The KYUEM Experience That Led Joel Pang to Caltech

It’s not just about which school you go to — it’s about what you do with the opportunities given to you. Your effort, attitude, and determination are what truly shape your journey. With the right mindset, any school can become the foundation for incredible growth.

But what if the school itself inspires you to dream bigger and achieve more? A place with world-class resources, supportive mentors, and a community that challenges you to excel? For Joel Pang, that’s what Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM) offered. As one of Malaysia’s top-performing A-Level colleges, KYUEM has been a transformative experience for Joel.

Joel was over the moon when he found out he would be pursuing his A-Levels at KYUEM, his dream institution.

Born and raised in Kuching, Sarawak, Joel Pang completed his SPM at SMK Batu Lintang in 2021. He was overjoyed to receive the prestigious Shell Scholarship, which allowed him to pursue A-Levels at KYUEM, his dream institution.

"Transitioning from an SMK school to KYUEM was a humbling experience, as most students here are already from private schools or boarding schools," he says. "As challenging as I found transitioning, it was an incredibly rewarding experience."

Studying at KYUEM

Joel’s two years at KYUEM were defined by a supportive community, dedicated teachers, and an environment encouraging personal and academic growth. For him, it was the people who made KYUEM truly special.

From the start, Joel was surrounded by friends who pushed each other to achieve their best. This collaborative spirit was crucial as he adjusted to the steep transition from SPM to A-Levels. The shift, especially in Mathematics — where Mechanics posed a significant challenge — was initially daunting. However, he soon found his footing through KYUEM’s Peer Tutoring Programme, scheduling weekly one-on-one sessions with senior tutors.

"I remember being hesitant at first to sign up, but my first tutor, Xi Ting, really changed my perspective. She would share her own tips and tricks, as well as guide me patiently through each tough mechanic's question."

Since then, Joel began stepping out of his comfort zone, forming study groups with friends to share resources and tackle tricky questions together.

Throughout his time at KYUEM, Joel received incredible support from friends who constantly pushed each other to achieve their best.

The teaching staff at KYUEM were equally remarkable. Joel often recalls how teachers like Dr. Linda, Mdm Pravinjit, Puan Sheila, and Puan Ashiha went above and beyond to support him. They were always approachable, answering questions both within and beyond the syllabus. One standout memory was when Joel sought help from Dr. Linda for an International Chemistry Olympiad problem. Although it was beyond the A-Level syllabus, she used her expertise and research experience to guide him.

This kind of personalised attention was made possible by KYUEM’s small class sizes, which encouraged a more engaging and interactive learning environment. Joel especially valued how his teachers took the time to check on his understanding and treat students like family. Their constant encouragement, paired with small rewards like treats, helped keep him motivated and confident.

With the unwavering support of his peers and teachers, Joel chose to focus on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics for his A-Levels, knowing these subjects would be essential for his goal of pursuing Chemical Engineering. Thanks to KYUEM’s strong sense of community and personalised attention, Joel was predicted 4A*, setting a solid foundation for his future.

Outside of academics, Joel was actively involved in student-led activities, finding the Student Services Department incredibly supportive of his initiatives. One of his key achievements was founding the first-ever E-Sports Club at KYUEM.

Noticing a gap in student life, Joel pitched the idea to the department, which quickly helped him get the club up and running. With their support, Joel and his committee organised KYUEM’s first E-Sports Carnival, featuring games like Valorant, MLBB, Marvel SNAP and FIFA. 

Beyond the E-sports club, KYUEM’s vibrant and diverse environment allowed Joel to experience Malaysia’s cultural richness firsthand. From celebrating Hari Raya to Diwali, the school embodied Malaysia’s unity in diversity, where everyone came together to enjoy music, food, and laughter. 

Joel found the University Relations Department (UR) to be incredibly kind and caring and skilled in guiding university applications.

How KYUEM’s UR Team Guided Joel to Top University Offers

Joel received offers from some of the world’s top universities, including the University of Cambridge, Caltech, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. None of this would have been possible without the support he received from KYUEM’s University Relations (UR) team. The UR department played a crucial role in his journey, offering guidance at every step of the university application process.

One of the standout aspects of the UR department is their passion and dedication. They’re not just knowledgeable — they’re genuinely invested in the success of their students. Through nearly 40 hours of talks, UR helped Joel with everything from selecting the right courses to fine-tuning his personal statements. The team made sure he stayed on track with deadlines and ensured that his applications were submitted on time.

"They also ensured they write us the best recommendation letters possible by going above and beyond in understanding what truly makes us as a person."

When it came to essay writing and application forms, Joel knew the UR team was always just an email or a knock away. Whether it was reviewing his personal statement or answering questions about CommonApp or UCAS, the UR team was there for him. They also organised mock interviews with companies like Elevate and MABECS, allowing Joel to prepare for the rigorous admissions processes.

Considering all these factors, it's no wonder KYUEM students often gain admission into leading universities, just like Joel.

Today, Joel is studying BS in Chemical Engineering at Caltech, a world-renowned science and engineering institute. "I’ve always been passionate about Physical Chemistry and Thermodynamics, and KYUEM helped cement that, first through the classes, where we learn real-life applications and secondly through engineering talks organised by the Engineering Society or UR who gave me a glimpse of what it was really like to be a chemical engineer."

Joel is the only Malaysian accepted into the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for the Class of 2028.

Joel’s Advice for KYUEM A-Level Students

For aspiring students considering A-Levels at KYUEM, Joel’s advice is simple: step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. KYUEM offers a chance to explore different interests, so be curious and dive into things you genuinely enjoy. You might discover a new passion along the way.

He believes that KYUEM is the perfect environment to explore different interests, so students should stay curious and dive into activities they truly enjoy. "Who knows? You might discover a new passion along the way."

When facing challenges, Joel stresses the importance of seeking help. KYUEM has a wealth of resources available to students, and it’s crucial to make the most of them, especially when stress begins to build. He also reminds students not to compare themselves to others, as everyone has their own unique journey. It’s about writing your own story, not living someone else’s.

"Have faith in yourself. Believing in yourself even when others doubt can take you far."