The best leaders don&rsquo;t chase authority but naturally fall into roles of guidance. For Joel Wong, mentoring the youth has been a recurring theme in his life, not necessarily by design, but from some invisible pull guiding him towards it.&nbsp;The psychology graduate wears many hats: youth leader, teacher, and project lead at Generasi Gemilang, an NGO dedicated to educational equity in Malaysia. Beyond job titles, Joel has learned in his many years of guiding the youth that young people need a role model who understands them, a position he&rsquo;s more than willing to take on.&nbsp;Another passion has also shaped his journey: content creation. What started as a fun hobby has grown into a powerful tool for connection and influence; in 2024 alone, his videos across YouTube and Instagram amassed hundreds and thousands of views, extending his reach beyond physical boundaries.But how did Joel turn mentorship and content creation into a force for change? His journey is one of purpose, passion, and the power of genuine connection.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef6dcf7016d_1743744463.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="294" />The best leaders don&rsquo;t chase authority but naturally fall into roles of guidance. For Joel Wong, mentoring the youth has been a recurring theme in his life, not necessarily by design, but from some invisible pull guiding him towards it.&nbsp;Kicking off his journey with PsychologyJoel pursued his degree in Psychology at Sunway University, a decision that stemmed from a deep curiosity about human behaviour. He was always drawn to understanding why people think and act the way they do, and psychology seemed like the perfect path for him. &ldquo;I realised I really love learning about people,&rdquo; he reflected.His time at Sunway provided him with a strong foundation in many deeply intriguing psychological topics such as cognitive development, behaviour studies, and mentorship psychology, all of which would contribute to his eventual approach to leadership. However, as enriching as the contents of his syllabus were, the pandemic made learning more challenging, with fewer in-person interactions and a shift to online studies.&nbsp;Being robbed of a holistic learning experience, Joel had to find his own ways to make his psychology education meaningful. Instead of relying solely on coursework, he began applying what he learned in real life, whether in conversations with his peers, understanding behaviour patterns in everyday interactions, or even in how he supported his family. &ldquo;Psychology is everywhere in everything that you do.&rdquo;&nbsp;Despite enjoying the subject, he was uncertain about his next step after graduation. It wasn&rsquo;t until an unexpected opportunity to teach in Johor arose that his path started to take shape.A Calling Found in Unexpected PlacesAfter graduating, Joel returned to Johor, unsure of his next step but certain of one thing: his family needed him. His grandparents, one battling dementia and the other struggling with limited mobility, required extra care, and he wanted to be there for them; while figuring out his own future, he took on the responsibility of supporting theirs.&nbsp;During this time, Joel stumbled upon an opportunity to step into the world of education, landing a teaching job at a nearby secondary school. At first, it seemed like a practical choice, a way to gain stability while caring for his family. Yet, what felt like a convenient and unexpected way to sustain himself and his family would reveal to be a pivotal turning point for him.Striding into the unfamiliar world of education, Joel&rsquo;s first few months as a teacher proved to be a huge learning curve. &ldquo;I spent the first six months teaching during the day, marking homework in the evening, and then studying the textbook like a student at night so I could teach it the next day,&rdquo; he admitted. The role pushed him beyond his comfort zone, requiring him to think on his feet, manage different personalities, and, most importantly, engage students in ways that went beyond academics.The classroom became more than just a workplace. Joel saw potential in his students beyond academics, taking on mentorship roles alongside his teaching duties. &ldquo;Part of my job was developing a system to get seniors to reinvest in mentoring their juniors.&rdquo; His focus wasn&rsquo;t just on textbooks and discipline but on building character and creating a culture of accountability.&nbsp;By the time he left, students had started mentoring each other, ensuring the system continued beyond his tenure. What started as a temporary role soon became a transformative experience, laying the groundwork for everything that followed.Mentorship Beyond the ClassroomJoel&rsquo;s most profound revelation during this period of his life was perhaps that mentorship wasn&rsquo;t confined to a classroom.Even before his role as an educator, Joel had already dedicated years to guiding the youth in other spaces. From the age of 16, he was a youth leader at his church, leading discussions and fostering a supportive community. Back then, he viewed his role as something he&rsquo;d fallen into, as opposed to one of formal leadership. But in retrospect, those years had given him an early foundation in responsibility, guiding discussions, and fostering personal growth.&nbsp;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef6cb268110_1743744178.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="420" />His experience as a teacher gave him a newfound appreciation for the impact of mentorship, a perspective he carries into his ongoing role as a youth leader, where he continues to guide and empower the youth. Over the years, he has worked with over a hundred young people, many of whom have grown into leaders themselves. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a joy to see 23 of them leading other youths in their schools, churches, and communities,&rdquo; he shared. But what struck him the most was how these relationships didn&rsquo;t end when the programmes did. &ldquo;Somehow, they still message me, asking for advice on all kinds of things. A kid I met for half a day at a leadership conference in Kedah still messages me today.&rdquo;More and more, he could see the patterns of his life: wherever he went, he naturally gravitated toward mentoring young people. Seeing this, Joel wanted to find new outlets for mentorship beyond one-on-one interactions, and this is where content creation found its way into his life.&nbsp;Bridging Digital Storytelling with Real-World ImpactJoel started making videos at the age of 12, simply as a means of creative expression and capturing memories. What began as a fun creative outlet, eventually became a tool for something greater. Over time, his content evolved from simple documentation to something intended to reach, inspire, and mobilise people far beyond his physical presence.&nbsp;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef6ccb33fba_1743744203.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" />In 2024 alone, his videos across YouTube and Instagram accumulated over 250,000 views, a clear indicator that his work was resonating as intended. But for Joel, views weren&rsquo;t the priority, impact was. Since 2022, Joel has helped raise RM55,000 alongside his family and students through community-driven challenges and social campaigns, leveraging his content creation to amplify awareness. Whether it was cycling for cancer research or walking for dementia awareness, he used storytelling to engage a wider audience. &ldquo;If even one person is inspired to take action because of something I create, then it&rsquo;s worth making.&rdquo;His ability to inspire action through content creation naturally extended into his professional life, where he sought to make an even greater impact on the ground.Driving Social Change Through Generasi GemilangJoel&rsquo;s commitment to mentorship and social impact didn&rsquo;t end with his personal initiatives. Taking his efforts a step further, he now works at Generasi Gemilang, an institution dedicated to education equity in Malaysia, where he focuses on corporate partnerships and programme development.His role involves securing funding, building collaborations, and launching initiatives that address real challenges in underprivileged communities. One such project tackled healthcare accessibility, where frequent illness prevented children in the company's early childhood programme from attending sessions. &ldquo;We realised that almost 10 to 20% of them had issues coming because they kept falling sick and had no money to go to the clinic,&rdquo; he explained. To address this, he helped implement a subsidy system with a private clinic, ensuring families had access to affordable medical care. Another initiative focused on teacher empowerment in East Malaysia, providing educators with tools to help students struggling with literacy.&nbsp;By bridging resources, education, and community needs, Joel continues to turn mentorship into sustainable action, ensuring that change extends far beyond individual efforts.A Legacy of Mentorship and ImpactJoel&rsquo;s journey, spanning education, content creation, and helping marginalised communities, has always been about something larger than himself. Now, he&rsquo;s working toward a future where youth empowerment is not just a personal mission but a collective movement. Through The A1D Project, his goal is to build a platform that spotlights young changemakers and fosters a culture of leadership beyond his direct reach. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want it to be just Joel inspiring people. I want to create something where others can step up and do the same,&rdquo; he explained.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef6d0daed80_1743744269.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="996" />Joel's work challenges the next generation to lead, act, and uplift those around them. Through mentorship, he continues to prove that real leadership isn&rsquo;t about titles: it&rsquo;s about creating space for others to do the same.

Discover how Joel Wong is empowering youth, creating impactful content, and challenging the status quo to inspire change and innovation.

Joel Wong: Empowering Youth, Creating Impactful Content, and Challenging the Status Quo

Few people have seamlessly moved through industries as distinct as engineering, procurement, and pageantry as Natalie Ang has. As an Associate Consultant at Inverto (a BCG subsidiary), a former procurement specialist at Nestl&eacute;, and a Miss World Malaysia titleholder, Natalie has carved a unique space in multiple complex avenues, outlining only the start of an unconventional yet deeply intriguing and respectable career path.&nbsp;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef7da99bf55_1743748521.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="747" />While many view success as having sights set on a distant and often singular objective, Natalie unveils a more colourful outlook; instead, it has always been about embracing opportunity, adaptability, and the thrill of learning new things. &ldquo;I enjoy what I&rsquo;m doing. But I also know that all doors are open, and I don&rsquo;t have to choose just one,&rdquo; she said.From pursuing a degree in chemical engineering at UCSI to an expected foray into procurement, Natalie's life has followed the thread of curiosity rather than convention.From Engineering to Procurement: An Unexpected PathOf all the things that could have prompted Natalie's entry into the world of chemical engineering, a straw is what took that honour. Inspired by the story of LifeStraw&ndash;a simple invention that filters water instantly and was distributed affordably to communities in need&ndash; Natalie decided to let intellectual curiosity and purpose guide her post-secondary education. &nbsp;&ldquo;It hit two things for me: One, this was such a cool profession&mdash;you could invent things that actually help people. And two, using that talent for good? That was something I really wanted to do.&rdquo;While UCSI gave Natalie an important foundation in technical knowledge, it also provided her the opportunity to interact with sharp, ambitious peers, many of whom were top scholars on academic grants. &ldquo;It was a super conducive environment,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re around people who are the best in their fields, and that pushes you to do better.&rdquo; Natalie also spent time in the Intervarsity Debate, often adjudicating rounds rather than competing formally. &ldquo;Debating forces you to break down complex ideas quickly and structure your thoughts under pressure. That skill has carried over into everything I&rsquo;ve done since.&rdquo;Despite having no prior plans to enter the field, Nathalie&rsquo;s next step into procurement would prove to be both unexpected and transformative. Her shift into procurement was, by her own admission, pure luck. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s no inspirational story here&mdash;my brother just sent me a link to the Nestl&eacute; graduate programme and told me to apply,&rdquo; she reflected. What started as a random opportunity soon became a career-defining experience. Having the opportunity to work in 4 key departments: supply chain risk management, legal agreements, and procurement strategy, Natalie saw firsthand how procurement shapes global industries. &ldquo;Especially after COVID, people realised how important procurement and supply chains are,&rdquo; she explains.&nbsp;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef7dc4512d1_1743748548.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="747" />Her time at Nestl&eacute; gave her a strong foundation in problem-solving and high-stakes decision-making, skills that would prove essential as she stepped into the fast-paced world of consulting.Thriving in Consulting: A Career of Fast-Paced Problem SolvingAfter dedicating a year to working at Nestle's global procurement hub, an unexpected message from BCG&rsquo;s HR team landed in Natalie&rsquo;s inbox. &ldquo;It was very similar to how I got into procurement&mdash;just another opportunity that came my way,&rdquo; she admitted. But unlike with Nestle, where she could slowly build her expertise, consulting was something she had no experience with and had only discovered through friends.&nbsp;Of course, stepping into the industry wasn&rsquo;t easy. Coming from an engineering background, Natalie had to catch up to her peers who had spent years preparing for consulting careers. &ldquo;It was definitely intimidating. I was going up against people who had studied this, interned at top firms, and really knew the industry inside out.&rdquo;But rather than shy away from the challenge, Natalie immersed herself in learning. &ldquo;I told myself that even if I didn&rsquo;t have the same background, I could make sure I had the same level of knowledge and skills.&rdquo;After months of rigorous studying and learning on the job, Natalie has found her rhythm working as an Associate Consultant at Inverto, where her daily routine is intense, fast-paced, and constantly shifting. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s very invigorating,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Every day feels like a new puzzle you need to solve&mdash;quickly, under pressure, and at a really high level of complexity.&rdquo;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef7ddb7ca9b_1743748571.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="840" />The constant travelling also adds to the dynamic nature of the job. Currently based in Bangkok, she follows the typical consulting rhythm of flying in on Mondays and flying out on Thursdays. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s pretty standard across MBB firms, especially in Southeast Asia. If your case is outside your home country, you just live out of a suitcase for a while.&rdquo;Despite the high expectations, Natalie thrives in the environment. &ldquo;I really like learning, and this job gives me that avenue,&rdquo; she said. While Nestl&eacute; provided a strong foundation in procurement, consulting challenges her to think on her feet and adapt to rapidly changing situations.Yet, beyond the boardrooms and fast-paced problem-solving, Natalie had another arena where she thrived; one that required just as much discipline, confidence, and adaptability: pageantry.Grace, Grit, and PageantryWhile Natalie&rsquo;s corporate career was premised on analysis and problem-solving, pageantry introduced her to a different kind of challenge, one that demanded confidence, stage presence and relentless preparation. Inspired by her mother, a former Miss Universe Malaysia contestant, she entered Miss World Malaysia in 2021 and again in 2023, where she placed as first runner-up.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef7df0a9f3c_1743748592.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" />Though often associated with glamour, pageantry required just as much discipline and resilience as her corporate work. &ldquo;People see the gowns and the stage, but they don&rsquo;t see the months of preparation&mdash;public speaking drills, hours of catwalk training, and the mental stamina to stay composed under pressure.&rdquo; Spending 12 hours a day in five-inch heels was just part of the process. More than a competition, pageantry became a platform for growth. &ldquo;It teaches you how to carry yourself, articulate your thoughts clearly, and connect with people&mdash;skills that translate into any industry,&rdquo; she reflected.Though her career in consulting remains her main focus, Natalie doesn&rsquo;t see pageantry as something she&rsquo;s leaving behind. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t feel like I have to pick just one thing. If the right opportunity comes, I&rsquo;d do it again.&rdquo;A Life Without LimitsNatalie has never confined herself to a single path. Instead, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge herself. Whether it be in the boardroom, on stage, or in front of the camera, her journey showcases an embracement of diversity, adaptability, and lifelong learning many of us could take away from.&nbsp;Looking forward, Natalie remains open to new possibilities, believing that success doesn't necessarily stem from confining oneself to a linear path but rather from creating one that reflects her unique ambitions, passions and strengths.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Discover how Natalie Ang transitioned from engineering to becoming Miss Malaysia, building a successful career without limits and breaking barriers along the way.

From Engineering to Miss Malaysia: How Natalie Ang Built a Career Without Limits

When Megumi Uchiyama left Tokyo 3 years ago for Malaysia, she didn&rsquo;t have a detailed plan&mdash;just a Google search, a rough idea of where Malaysia was on the map, and most importantly, a restless hunger for change. She arrived in Malaysia at the height of the pandemic, abandoning her initial plans to pursue tertiary education in the United States in exchange for something more accessible and affordable. Letting go of a more traditional and far less risky route in Japan, Megumi decided to step into the unknown in hopes of a more fulfilling journey.Today, Megumi is 23 and in her final semester at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, completing a degree in International Communication with Performing Arts. With deep roots in musical theatre that stem from her childhood, Megumi&rsquo;s story at first glance might seem like one about finding her way back to theatre; but underneath it is something more complex: a journey marked by self-doubt, rediscovery, and an evolving sense of purpose that&rsquo;s taken her far beyond the stage. <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/68143ced17ae0_1746156781.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="840" /> As she steps into the final chapter of her degree and time in Malaysia, she&rsquo;s preparing to walk away from performing arts, not out of defeat, but with a sense of closure. In its place, she&rsquo;s pursuing something else entirely: a vision to make Japan more inclusive for Muslim communities. Her creative path may be winding down, but what comes next might be her boldest performance yet.A Childhood on Stage, and a Crisis at EighteenMegumi&rsquo;s relationship with the stage began early in life. She joined a musical theatre school at the age of 7, a decision rooted in her passion for dancing. It was quickly apparent that what she was doing went beyond movement&mdash;it was acting, singing, storytelling: it was musical theatre. And for a while, she loved it.Megumi looked forward to the annual performances, which served as an opportunity to immerse herself in a role and leave the outside world behind. The theatre felt magical, but what fascinated her most was the work behind it; what looked effortless on stage was the result of intense preparation and collaboration. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s such a dreamy and magical environment,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;But behind that, there are the endless efforts of people. It felt like something only humans could achieve.&rdquo;But as she grew older, the magic began to unravel. The environment at her theatre school was highly competitive, and no matter how long she had been there, it felt like others were moving ahead. Newer students landed more prominent roles. Her confidence eroded as the stage started to feel more like a measuring contest over a place for expression. Eventually, she began to question whether she belonged in the world of theatre at all.At 18, Megumi left Japan for a short-term programme in the United States. She couldn&rsquo;t speak English well and knew almost no one. It was a time of dislocation, but also clarity. Stripped of the routines and identities she had relied on for so long, she began to ask herself what, if anything, still felt true.&ldquo;I realised I had nothing much I could talk about myself other than performing arts,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;So I thought, why not keep doing it for some time more?&rdquo; Despite the language barrier, Megumi found that there was something exhilarating about starting over; being surrounded by people who knew nothing about her, free from the quiet expectations she had carried back home. It was this revelation that would eventually lead her to Malaysia.From Google Search to Campus LifeWhen it came time to choose a university, Megumi initially looked to the United States. But with the pandemic disrupting plans and tuition fees proving too steep, she began to reconsider. Though she was accepted into a university in Japan, something about staying didn&rsquo;t sit right. &ldquo;I had one week to decide whether to take the offer,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;But I kept asking myself: do I really want to stay in Japan for another four years?&rdquo; Drawn to the freedom she had experienced abroad, Megumi went searching for another option. Her criteria were simple: somewhere safe, affordable, and new. &ldquo;I just Googled, and Malaysia came up,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t even sure where it was, honestly. But I thought, why not just go?&rdquo;There was uncertainty, but also relief. &ldquo;I was more scared to stay back in Japan.&rdquo;&nbsp;Falling Back in Love with TheatreMegumi didn&rsquo;t plan to return to theatre when she first enrolled at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. The performing arts programme was still growing, and resources were modest compared to what she had known back home; but perhaps because of that, she found herself creating again, but this time, with her voice.In Japan, she had dedicated years immersed in traditional training. There were fixed ways to speak, walk, and even breathe on stage. That world was full of structure and status. Even though I loved it, it felt like the theatre didn&rsquo;t love me back.&rdquo;Malaysia helped change that. The environment was looser and more forgiving. People cared less about polish and put more emphasis on participation. There was room to try, to stumble, and still be welcomed. &ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t restricted to the traditional way anymore, and that gave me liberty.&rdquo; For the first time in a long while, she felt free to explore.&nbsp; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/68143d20498d7_1746156832.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="842" /> Through the university&rsquo;s Literature and Drama Society, Megumi began to rebuild her confidence. She started backstage, running lights and supporting tech crews, but soon stepped into larger roles. In her second year, she co-directed Spilled Gravy on Rice, a full-length Malay drama involving a large and diverse production team. It was unpredictable, exhausting, and at times chaotic, but she loved every part of it.By her final year, she had become president of the society. For someone who once thought she had lost her place in theatre, it marked a quiet but powerful return. Nottingham Malaysia didn&rsquo;t offer the most polished productions, but it gave her something far more meaningful: a place to belong.Creating Without BordersMegumi&rsquo;s creative work has always come from a personal place, often aiming to build a place to connect. &ldquo;I want to make things everyone can enjoy, regardless of their background, language, or culture.&rdquo;Her stories often centre on the everyday. In one play, drinks in a vending machine come to life; in another, a laptop becomes a speaking character. She gravitates toward simplicity, finding meaning in the ordinary and offering space for the audience to interpret things in their own way and have unique relationships with the subject matter.These artistic choices reflect her own experience navigating life as an outsider. Whether growing up in Tokyo with feelings of alienation, or as a foreign uni student in the U.S and Malaysia, her experiences have fuelled her desire to create stories that feel accessible and welcoming.It was that same instinct that drew her to filmmaking. What began as a small short film project with a friend, Ashley, grew into an ongoing collaboration. Together, they&rsquo;ve made four student films. Filmmaking brought new challenges&mdash;technical demands, tighter pacing, endless retakes&mdash;but also gave Megumi a new space to express herself.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/68143d43bdcbd_1746156867.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="626" />Most of all, it helped her reclaim acting. She had long avoided performing in English, afraid her accent would hold her back. But in Malaysia, where accents are the norm, she felt freer. &ldquo;People here don&rsquo;t mind as long as you&rsquo;re audible,&rdquo; she said. That shift, as simple as it was, gave her the courage to speak up and step forward.A New Direction, Rooted in ConnectionFor most of her life, Megumi imagined her future would revolve around theatre. But during her final year in Malaysia, that vision began to shift. After years of expressing herself through art, she started to think more seriously about the kind of impact she wanted to make beyond the stage.The turning point came when a close Malaysian-Muslim friend visited Japan and struggled to find a place to pray or eat. It was a small but telling moment, one that made Megumi reflect on how inaccessible Japan still was for many Muslim visitors.&nbsp;The experience stirred something deeper: a sense of responsibility. Having grown up in Japan, internalised media biases, then lived abroad and unlearned them firsthand, Megumi realised she was in a rare position. She understood both the source of the problem and the people it affected. &ldquo;When it comes to this new dream, I feel like it has to be me,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m the one who went to foreign countries, immersed myself in the culture, and changed because of it.&rdquo;Her studies in media and communication helped her make sense of how such biases are formed. She began to understand how agenda-setting and framing in Japanese media had shaped her earlier misconceptions about Islam. Rather than turn away from it, she&rsquo;s choosing to engage.She doesn&rsquo;t have a clear plan yet, but she knows where she&rsquo;s headed. Whether through journalism, education, or policy, Megumi hopes to contribute to a more inclusive Japan&mdash;one where difference is not feared, but welcomed.Moving On with MeaningMegumi is no longer pursuing a career in the performing arts, but she isn&rsquo;t leaving it with regret. In fact, the opposite is true. &ldquo;I feel satisfied,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I had enough. I&rsquo;m good.&rdquo; That sense of closure has given her the confidence to chase something new.Her story is still unfolding, now driven by a different kind of creativity, one rooted in empathy, shaped by experience, and powered by the same desire that&rsquo;s guided her since she first stepped on stage: to make people feel seen.

Discover how Megumi Uchiyama transitioned from theatre to social change in Malaysia, finding purpose and making a meaningful impact through her work.

From Theatre to Social Change: How Malaysia Helped Megumi Uchiyama Find Purpose

For Jia Jie Lee, the path from fresh graduate to fulfilment in life has been anything but linear.&nbsp; A top-performing psychology graduate and full scholarship recipient at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), she had once envisioned a future in clinical psychology or academic research. With an academic record marked by accolades, she spent years setting her sights on either clinical practice or research, until life took her in a different direction.&nbsp;Today, she works in recruitment, connecting candidates to opportunities in Singapore&rsquo;s banking and financial services sector. While the path is far from what she once envisioned, it has offered a different kind of purpose: one rooted in human connection, growth, and the quiet reward of helping others move forward. Jia Jie&rsquo;s journey is a testament to how the most unexpected instances of redirection can often bring equally unexpected fulfilment.Exploring Psychology and Purpose at UTARJia Jie&rsquo;s passion for psychology sparked at the age of 15, when she fell in love with reading psychology books, intrigued by the science behind human behaviour. When the time came to choose a degree years later, the decision was obvious. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t hesitate, I knew psychology was the right path for me.&rdquo; Her strong SPM results earned her a full scholarship for her foundation program at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). Determined not to let the opportunity slip away, she pushed herself to maintain excellent grades, her efforts eventually paying off in the form of a full degree scholarship.&nbsp;Her time at UTAR only deepened her interest in the field. She studied a wide range of topics, including educational psychology, health psychology, and mental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and depression. She also developed strong research skills, which she described as a key part of her academic journey. &ldquo;Psychology isn&rsquo;t just common sense. It&rsquo;s a science,&rdquo; she explained. &ldquo;You need to know how to collect data, run the statistics, and back up your findings.&rdquo;As her understanding of the subject grew, so did her ambitions. Jia Jie began to consider multiple paths, including clinical psychology and even a future in research and academia. <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/681ad7b06c684_1746589616.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="719" /> Throughout her degree, she remained one of the top-performing students in her cohort. Upon graduation, she earned First Class Honours and received several prestigious awards, including the Book Prize Award, the Best Graduate Award, and the Gold Medal Award, which is presented to a single outstanding graduate in each batch.Her years at UTAR were not just about academic success; they became a season of discovery that would shape her thinking in unexpected ways.Beyond the Classroom: Teaching, Research, and RedirectionThough clinical psychology had always been her top interest, Jia Jie didn&rsquo;t rush into a Master&rsquo;s programme. &ldquo;I was completely clueless about what I wanted,&rdquo; she admitted. Instead, she took a gap year, not only to provide herself a much-needed break, but to explore. That year turned out to be one of the most formative periods of her life.One path took her deeper into education. She returned to her alma mater to teach computer literacy, took on roles at tuition centres, and even taught preschool students remotely during the pandemic. Her youngest learners were just three years old. &ldquo;At that age, it&rsquo;s about exposure, not writing essays.&rdquo; She used flashcards, interactive experiments, and play-based lessons to spark curiosity, often teaching multiple languages and subjects in a single session.At the same time, she doubled down on research. Encouraged by her final-year supervisor, Jia Jie extended her thesis work and co-presented at a national conference. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t expect to win Best Presenter,&rdquo; she said. Their paper was later published as a conference article, marking a significant milestone that paved the way for a potential career in academia. In fact, her supervisor even offered her a spot in a research-based master&rsquo;s program, one that could eventually lead to a role in academia or as a professor. But after careful thought, she turned it down, realising that long-term academic research wasn&rsquo;t the path she wanted to commit to.Still, she wasn&rsquo;t ready to let go of her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. On her own initiative, she applied for a Master&rsquo;s in Clinical Psychology at UKM. She went through the interview process, giving it her all, but ultimately wasn&rsquo;t selected. &ldquo;I thought I&rsquo;d made up my mind. But suddenly, I was back at square one.&rdquo;As lost as she felt, it was a point in her life that taught her to always stay open to what might come next.&nbsp;&nbsp;Finding Fulfilment in the UnexpectedThe rejection from her dream master&rsquo;s programme stung. For a while, Jia Jie felt unmoored, uncertain of where to turn next. But rather than dwell in disappointment, she chose to keep moving. When an opportunity in recruitment came her way, she took it&mdash;not because it aligned perfectly with her past, but because it was a chance to learn something new.At first, she was hesitant. The corporate world seemed far removed from psychology and education, and she worried the work would feel transactional. Instead, she found something surprising: a sense of meaning. As a recruiter specialising in banking and financial services for the Singapore market, Jia Jie discovered a different kind of impact. She was helping people take the next step in their careers and assisting companies in finding the talent they needed to grow.&ldquo;It reminded me that helping people doesn&rsquo;t just happen in therapy rooms or classrooms, it can happen anywhere.&rdquo;From Malaysia to Singapore: Rising in RecruitmentJia Jie began her career in recruitment from Malaysia, joining a firm as an associate resourcer supporting the Singapore market. Her role focused on candidate sourcing, including screening profiles, building relationships and connecting job seekers with relevant opportunities. It was a behind-the-scenes role, but one that sharpened her instincts and gave her a deeper understanding of the job market.Eager to grow, she pursued certification to work directly with clients in Singapore&rsquo;s highly regulated hiring environment. Once licensed, she transitioned into a 360 recruitment role, liaising not only with candidates but also with hiring managers, understanding business needs, and offering strategic consultancy. It was a steep learning curve, but she fuly embraced it. <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/681ad7d881c3d_1746589656.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="799" /> Her growth was swift. Within her first year, Jia Jie became a top biller and top closer multiple times, earning recognition across the company. She was the first from her division to be transferred to the Singapore office, a milestone that reflected both her results and her potential.But for Jia Jie, success isn&rsquo;t measured in titles or commissions alone. What drives her is the chance to make a difference, which helping individuals find meaningful work definitely brings. &ldquo;You need to know whether this aligns with your purpose,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;For me, it does.&rdquo;Purpose Beyond PlansJia Jie&rsquo;s journey didn&rsquo;t follow the script she once imagined. Clinical psychology was her first ambition, and education and research were serious contenders. When each of those doors closed, she was left questioning her direction, but not her drive. Rather than waiting for clarity, she kept on moving, trusting that her purpose would take shape along the way.Today, she finds meaning in the unexpected. In recruitment, Jia Jie discovered a way to empower others, connect people with opportunities, and build relationships grounded in trust. Her work may not be rooted in therapy or academia, but it still centres around what matters most: helping people. &ldquo;Helping others doesn&rsquo;t only happen in a classroom or a therapy room,&rdquo; she reflected. &ldquo;It can happen anywhere.&rdquo; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/681ad7fa49c82_1746589690.jpg" alt="" width="1070" height="709" /> Looking ahead, she doesn&rsquo;t pretend to have all the answers. Just two years ago, she couldn&rsquo;t have predicted she&rsquo;d be living abroad and building a career in a field she never planned for. But if there&rsquo;s one thing she&rsquo;s sure of, it&rsquo;s that curiosity and openness will keep steering her forward. &ldquo;Self-discovery is a lifelong journey,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;What you start out wanting may not be where you end up&mdash;and that&rsquo;s not just okay, it can be exciting.&rdquo; For Jia Jie, it&rsquo;s not about asking &lsquo;why&rsquo;, but &lsquo;why not&rsquo;.

Learn how psychology scholar Jia Jie Lee found purpose in recruitment instead of a clinic, shifting his career focus to impact people and businesses.

How Psychology Scholar Jia Jie Lee Found Purpose in Recruitment, Not a Clinic

Many would find 21-year-old Nigel Chuah's decision to abandon a promising career in sustainability questionable. Why leave behind a stable career path to pursue the uncertain venture of entrepreneurship in the health industry?To Nigel, this decision didn't sprout from impulse, but rather, from a dedication to his values and his vision: a desire to help others live healthier lives. A core principle that guides his life is that success isn&rsquo;t just about following the &lsquo;right&rsquo; path, but about finding one that aligns with you.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef81d8e53af_1743749592.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="747" />Today, Nigel runs a business dedicated to improving people&rsquo;s health through science-backed solutions &mdash; a venture inspired not only by his own ambitions but by a powerful desire to give back to his family.His story is one of purpose, bold decisions, and a relentless drive to build something meaningful.Early Influences: Family Roots and ValuesMany years before Nigel started his business, his parents unknowingly planted the seeds for his eventual journey into entrepreneurship. For over 14 years, his family had been involved in a health and wellness business, dedicated to helping people achieve healthier lives. As a child, Nigel often accompanied his parents to observe how they worked, soaking in their values and the impact they made.&ldquo;I knew from a young age that what they were doing was meaningful,&rdquo; Nigel recalled. &ldquo;I saw firsthand how their work improved people&rsquo;s lives &mdash; whether it was helping someone manage their weight or reduce their dependence on medication.&rdquo;Though Nigel&rsquo;s parents never pressured him to follow in their footsteps, their dedication to health and well-being left a lasting impression on him. While he pursued his own path in environmental science, the values of empathy, service and purpose continued to shape his outlook on life.Breaking Away from the Corporate Path&nbsp;Before setting his sights on helping people achieve their health goals, Nigel had a deep passion for environmentalism and sustainability. This led him to pursue a degree in Environmental science at the University of Nottingham. Drawn towards the vision of making a positive impact on the environment, Nigel immersed himself in his studies. But as enriching as the content of the syllabus was for him, it was Nottingham&rsquo;s environment that truly left a lasting impression.It was these social experiences that shaped Nigel&rsquo;s personal growth. Learning to network, manage his time, and connect with people proved invaluable.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef824691302_1743749702.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="747" />&ldquo;I was an introvert before. I didn&rsquo;t like to talk much, but I pushed myself to talk to people and mix around. Those connections have helped me a lot today. Some of these friends have even contributed to what I&rsquo;m currently doing,&rdquo; he recalled.After graduating, Nigel began an internship in the sustainability industry. The role seemed like the perfect fit at the time, but as the months went by, he found himself questioning what he really wanted.&ldquo;I looked at my seniors and realised the life they had wasn&rsquo;t quite the life I wanted for myself. I have a lot of dreams I want to accomplish in this life.&rdquo;For Nigel, those ambitions were deeply tied to family. Growing up, he watched his parents sacrifice to provide him and his brother with better opportunities. Their hard work shaped his belief that success was not just about personal achievement. To him, success meant giving back to the people who had made that success possible.&ldquo;Your success must be faster than your ageing parents,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If you want to give back to them, you need to take action now while they can still enjoy it.&rdquo;That belief ultimately led Nigel to leave his internship and step into unfamiliar territory. This decision would take him to the world of health technology.Building a Business in Health and TechnologyWhen Nigel decided to step away from his corporate path, he knew he wanted to build something of his own. Rather than starting from scratch, he found his opportunity in the health and wellness industry, where his parents had been involved for over a decade. Drawing from what he had seen growing up, Nigel set out to create a business that blended proven health solutions with a personalised, hands-on approach.A key part of his work involves PharmaNex, a company known for its science-backed health solutions. While PharmaNex provides the tools, Nigel built his own platform within that space. His role involves managing his own clients, expanding his reach, and developing strategies to help people improve their well-being.One of the solutions he frequently uses is PharmaNex&rsquo;s antioxidant scanner. The device measures antioxidant levels without requiring a blood test, giving clients a clear picture of their body&rsquo;s internal defences, and helping people understand how their lifestyle choices are impacting their health.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef8264ca8ee_1743749732.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="747" />&ldquo;Most people don&rsquo;t realise that antioxidants are vital to our immune system,&rdquo; Nigel explained. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re our body&rsquo;s first defence against free radicals, which are linked to ageing, cell damage, and even cancer. With this scanner, people can actually see their progress, and that motivates them to stay on track.&rdquo;For Nigel, the business is more than just offering health solutions. He spends time educating his clients, helping them build better habits, and guiding them toward sustainable change.&ldquo;People don&rsquo;t just need products, they need proper guidance and a clear path to better health. That&rsquo;s what I focus on.&rdquo;Stories of ImpactNigel&rsquo;s work has given him the opportunity to make a real difference. One of his most memorable experiences involved a woman from Kelantan who struggled with obesity and diabetes. She weighed over 100 kilograms, relied on daily insulin jabs, and had trouble conceiving. After working with Nigel&rsquo;s team and following their programme, she lost 30 kilograms, reversed her condition, and eventually gave birth to two healthy children.&ldquo;That was one of my happiest moments,&rdquo; Nigel said. &ldquo;She was so thankful, and it felt amazing knowing I could help someone achieve something so meaningful.&rdquo;Stories like this remind Nigel why he chose this path: helping people regain their health and improve their quality of life continues to fuel his drive.Living with PurposeMuch of Nigel&rsquo;s determination comes from his family. His grandmother&rsquo;s strength and sacrifices played a huge role in shaping his outlook on life. She worked tirelessly to support her children, often doubting her own worth because she lacked education. Despite her struggles, her resilience laid the foundation for the family&rsquo;s success.&ldquo;My grandma always thought she wasn&rsquo;t smart,&rdquo; Nigel said. &ldquo;But if she was so silly, how did she raise two generations of millionaires?&rdquo;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef828ed7b8e_1743749774.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="560" />That belief continues to fuel Nigel&rsquo;s determination to succeed, not just for himself, but for his parents. His biggest goal is to ensure his parents can enjoy the freedom they worked so hard to provide for him.&ldquo;I want them to be able to enjoy life without worrying about us. That&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;m working toward.&rdquo;Words to Live ByFor those looking to improve their health, Nigel&rsquo;s advice was simple.&ldquo;Get yourself measured,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t know where you stand, it&rsquo;s hard to know what to improve. Knowing your baseline helps you set realistic goals and track your progress.&rdquo;For those afraid to take big leaps in life, Nigel encourages finding a reason that makes the risk worthwhile.&ldquo;You need to know what you&rsquo;re fighting for,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If your dreams are big enough, you&rsquo;ll find the courage to chase them.&rdquo;Nigel&rsquo;s journey is a reminder that success isn&rsquo;t always about following a traditional path. By trusting his instincts, embracing risk, and building something of his own, he has created a career that blends purpose with impact. For Nigel, success isn&rsquo;t just about what he achieves. It&rsquo;s about the people he helps along the way.

Discover how Nigel Chuah built a business that changes lives, balancing health, family, and purpose while making a meaningful impact on others.

Health, Family, and Purpose: How Nigel Chuah Built a Business That Changes Lives

At the heart of Rachel Gunardi's work, whether in design, entrepreneurship or event planning, is a drive for real and organic connection, something she believes is dying out in an increasingly digital age.&nbsp;Originally from Indonesia, Rachel came to Malaysia in 2021 to pursue her degree in graphic design at UCSI University. But her time there became more than just an academic pursuit. While adjusting to a new country, she found herself drawn to something bigger: helping others navigate the transition from student life to the working world.&nbsp;This led to the creation of DEAD Enterprise, a student-run entrepreneurial club that aimed to remove the fluff from networking, which quickly grew into something much larger. What started as a university initiative evolved into a platform for real-world networking, mentorship and collaboration.Today, Rachel wears many hats, proving that creativity isn&rsquo;t just about what you create, it&rsquo;s also about the people you bring together.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef73baa689b_1743745978.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="840" />DEAD Enterprise: A Solution to Career UncertaintyRachel's journey into entrepreneurship didn't stem from a business idea but rather from a question:&nbsp;Why is entering the workforce so terrifying?"Starting a business is intimidating. Even getting a job straight out of university feels overwhelming,&rdquo; she inferred. &ldquo;So we thought, why not create something that acts like a friend, guiding people through that process?"With a clear goal in mind, Rachel and her like-minded co-founder launched DEAD enterprise at UCSI. Unlike other student clubs focused on industries like photography, skateboarding or culinary arts, DEAD was different. It wasn&rsquo;t about one field, but about bridging the gap between students from all walks of life and the real world. The name of the company alludes to the mystery and fear that often shrouds entrepreneurship; &ldquo;Death is something unknown, and for a lot of people, so is starting a business. It can feel scary, but it&rsquo;s also full of possibility.&rdquo;As graphic designers, Rachel and her co-founder built the club&rsquo;s branding, visual identity, and messaging in a way that immediately set it apart. Within its first year, DEAD hosted workshops, branding sessions, and talks with venture capitalists. But the most impactful initiative they hosted was the student marketplace.Set up in high-traffic areas of campus, the marketplace allowed student entrepreneurs to sell their products, interact with customers, and experience being a vendor in a real-world setting. "It was a space where students could experiment without the high stakes of the real world. They could fail, learn, and try again."&nbsp;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef73d8574aa_1743746008.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" />Seeing the importance of real-world networking, DEAD didn't stop at university events. Rachel and her team began organising off-campus networking events designed to help people meet like-minded individuals beyond the student bubble. "Nowadays, most of our conversations happen online. But there&rsquo;s something different about meeting people in person, having real interactions, and forming connections that don&rsquo;t just exist in a chat window.&rdquo;However, scaling up came with its own set of challenges:&nbsp;Safety was a priority, especially for female attendees. &ldquo;If someone made others uncomfortable, they were removed. No exceptions."Overcoming scepticism, with scams and spam events becoming common, getting people to trust DEAD Enterprise as a genuine networking space required consistent branding, transparency, and community building.Managing expectations, networking isn&rsquo;t just about job hunting. "We wanted to create a space where people weren&rsquo;t just there to &lsquo;sell&rsquo; themselves but to genuinely connect."What began as a university initiative has now expanded into something bigger: a growing network of students and young professionals looking to learn, collaborate, and support each other in the uncertainty of the working world.Making the leap to MalaysiaAll this was possible because Rachel made the initial leap to fly across the ocean and pursue her tertiary education in Malaysia. While she was enthusiastic about the idea of studying abroad, the transition wasn't smooth. &ldquo;Malaysia and Indonesia are really similar, but at the same time, everything still felt new&mdash;the culture, the food, even figuring out my university schedule.&rdquo;&nbsp;Like many students at the time, Rachel had to spend the first parts of her degree studying online; having to reintegrate into the world of in-person studying while in a new cultural setting proved challenging. But Rachel always remained optimistic. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m an extrovert, so meeting people has never been an issue. I was more excited than nervous.&rdquo;Her decision to attend UCSI was influenced by her sister, who had studied there before. For her parents, it was the perfect balance: a safe environment, but one that still gave Rachel the freedom to explore and grow.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef73ed5cec7_1743746029.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="996" />Looking back, she recognised how much she had changed since moving. &ldquo;You hit 22, 23, and suddenly you&rsquo;re in this weird in-between space. You&rsquo;re not a student anymore, but you&rsquo;re also not sitting at the table with the 28-year-olds who are buying houses and planning their kids&rsquo; futures.&rdquo;It&rsquo;s that sense of navigating the in-between&mdash;between student life and the professional world, between creativity and entrepreneurship&mdash;that continues to shape Rachel&rsquo;s journey today.Designing with Purpose: Storytelling Through VisualsRachel has always seen creativity as a way to connect with others, whether through entrepreneurship, events, or design. As DEAD Enterprise grew, she realised that branding wasn&rsquo;t just about making things look good: it was about shaping how people perceived and engaged with the platform.Her relationship with graphic design started long before DEAD Enterprise. Although she has always been drawn to art, music, and theatre, what fascinated her most was graphic design&rsquo;s ability to communicate clearly. &ldquo;Art is open to interpretation, but design has a purpose. You want people to receive the message exactly as you intended.&rdquo;For Rachel, graphic design is storytelling in its most structured form. Every colour, typography, and composition carries meaning. She doesn&rsquo;t just create visuals; she crafts experiences that guide how people interact with a brand or idea. Whether she&rsquo;s working on brand identities, social media campaigns, or motion graphics, her goal is always to ensure that the story is told in a way that is both visually compelling and easy to understand.Beyond DEAD Enterprise, Rachel applies these same principles in her professional work. She has worked with corporate brands, start-ups, and creative campaigns, helping them refine their identities and communicate their message effectively. No matter the industry, her approach remains the same: graphic design should not just attract attention, it should hold meaning.At its core, graphic design is Rachel&rsquo;s way of bridging gaps and fostering connections. Whether through branding, storytelling, or event visuals, her goal is to bring people together, create meaningful engagement, and ensure that creativity serves a purpose beyond aesthetics.Looking Ahead: Growth, Goals, and Living with IntentionWith everything Rachel has built so far, she sees her journey as only the beginning. One of her main goals is to expand DEAD Enterprise beyond Malaysia, bringing events and networking initiatives to Singapore and Indonesia. She envisions it as a regional hub where young professionals and entrepreneurs can find opportunities, resources, and meaningful connections.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef7402cfdc3_1743746050.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="560" />Outside of DEAD Enterprise, she is focused on refining her craft as a <a href="https://afterschool.my/career/graphic-designer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">graphic designer</a>. She is excited to work with diverse clients, industries, and creative projects, and thrives in fast-paced environments where graphic design plays a crucial role in communication and engagement.At the core of it all, Rachel believes in living with intention. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want people to just drift through life. I want them to actually live it, to be present, and to make the most of every experience.&rdquo;

Discover how Rachel Gunardi built a platform that connects and supports young entrepreneurs, helping them grow and thrive in the business world.

How Rachel Gunardi Built a Platform for Young Entrepreneurs to Connect and Grow

Some people prefer to map their lives meticulously, carefully planning every step toward a definitive goal and advancing from one milestone to the next. But others, like Shasha Jamal, view life as more of an open canvas, one meant to be filled with a plethora of varying colours, textures, and even unexpected brushstrokes.From a deep history in political advocacy and sustainability to making an abrupt turn into airline stewarding, and now establishing herself in the world of art and cultural diplomacy, Shasha has never confined herself to a single lane. In a culture that emphasises career trajectories and titles, her life is a refreshing expression of the idea that careers do not make up our identity, but are simply ways to explore the world.&nbsp;Shasha&rsquo;s journey shows us what happens when we dedicate our lives not to following a single path, but making space for all of them.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef79ea81472_1743747562.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="315" />Nottingham Malaysia: The Foundation of a Global MindsetFor Shasha, pursuing a degree in International Relations didn't stem from a desire to work in government offices or sit at negotiation tables; it came from an aspiration to understand the world in a deeply human way. &ldquo;I never wanted just to study policies. I wanted to see how they shaped people&rsquo;s lives, how they played out in real-time,&rdquo; she explained. It was this thought process that led her to The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNMC), where she did far more than study international affairs.If one thing is true about Shasha, it's that she is never content staying on the sidelines. In 2021, she assumed the role of Sustainability Officer in UNMC's Student Association, a platform that allowed her to turn awareness into action. &ldquo;A lot of people care about big issues like climate change, gender equality, mental health, but they don&rsquo;t always know how to contribute,&rdquo; she reflected. Shasha aimed to bring a sense of accessibility to social issues, bridging the gap between the people and the problems. From organising International Women&rsquo;s Week to parading for conversations surrounding mental health, Shasha put heavy emphasis on making advocacy tangible for the students of Nottingham Malaysia and ensuring they felt heard.Shasha also applied her competitive spirit to her work as a student-athlete, representing UNMC and even her state on the field as a touch football player. Beyond competition, she built discipline, learned to be a team player, and pushed past limits, lessons that would carry over into every other aspect of her life.&nbsp;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef7a0ad5921_1743747594.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" />But one of the most defining experiences of her time at UNMC came when she worked on a political campaign in Sarawak, engaging with communities whose struggles were often undermined. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t just study the world, you have to live in it,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Being on the ground, listening to people&rsquo;s stories, that&rsquo;s what changed my perspective.&rdquo; Around the same time, she also participated in the Asian World Model United Nations, where she represented Montenegro and debated issues like corruption in healthcare funding. &ldquo;We were from different continents, but at the core, we were all fighting for the same things: justice, fairness, dignity.&rdquo;For Shasha, UNMC was far more than an academic institution, it was a testing ground for the belief that stories, people, and impact are connected across industries. It was the place where she realised that learning doesn&rsquo;t just happen in lecture halls: it happens in action.Taking Flight: Lessons from the SkiesOf all the careers Shasha could have pursued with the depth of experience she gained during her time at UNMC, she chose one that placed her high in the sky: as a Malaysia Airlines stewardess. While there were more conventional lines of work she could have stepped into with her degree, she wanted to experience the world in the most direct way possible. Working as a cabin crew for Malaysia Airlines was an unexpected turn, but it quickly became one of the most defining experiences of her life. &ldquo;The cabin was a microcosm of the world,&rdquo; she reflected. &ldquo;Every flight was a reminder of how deeply human we all are.&rdquo;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef7a25c4d87_1743747621.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="747" />While her job took her across the world and immersed her in new cultures, Shasha&rsquo;s time as an air stewardess was never just about travelling&mdash;it was about human connection. One day, she could witness a child on their first flight, in awe of the clouds rushing by. The next, she could be assisting someone flying home from a funeral, their heart heavy with grief. Through these fleeting yet deeply human encounters, Shasha got to experience the full spectrum of human emotions. Constantly being around people from all walks of life, she learned to communicate across languages and to handle high-pressure situations with empathy. Most importantly, Shasha reinforced her key principles in life of understanding the world by living in it.&nbsp;Her time as an air stewardess wasn't a detour but rather a chapter in a bigger story, one that continues to evolve as more experiences and opportunities unfold.Shasha&rsquo;s Canvas: Art as a Storytelling MediumArt has always been an integral part of Shasha&rsquo;s life, but it wasn&rsquo;t until the pandemic that she decided to dedicate herself to it fully. To her, art goes beyond self-expression: it&rsquo;s a way to tell stories, capture emotions, and give form to the intangible. For Shasha, art isn&rsquo;t about exclusivity or being confined to gallery walls.&nbsp;&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want art to be something you only see in galleries&mdash;I want it to be lived.&rdquo;&nbsp;This thought process was what birthed Shasha&rsquo;s Canvas, a project that emphasises nostalgia and storytelling through tangible art. From paintings and prints to wearable pieces, Shasha's goal has always been to create things that can engage and stimulate people in unique and deeply personal ways. &nbsp;Her Wear My Canvas campaign embodies this idea&mdash;an initiative that transforms her paintings into scarves, allowing people to carry art with them rather than just admire it from a distance.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef7a432a9f3_1743747651.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="838" />Two defining characteristics of Shasha's pieces are her use of narrative and symbolism; her paintings constantly hark back to fairy tales and stories from her childhood, the reimaginings of which go far beyond whimsical reinterpretations: they are about reclaiming forgotten narratives and challenging traditional perspectives. Similarly, her painting of a manatee, one of her most personal pieces, was not just about marine life, it represented vulnerability and survival, mirroring struggles faced by marginalised communities. &ldquo;So much of my art is about emotions that aren&rsquo;t always easy to put into words,&rdquo; she explained.At its core, Shasha&rsquo;s art is an extension of her life philosophy: that stories should not just be observed, but felt.A Life in MotionFor Shasha, no single title or profession defines her. Whether through political advocacy, aviation, or art, her work has always been about immersing herself in experiences and amplifying stories that deserve to be heard. From her time at Nottingham Malaysia to her unexpected years in aviation, every chapter has shaped the way she tells stories today.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef7a571c8fb_1743747671.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="839" />With Shasha&rsquo;s Canvas, she continues this pursuit, using art as a way to preserve memories, reclaim narratives, and make self-expression accessible to all. Her journey is not about following a fixed path but about embracing every opportunity to connect, create, and challenge perspectives. And if one thing is certain, it&rsquo;s that her story&mdash;like the ones she tells&mdash;is still unfolding.

Explore Shasha Jamal's journey from politics to the canvas, as she uses art to create meaningful connections and express her passion for creativity.

From the Politics to the Canvas: Shasha Jamal’s Story of Art and Connection

SPM results are out, and for many students, that means one thing: decision time. Whether you&rsquo;re feeling excited, confused, or just plain overwhelmed, don&rsquo;t worry, you&rsquo;re not alone!With numerous post-SPM pathways available, it can be challenging to determine which one is best suited for you.&nbsp;This guide will break down your options in a clear and straightforward way, allowing you to make a choice that aligns with your goals, interests, and learning style. <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/681d982e7a6d9_1746769966.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="374" /> <ol><li> Foundation Programmes</li></ol>Foundation is a one-year fast-track pre-university programme offered by private universities, designed to lead directly into a degree at the same institution. Students typically study in smaller classes with access to modern campus facilities.&nbsp;The teaching style leans heavily on coursework, projects, and presentations, with minimal final exams.&nbsp;This route is especially useful for students aiming to enter competitive private degree programs quickly, though the qualification is usually not transferable across institutions.Best If:You already know what degree (or at least what field) you want to pursue, and if you&rsquo;re aiming for private universities.Pros:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Short duration (usually 1 year)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Smooth transition into degree programs at the same university</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Coursework-focused (less exam pressure compared to STPM)</li></ul>Cons:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Can be expensive without a scholarship</li></ul>&ldquo;My Foundation experience really helped me broaden my horizons and understand people from other fields. I took the science stream during high school, and I didn&rsquo;t really get exposed to people on the more creative side of things.&rdquo; - <a href="https://afterschool.my/find-course/beyond-profits-leen-jason-s-path-to-building-a-legacy-at-22">Leen Jason</a>, Investment Analyst.&nbsp;<ol start="2"><li> Diploma</li></ol>Diploma programs take around 2 to 2.5 years and combine academic theory with hands-on training. Many students use the diploma as a stepping stone into degree programs, with up to 60% of credits typically transferable into a related bachelor's degree, allowing them to shorten their studies by one to two years, depending on the institution and course structure.Teaching is more skills-focused, with assessments based on projects and applied tasks rather than purely exams.&nbsp;Many diploma holders secure entry-level roles in industries like business, IT, or media, while others use the qualification as a stepping stone into a related degree, often with credit exemptions.Best If:You prefer hands-on learning or want the option to work early. Also suitable for those unsure of committing to a full degree just yet.Pros:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">More practical and job-ready</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">May lead to direct employment</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Can continue into a related degree with exemptions</li></ul>Cons:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Not ideal for students who haven&rsquo;t established a specific career vision</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Harder to specialise in different areas outside the selected field</li></ul>&ldquo;During my diploma, I realised I could use coding to break down football in ways I&rsquo;d never seen before &mdash; that&rsquo;s when everything really clicked.&rdquo; - <a href="https://afterschool.my/articles/football-data-and-dreams-how-lee-chun-hang-found-his-purpose-and-made-a-name-for-himself">Lee Chun Hang</a>, Presenter at Astro Sports.&nbsp;<ol start="3"><li> STPM (Form 6)</li></ol>STPM is a public pre-university programme that lasts about 1.5 years and is equivalent to A-Levels. It is conducted in government schools and follows a traditional classroom environment with larger cohorts and a heavier emphasis on academic self-discipline.&nbsp;The programme is exam-oriented, with structured semesters and cumulative assessments.&nbsp;STPM is recognised by both local and international universities, making it a strong academic foundation for students pursuing professional degrees such as law, education, or economics.Best If:You want to apply to public universities (IPTA) or need a cost-effective pre-university route that keeps your options open.Pros:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Low cost (offered at government schools)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Recognised internationally</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Multiple university options, local and abroad</li></ul>Cons:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Highly exam-based and academically rigorous</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Heavier workload and more pressure</li></ul>&ldquo;Looking back, it gave me the mental stamina I needed to get through engineering school.&rdquo; - <a href="https://afterschool.my/articles/from-music-to-mechatronics-melvyn-lim-s-quest-for-purpose-and-balance">Melvyn Lim</a>, Mechatronics Engineering degree holder.&nbsp;<ol start="4"><li> A-Levels</li></ol>A-Levels is a UK-based pre-university qualification that takes 1.5 to 2 years and is known for its academic depth and flexibility. Students typically choose three to four subjects and learn in private college environments with access to focused academic support.&nbsp;The programme is exam-based, but students have more freedom to structure their own revision and study pace.&nbsp;A-Levels is widely accepted by universities around the world and offers pathways into fields like medicine, engineering, finance, and more, especially for those targeting competitive institutions abroad.&ldquo;My experience with it (A-Levels) gave me the academic structure and mental discipline I needed to survive Oxford.&rdquo; - <a href="https://afterschool.my/articles/rebelling-by-being-the-best-kuberan-hansrajh-s-journey-to-oxford">Hans Kuberan,</a> Oxford Law Graduate.Best If:You are aiming for top international universities, or if you want some flexibility before choosing a specific degree.Pros:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Internationally recognised</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Highly flexible subject choices</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ideal for competitive overseas applications</li></ul>Cons:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Can be academically demanding</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">More expensive (mostly offered at private colleges)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Less direct pathway&mdash;some degrees may require specific subject combinations</li></ul>&nbsp;<ol start="5"><li> Matriculation (Matrikulasi)</li></ol>Matriculation is a one-year government-run pre-university programme, mainly for entry into public universities. Classes are held in matriculation colleges with a structured, campus-style environment and residential living.&nbsp;Teaching combines coursework with exams and follows a fixed curriculum aligned with local university requirements.&nbsp;This pathway leads into high-demand programs at IPTAs such as medicine, <a href="https://afterschool.my/career/dentist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dentistry</a>, science, and accounting, particularly for students who meet matriculation stream requirements.Best If:You&rsquo;re Bumiputera students looking for a fast, subsidised route into local public universities.Pros:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Free or low cost</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shorter than STPM</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reserved university placements for some streams</li></ul>Cons:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Limited places for non-Bumiputera students</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Recognised mainly by local universities only</li></ul>&nbsp;<ol start="6"><li> Other Options</li></ol>American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP)Start your degree in Malaysia, then transfer to a U.S. university in your 2nd or 3rd year.Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT), Canadian Pre-U, IB, etc.Great if you are targeting specific countries or education systems.TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training)Focuses on practical skills in fields like hospitality, engineering, culinary arts and more. Ideal for those who prefer hands-on work over academic study.&nbsp;<ol start="7"><li> Taking a Gap Year</li></ol>A break from formal education, usually for a year, to explore interests, gain experience, or just reset before choosing your next path. A well-planned gap year can offer the chance to travel, volunteer, pick up new skills, or gain work experience. It also helps build maturity and broadens your perspective.&nbsp; <img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/681d98e097a78_1746770144.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="374" /> Many students return with improved communication, independence, and adaptability&mdash;skills that are valuable in both university and the workplace. Taking this time can lead to a stronger sense of direction and greater confidence in the choices you make moving forward. "Taking a gap year was the best decision I've ever made&hellip; the skills I acquired during this time were invaluable, and my experiences were profound." - <a href="https://schooladvisor.my/school-advisor-articles/riaan-ramachandran-redefining-success-with-a-transformative-gap-year">Riaan Ramachandran</a>Best For:Students who are feeling unsure, burned out, or want to build life experience before committing to a course of study.Pros:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Time to explore passions, travel, volunteer, or work</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Space to reflect and make clearer decisions</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Can help you become mature, independent, and focused.</li></ul>Cons:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Requires discipline and planning (you don&rsquo;t want to waste it)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">May face pressure from family or fear of &ldquo;falling behind&rdquo;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Can be harder to get back into the academic mindset later</li></ul>Taking a gap year isn&rsquo;t &ldquo;slacking&rdquo;&mdash;it&rsquo;s only unproductive if you don&rsquo;t make a plan for how to spend it.&nbsp;Which Should You Choose?&nbsp;Ask yourself:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do I want a fast track into university, or do I need more time to explore my options?</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What&rsquo;s my budget? Can I apply for scholarships?</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Am I aiming for a local or international university?</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do I prefer academic theory or hands-on learning?</li></ul>&nbsp;There&rsquo;s no &lsquo;best option&rsquo;. It all depends on where you want to go and how you want to get there. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to take a path that looks different from everyone else&rsquo;s.Because at the end of the day, this is your journey.

SPM’s over – now what? This 2025 guide helps students navigate their next steps, from further education options to career paths and beyond.

SPM’s Over, Now What? A Guide to Your Next Steps (2025 Edition)

Sometimes, the most powerful act of advocacy isn&rsquo;t a grand gesture or a public campaign, it&rsquo;s a quiet conversation; it&rsquo;s sitting with someone in their darkest moments, offering patience when they can barely find words, and creating space where they feel safe to be vulnerable. For Luke, this was the kind of support he wished more people had during one of the hardest periods of his life, and it&rsquo;s what inspired him to pour himself into mental health advocacy.Today, Luke is an educator, speaker, and avid mental health advocate. He has spent over a decade helping young people navigate mental health challenges, offering support not as a therapist or psychologist, but simply as a friend willing to listen. His platform,&nbsp;A Pocketful of Grace, is dedicated to spreading hope, providing encouragement, and sharing insights that equip others to build safer, more understanding communities.But his journey didn&rsquo;t begin with a mission. It began with a question: How can I help?<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef8ef5844fa_1743752949.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="373" />The Spark: A Friend in Need and the Start of an Advocacy JourneyLuke&rsquo;s journey began in university, where he found himself surrounded by friends battling severe mental health struggles. Depression and anxiety had quietly taken root in the lives of people he cared about. &ldquo;One friend in particular was just going through the motions,&rdquo; Luke recalled. &ldquo;They were struggling with depression, self-harm, even suicidal thoughts. And I remember looking around at the adults in our lives, asking myself,&nbsp;What are they going to do? How can we fix this?&rdquo;At the time, mental health wasn&rsquo;t widely understood or discussed, and the stigma was overwhelming. Depression was often seen as laziness. Anxiety was mistaken for weakness. Those battling mental illness were dismissed as fragile, difficult, or simply making excuses.&ldquo;I realised that waiting for someone else to step in wasn&rsquo;t enough&hellip;I knew I wasn&rsquo;t a professional, but I thought, Maybe I can be a good friend.&rdquo;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef8f13b266f_1743752979.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="420" />That decision would eventually spark a journey that would last over a decade. Determined to understand how to support his peers, Luke immersed himself in mental health resources. He read articles, attended workshops, and learned what it meant to create safe spaces for others. It wasn&rsquo;t about fixing people, it was about making sure they didn&rsquo;t feel alone. &ldquo;People don&rsquo;t always need advice. Sometimes, they need someone to sit with them in their pain. Someone who isn&rsquo;t trying to fix them but is just willing to listen.&rdquo;That mindset became the foundation of his advocacy. Whether through podcasting, writing, or public speaking, Luke dedicated himself to teaching others how to offer the same kind of care.Navigating the Pandemic and a Career PivotWhile Luke&rsquo;s passion for mental health advocacy continues to grow, his academic path initially led him in a different direction. Drawn to science, he pursued a degree in biotechnology at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. His goal was clear: he wanted to help people battling cancer.&ldquo;There was someone I knew,&rdquo; Luke shared. &ldquo;Not necessarily a close friend, but someone I cared about, who was going through cancer treatment. I could see how much they were suffering, and I thought, I want to do something that makes a difference.&rdquo;Inspired to contribute to cancer research, Luke envisioned a future working in labs, developing treatments that could change lives. But reality had other plans.Graduating during the pandemic, Luke found himself facing a series of roadblocks. Cancer research opportunities in Malaysia were limited, and the lockdown made it nearly impossible to secure a research position. Even entry-level assistant roles were scarce. Graduating into lockdown was especially disheartening. With ceremonies cancelled, Luke&rsquo;s class was even advised to hold their virtual graduation at home.&nbsp;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef8f2de2736_1743753005.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="420" />Despite the frustration, Luke adapted. With research doors closed, he turned to tutoring as a way to stay productive. Teaching science and maths to IGCSE students not only became a steady job, but also provided him with a new sense of purpose. &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t part of my original plan,&rdquo; Luke admitted. &ldquo;But teaching ended up being something I really enjoyed. And over time, I realised that a big part of teaching was helping students manage their stress, their anxiety... even their self-confidence.&rdquo;In some ways, teaching became another extension of his mental health advocacy. Conversations about exam pressure often became moments to check in on his students' well-being.&ldquo;I started seeing how closely education and mental health are connected,&rdquo; Luke said. &ldquo;When you&rsquo;re tutoring, you&rsquo;re not just teaching content - you&rsquo;re supporting people as they try to manage stress, pressure, and uncertainty."Personal Struggles and Finding StrengthWhile Luke dedicated himself to supporting others, he faced his own struggles with mental health - a battle that would reshape his understanding of resilience.During his second year of university, Luke&rsquo;s family endured a series of health crises - appendicitis, his sisters falling ill, and his mother battling multiple metabolic diseases all at once. The financial strain, coupled with his own deteriorating mental health, pushed him to his breaking point.<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef8f43e9795_1743753027.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="839" />&ldquo;I remember feeling like I couldn&rsquo;t keep up,&rdquo; Luke said. &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t eat, I couldn&rsquo;t sleep... I lost 11 kg in three months. I needed someone to hold my hand just so I could fall asleep.&rdquo;A psychiatrist prescribed Luke powerful medication at dangerously high doses - a decision that Luke&rsquo;s friend, who had personal experience with mental illness, warned him against. Ignoring the prescription, Luke turned instead to self-guided Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).&ldquo;It was tough,&rdquo; Luke admitted. &ldquo;But I learned how to challenge my own thoughts - to replace the negative voice in my head with one that was kinder and more hopeful.&rdquo;This deeply personal struggle solidified Luke&rsquo;s mission to create safe spaces where others could feel supported.Building Safe Spaces and Equipping LeadersOne of Luke&rsquo;s biggest focal points lies in empowering others to create safe spaces, particularly in educational institutions and faith communities.His mission is clear: to equip leaders with the tools and awareness to support those struggling with mental health. Whether it&rsquo;s through workshops, speaking engagements, or one-on-one conversations, Luke believes that empathy and compassion are skills that can be taught.&nbsp;His podcast, A Pocketful of Grace, serves as a platform where he delves into discussions about mental health, offering words of encouragement, comfort, and practical advice. Through this, he aims to create a more positive narrative around mental health, especially within the social media space. &ldquo;I want to help people understand that you don&rsquo;t need to be a professional to support someone,&rdquo; Luke said. &ldquo;You just need to care enough to listen and be there when they need you most.&rdquo;<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/67ef8f5a43dfa_1743753050.jpg" alt="" width="560" height="306" />He places particular emphasis on breaking the stigma around seeking help. As a speaker, Luke has shared his story on both digital and physical stages, from university panels to church gatherings, bringing awareness to mental health through heartfelt storytelling and practical insight. His talks often challenge institutions to rethink how they approach care and compassion, especially in faith-based and educational settings. Beyond the stage, Luke continues the conversation online, using platforms like Instagram to post bite-sized reflections, gentle reminders, and personal anecdotes.&ldquo;The biggest thing I want people to know,&rdquo; Luke said, &ldquo;is that you&rsquo;re not alone. There are people who want to help but sometimes they just don&rsquo;t know how. My job is to teach them how.&rdquo;Embracing the Power of CompassionLuke&rsquo;s journey has been shaped by moments of loss, uncertainty, and frustration. But through it all, his commitment to creating safe spaces has never wavered.For Luke, mental health advocacy isn&rsquo;t about being perfect - it&rsquo;s about showing up. It&rsquo;s about asking, &ldquo;How can I carry this with you?&rdquo; and reminding people that they are never alone.&ldquo;We&rsquo;re stronger together,&rdquo; Luke said. &ldquo;If we&rsquo;re willing to carry each other&rsquo;s burdens, those burdens become lighter - and healing becomes possible.&rdquo;

Follow Luke Tan’s emotional journey—from personal struggles to powerful advocacy—as he transforms pain into purpose, inspiring resilience and hope.

Luke Tan’s Journey: Turning Pain into Purpose

Why Study Overseas After SPM?Thinking about heading overseas after completing your secondary school? You're not alone. Every year, many Malaysian students take this route&mdash;some for the adventure, others for better career opportunities, and plenty because they simply want a different kind of learning experience. But going abroad isn&rsquo;t just about buying a plane ticket. There are multiple study routes to consider, each with its own pros and cons.Don&rsquo;t worry, Afterschool has got you covered with this all-in-one guide! This article will cover: what your options are, how much you might need to spend, and which universities are open to students like you.&nbsp;Pathway Breakdown: Understanding Your OptionsFull Overseas DegreeThis means you&rsquo;ll complete your entire degree abroad, usually after doing a pre-university programme like A-Levels, IB or Foundation here in Malaysia.<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Why it works: You get the full international experience, more flexibility in courses, and access to all on-campus resources. In some countries, completing a degree also opens up the possibility of staying to work. For example, the UK offers a Graduate Route visa that lets you work for up to 2 years after graduation, while Australia has the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). New Zealand and Canada offer similar post-study work pathways, making it easier to gain international experience.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What to watch out for: The cost of living and tuition fees are generally higher than studying locally. For example, in the UK, students can expect to pay around RM120,000&ndash;RM180,000 per year in tuition alone, not including living expenses like rent, food and transportation which can add another RM60,000&ndash;RM80,000 annually. You&rsquo;ll also need to prepare for visa requirements, health insurance, proof of financial support, and sometimes even English language tests (like IELTS).</li></ul>Twinning Programmes (2+1, 3+0, etc.)Twinning means you split your studies between Malaysia and a foreign university. A 2+1 program, for example, means two years here and one overseas. A 3+0 lets you finish everything in Malaysia but still earn a foreign degree.<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Why it works: It&rsquo;s more budget-friendly since you&rsquo;ll pay lower tuition and living costs for the years spent in Malaysia. It also gives you access to international teaching styles, resources, and cultural exposure without committing to a full three years abroad. You&rsquo;ll still experience overseas learning and campus life during your final year (for 2+1), which helps with a smoother transition if you plan to work or study further overseas.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What to watch out for: Limited course options, and sometimes fewer campus-life experiences depending on the local institution&rsquo;s facilities and offerings.</li></ul>Credit Transfer or Top-Up DegreesHere, you&rsquo;d typically complete a diploma locally and then transfer your credits to finish the final part of your degree overseas.<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Why it works: A good option if you&rsquo;ve already done a diploma and want to study abroad without starting from scratch. It&rsquo;s more cost-effective since you only need to fund one to two years overseas. You&rsquo;ll still get international exposure, experience a new learning environment, and earn a foreign degree&mdash;while saving time and money.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What to watch out for: Not all diplomas are recognised, and some credit transfers may not transfer over.</li></ul>Fast-Track Masters ProgrammesSome universities offer integrated degrees that combine your undergraduate and postgraduate studies. One example is <a href="https://afterschool.my/uni/university-of-southampton-malaysia-campus/course/meng-aeronautics-and-astronautics">UOSM&rsquo;s 2+2 engineering</a> route that leads directly to a Master&rsquo;s.<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Why it works: Saves time and money by letting you complete both degrees in a shorter period&mdash;often four years instead of five or more. You&rsquo;ll graduate with a higher qualification, which can boost your employability and give you an edge when applying for jobs or further studies.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What to watch out for: These programmes can be intense, so be prepared to commit.</li></ul>&nbsp;Studying in the UKThe UK remains one of the top picks for Malaysian students. The degrees are internationally respected, and with the Graduate Route visa, you can stay and work in the UK for up to two years after finishing your studies.How students usually get there:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pre-university options like A-Levels or Foundation in Malaysia</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Twinning or credit transfer programmes with UK partner universities</li></ul>The UK also has branch campuses in Malaysia (like Nottingham and Reading), so you can begin locally and transfer later, or even finish your whole degree here.University Comparisons: UK Institutions with Malaysian Pathways<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">University of Southampton Malaysia (UOSM): Known for its 2+2 engineering track. You start in Malaysia and finish in the UK with a master&rsquo;s degree.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Heriot-Watt University: Through the Go Global programme, Heriot-Watt students can study in the UK or Dubai for a semester, a year, or longer. Those transferring from Malaysia to the UK under this programme receive a 20% tuition fee discount.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">University of Reading Malaysia: Offers flexible transfer pathways with multiple combinations to complete your degree in Malaysia or the UK.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">University of Nottingham Malaysia: Gives students the option to transfer to the UK or China campuses. Strong in Pharmacy, Business and Engineering.</li></ul>These unis are closely linked to their UK counterparts&mdash;same syllabus, same assessments, and you graduate with the exact same degree.&nbsp;Cost ConsiderationsLet&rsquo;s focus on how much it will cost to study in the UK:Tuition Fees (per year):Approximately RM70,000 to RM115,000, depending on the course and universityLiving Expenses:Around RM50,000 to RM80,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transport and day-to-day spendingStudent Visa:About RM2,000 to RM3,000, including application fees and healthcare surchargeFlights:RM2,500 to RM5,000 for a return trip, depending on season and airlineAdditional Costs:Textbooks, laptop, clothing, student insurance, and society fees (budget RM3,000&ndash;RM7,000 extra)&nbsp;Scholarships Tip: Many UK universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students. Some twinning partners in Malaysia also provide discounts or partial sponsorships for the final year abroad. Research is key!&nbsp;Things to Look Out ForBefore you commit, check these boxes:<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Is the degree recognised by MQA or global education bodies?</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What is the university&rsquo;s reputation like? Look at rankings and alumni reviews.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Visa timelines and requirements? These vary from country to country.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Is there support for international students? Things like housing, counselling, and career help matter.</li></ul>&nbsp;Final Thoughts: How to Decide What&rsquo;s Right for YouNot everyone&rsquo;s journey looks the same. Some prefer a full overseas experience, others might do a year or two locally before transferring. Your budget, goals and field of study will all shape what&rsquo;s best for you.The key? Start planning early. Form 5 is a great time to begin exploring your options, attending education fairs, and reaching out to counsellors.With the right research and support, studying overseas doesn&rsquo;t have to be overwhelming&mdash;it could be the best decision you ever make.

Explore diverse pathways for studying abroad after SPM, including full degrees, twinning programs, credit transfers, and fast-track master's options.

Your Guide to Studying Overseas After SPM (2025 Edition)

Malaysia’s No.1 Higher Education Website

Ethan Quar

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