KYUEM’s Legacy of Academic Excellence

Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM) sets the gold standard for A-level excellence in Malaysia with exceptional results every year.

At Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM), success isn't just a goal, it’s a tradition. Known as one of Malaysia’s leading A-level colleges, KYUEM consistently upholds its reputation for academic excellence by producing exceptional results year after year. This legacy is driven by the hard work of its students and the unwavering dedication of its staff — making KYUEM a trusted name for students aspiring to reach their full potential. 

What truly sets the college apart is its comprehensive approach to education, blending rigorous academic learning with numerous opportunities for personal growth. At KYUEM, students are supported not only in their pursuit of academic excellence but also in their exploration of extracurricular interests, creativity and leadership development.

By cultivating talent and fostering ambition, KYUEM sets its students on a path toward excellence, preparing them to secure placements at prestigious universities worldwide.

Stellar Academic Achievements 

KYUEM continues to raise the bar for A-level results in Malaysia, consistently delivering stellar achievements among its students. Between 2021 to 2023, as high as 94% of the grades achieved were A* to B, with 73% of students achieving 3As and higher.

In 2024, 93% of the grades achieved were A*s to Bs, and 60% of the students achieved straight As, with 30% achieving at least 4 As.

In addition to these results, KYUEM students have been recognised globally through the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (OCLA), earning the ‘Top in the World’ accolade for Marine Science and Mathematics from 2019 to 2023* — reflecting the college’s commitment to academic excellence.

*Excluding 2020, as there were no OCLAs conferred due to the widespread use of predicted grades.

A Launchpad to the World’s Top Universities

With support from the dedicated University Relations (UR) department, KYUEM has unlocked countless opportunities for students to secure places at prestigious universities worldwide.

One of KYUEM’s greatest strengths is its ability to successfully prepare its students for admission to world-renowned universities. 

Since 2000, the college has facilitated the placement of 105 students to the University of Cambridge, 38 students to the University of Oxford, 291 students to Imperial College London, 311 students to the London School of Economics (LSE) and 335 students to the University College London (UCL). 

Notably, 6 out of 13 Malaysian students accepted to Harvard University from 2019 to 2023 were KYUEM graduates, demonstrating the college’s ability to nurture students ready to compete on the global stage.

Inspiring Student Success Stories

Joel Pang: From KYUEM to Caltech

Joel’s journey to Caltech is a testament to his hard work and showcases how KYUEM prepares students to excel on the global stage.

Joel Pang, a Shell Scholar from Kuching, Sarawak, is a prime example of the transformative impact of KYUEM’s holistic education. Having achieved 4A*s in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics, Joel is now pursuing Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Remarkably, he is the only Malaysian accepted into Caltech’s class of 2028.

Reflecting on his time at KYUEM, Joel credited his success to the college’s dedicated teachers and supportive University Relations (UR) department. “From seminars and mock interviews to personalised guidance, the UR team guided us through every step of the application process,” he shared.

He also praised KYUEM for its proactive approach to providing resources and connecting students with alumni for insights into university applications. “I felt like I never had to Google any information; help was just one knock away at the UR office.” 

Beyond his studies, KYUEM encouraged Joel to explore his interests through leadership opportunities. He had previously led initiatives like the KY Esports Carnival and Science Carnival, underscoring the college’s encouragement and support for student-led projects. 

As a result of his well-rounded experiences, Joel earned himself offers from various top universities including Cambridge, Imperial College London and Columbia University.

Nur Atiqah: From KYUEM to Imperial College London

Nur Atiqah’s success highlights the opportunities available to KYUEM students and the pathway to global academic excellence.

Nur Atiqah, a Yayasan UEM Scholar, is currently studying Civil Engineering at Imperial College London, ranked among the world’s top universities. Her stellar performance in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics was bolstered by KYUEM’s supportive learning environment.

“KYUEM provided an excellent platform to explore interests beyond the classroom, which greatly enhanced my soft skills and passion for engineering,” Atiqah shared. She highlighted experiences such as the KYUEM Summit and the Engineering Society as pivotal in shaping her application.

Atiqah also credited KYUEM’s peer-tutoring programme, the unwavering support of the UR team and the abundant academic resources as key contributors to her success. “The teachers and the UR team were always there to guide me, from university applications to personal statement drafting.”   

Atiqah also emphasised the importance of balance, which KYUEM instilled in her. “The experience taught me to manage my time effectively, allowing me to focus on what truly matters and achieve my goals.”

Sharmmen Raj: From KYUEM to Stanford University

Sharmmen attributes his success to KYUEM’s outstanding teachers, whose unwavering support guided him throughout his journey.

Sharmmen Raj, a Yayasan Khazanah scholar, is currently pursuing a major in Economics at Stanford University. His journey from KYUEM to one of the top universities in the world highlights the college’s dedication to student success.

“I have to give all credit to the amazing UR department in KYUEM,” Sharmmen shared. “Their structured approach, clear deadlines, and availability for consultations made the application process smooth for me.”

He also praised the exceptional teachers who supported him academically and personally throughout his time there.

His greatest takeaway from KYUEM was how it prepared him for university. “KYUEM was a great stepping stone towards university life. The rigorous A-level programme honed my time management skills, while the boarding school experience made me comfortable with being away from home.”

A Stepping Stone to Success

KYUEM’s approach to education empowers students to thrive both academically and personally. With experienced teachers, a dedicated UR team and a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, students gain the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams.

By prioritising academic rigour, personalised support and holistic development, KYUEM has consistently produced graduates who excel internationally and are prepared for a future of boundless opportunities.