms of application, examinations, maintaining academic results and what is expected from a University of Cambridge admission interview. He shared, “There are different demonstrations of motivation but the most important thing is to be yourself. The institution should be admitting you for you and not for the person it wants you to be.”   

Dr Lee sharing his unintended Oxbridge experience during the session.

Dr Lee who has a Chinese education background spent 6 years in the University of Cambridge reading Medicine, 2 years in University of Oxford and 10 years in Imperial College, London.  During his first year in Cambridge, he learnt that it was essential to think in order to perform. “Coming from a Chinese school, we were taught how to memorise and regurgitate everything we study, but I learnt to think as I was studying in Cambridge. I could also use experiences I received there and make them a lesson that I closely follow in life. During my Oxford admission interview, I told them the story of one of the most important lessons I had learnt in Cambridge. It showed I was genuine and honest and that was one of the reasons I made it into Oxford.”

A student asking the speakers a question during the session.

Dr Lee added that it was important for any individual to aim for the impossible. He said, “Somewhere in you there is a fire that opens doors to the unimaginable. Don’t be afraid to be different, as long as you remain yourself and always think for yourself.”

The session ended with an interactive question and answer session. Students asked a lot of questions and they were thoroughly engrossed throughout the session.