Hanis Hanif’s Path from KYUEM to the University of Bristol

When Hanis Hanif decided to follow in her sister’s footsteps to KYUEM for her A-Levels, she wasn’t just chasing an academic dream — she was going on a journey shaped by family inspiration and a passion for excellence. As her sister’s heartfelt encouragement resonated within her, Hanis aimed to forge her own path to success at this prestigious institution.

“I was lucky to be offered a scholarship for A-Levels, which was a game-changer, giving me the freedom to choose my path,” she says.

Her decision to attend KYUEM was heavily shaped by her sister's glowing endorsements. Having experienced KYUEM’s supportive environment, exceptional faculty and vibrant community of high-achieving students, her sister’s insights painted a compelling picture where Hanis was drawn to the institution’s serene location amidst the lush Lembah Beringin jungle. Despite considering more bustling urban options like Taylor’s and Sunway University, KYUEM’s allure proved irresistible.

Today, Hanis is currently pursuing her LLM Bar Training Course at Cardiff University, UK. 

Thanks to her boarding school experience in high school, transitioning to KYUEM was smooth for Hanis in terms of living arrangements. However, the academic shift from SPM to A-Levels felt like diving into the deep end. Additionally, navigating the language transition — starting in English, switching to Bahasa Melayu and then back to English for A-Levels — posed a significant challenge. Yet, Hanis embraced these challenges as part of the adventure.

A Day in the Life at KYUEM

“My experience at KYUEM was like stepping into a world brimming with ambition and drive. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone striving for excellence and pushing each other to reach their full potential,” says Hanis. The learning environment was enriched by peers who were not only academically driven but also passionate about societal contributions, making every class a stimulating exchange of ideas.

Beyond the vibrant student community, the lecturers at KYUEM were more than educators; they were mentors deeply invested in their student’s success. Hanis recalls a pivotal moment when the head of the exam department provided essential moral support and guidance during a challenging exam period, helping her refocus and plan for upcoming exams while discussing her university aspirations. “Feeling the weight of expectations from both my parents and sponsor, his moral support and guidance were like a lifeline.”

At KYUEM, Hanis found mentors and guides among the lecturers who were deeply committed to her success.

Additionally, Hanis appreciated the convenience of having her own room, which allowed for focused study sessions without the distractions of a busy library. “I am all about hitting the books in my own space, so having our own rooms at KYUEM was a game-changer for me.” In her second year, she enjoyed the added comfort of a private bathroom in a chalet. The catered meals and campus café provided both convenience and variety, ensuring students were well-nourished and ready for their academic challenges.

Besides academic learning, KYUEM is buzzing with activities, with something exciting happening every week. Weekdays are dedicated to rigorous study sessions and academic pursuits, but weekends offer the chance to unwind and recharge. The campus boasts various sports facilities, including tennis and basketball courts and even an Olympic-sized swimming pool, catering to the diverse preferences of students.

Initially cocooned in her room studying, Hanis realised that a solitary approach wasn’t the most effective way to learn. “As time went on, I discovered the importance of balance. I ventured out and tried my hand at new sports like volleyball and table tennis, spending my evenings honing my skills on the court.”

Among the sports that Hanis participated in at KYUEM were volleyball and table tennis.

She also made a point to participate in weekly club activities, which ranged from running marathons and painting sessions to cooking classes and visits to Parliament. Volunteering to tutor English at a children’s home was another rewarding experience she cherished.

Pathway to University of Bristol

For her A-Levels, Hanis chose a diverse mix of subjects: Economics, History, Mathematics and AS Physics, scoring impressive straight A’s. “Choosing these subjects was a mix of personal interest and strategic planning,” she says.

With no specific A-Level requirements for Law, she had the freedom to tailor her choices to her strengths and interests. Mathematics and Physics were natural choices, reflecting her confidence and passion from high school while Economics and History offered new intellectual challenges and broadened her academic horizons.

This strategic selection not only showcased her versatility but also provided her with a solid foundation in analytical and problem-solving skills, perfectly aligning with her aspirations. This well-rounded academic background paved the way for her next academic milestone at the prestigious University of Bristol.

Hanis's journey to the University of Bristol was significantly bolstered by the support she received at KYUEM. “One of the key ways KYUEM assisted me was through the meticulous review of my personal statements.”

Her teachers provided detailed feedback, helping her refine her essays to effectively convey her strengths, interests and aspirations. What’s more, the HE team guided her through the entire UCAS application process from start to finish. They demystified the complexities of the application system and provided comprehensive support, ensuring no detail was overlooked. Thanks to the personalised guidance from KYUEM’s HE team, Hanis felt well-prepared and empowered to present the best version of herself to the University of Bristol, ultimately securing admission to her desired institution.

“Studying law at the University of Bristol is my passion, but it wasn’t always my intended path. It was actually during my time at KYUEM that my interest in law began to take shape, particularly through my A-level history studies.”

Exploring historical events and learning how political and legal institutions evolved was eye-opening for Hanis. It sparked her curiosity about the principles behind modern legal systems. The way classes were conducted at KYUEM, especially by her history teacher, fostered an environment of open discussion and critical analysis. This nurturing atmosphere, combined with the use of various academic tools, laid the groundwork for her approach to critical thinking and writing in law.

Hanis participated in a debate at Parlimen Malaysia.

Hanis credits her success at the University of Bristol to three key skills she learned at KYUEM. “KYUEM fostered my critical thinking abilities,” she says, emphasising how dissecting complex issues and engaging in debates sharpened her analytical skills. The institution also honed her writing prowess, helping her distil complex ideas into clear, persuasive essays. Most importantly, it instilled in her a profound sense of confidence, enabling her to express herself and engage in meaningful academic discussions.

“Whether bouncing ideas off classmates in casual chats or defending my viewpoints in class discussions, KYUEM taught me to speak up, stand my ground, and respect diverse perspectives.” These skills have proven invaluable in navigating her law studies and thriving in the university environment.

Pearls of Wisdom: Advice for Aspiring A-Level Students at KYUEM

Hanis advises future A-level students at KYUEM to focus on building meaningful connections. “Take the time to get to know your classmates and establish strong bonds. Even if you lose touch after A-Levels, chances are you’ll cross paths again at future events or even while walking down Oxford Street.” She highlighted the enduring value of these friendships as a crucial support system during university and beyond.

Hanis encourages students to fully utilise KYUEM’s diverse facilities: "From the library to the sports facilities, there’s a treasure trove of resources waiting to be explored." She urges students to actively engage whether in academic pursuits or extracurricular activities, to enrich their learning experience.

What’s more, Hanis advises making the most of holiday breaks by seeking out work experience, volunteer opportunities, or internships to gain real-world skills. These experiences not only bolster professional prospects but also foster personal growth.

During class sessions, Hanis strongly advocates for active participation. “KYUEM’s teaching style encourages everyone to participate. Don't be shy—speak up, ask questions, and engage in discussions.” She believes that cultivating these skills early on will prove invaluable in university and beyond, making academic pursuits more fulfilling and rewarding.

Looking back on her time at KYUEM, Hanis has developed a deep appreciation for the challenges and achievements that marked her A-level journey. “A-levels can be a challenging time, with pressures coming from all directions and the weight of expectations bearing down on you,” she says. As important as thriving academically, she gives equal attention to self-care and mental health by finding ways to manage stress effectively. 

Amidst the academic rigour and personal growth at KYUEM, Hanis has come to appreciate the invaluable lessons that transcend classroom walls. “As I now tackle my final exam papers for my law degree, I can confidently say that KYUEM played a crucial role in shaping my academic journey and nurturing my passion for law.”