From Classroom to the World Stage: How Two KYUEM Students Represented Malaysia at the International Economics Olympiad

An unexpected email gave two KYUEM students, Alden and Nathaniel, the opportunity to represent Malaysia at the International Economics Olympiad (IEO) in Singapore.

After performing well at the Malaysia Economics Olympiad, both were selected for the national team. What followed was an experience that challenged them beyond their A-Level studies and saw Team Malaysia win two gold awards.

The Email That Changed Everything

Neither student expected to be selected.

For Alden, who was participating in the competition for the first time, the news came as a surprise.

"It was a very surreal moment for me," he recalls.

Nathaniel was sitting in class when the email arrived. He was equally surprised but excited about representing Malaysia and meeting students from around the world who shared his interest in economics.

Balancing Olympiad Preparation with A-Levels

Alden on the left, Nathaniel on the right

Preparing for an international competition while studying for A-Levels was not easy.

For Alden, preparations coincided with his AS Level examinations. He had to manage his time between revision, coursework and Olympiad preparation.

Nathaniel faced a different challenge. Although A-Level Economics gave him a strong foundation, the Olympiad required him to approach problems differently and apply concepts beyond the classroom syllabus.

Both students had to adjust to these demands while keeping up with their studies.

Twenty-Four Hours, One Goal

One of the most demanding moments came during the team-based business case challenge.

Team Malaysia had just 24 hours to research a business problem, analyse data, develop recommendations and prepare a presentation for the judges.

With so much to complete, most team members had very little sleep.

Their efforts paid off when Team Malaysia received the Gold Award for the Case Study Presentation, recognising their analysis, recommendations and presentation.

Nathaniel, first from the left and Alden, 2nd from the right.

The team also secured the Gold Award for Best Overall Performance Team, based on their combined results across the individual and team components.

For Nathaniel, the challenge was memorable because it allowed him to apply economics to a real-world situation. Instead of answering examination questions, he and his teammates had to think like business consultants, analysing a problem and presenting possible solutions.

Why Teamwork Made the Difference

According to Alden, teamwork was a major reason behind their success.

Each team member brought different strengths. Some were better at financial calculations, while others excelled in economic analysis, business strategy or presentations.

By combining their abilities, they were able to tackle the business case together rather than relying on one person's knowledge.

The experience taught Alden how important it was to recognise others' strengths and work towards a common goal.

Learning Beyond the Syllabus

Beyond economics, both students gained skills they could carry into future experiences.

For Alden, the biggest lesson was resilience. He learnt to stay composed when facing setbacks, adapt to unexpected challenges and continue working towards his goals.

Nathaniel, meanwhile, developed greater confidence in communicating his ideas.

The Olympiad required him to explain economic concepts and recommendations clearly to teammates, judges and audiences, helping him become a more confident speaker and presenter.

The Support Behind Every Achievement

Alden and Nathaniel also credited their teachers and friends at KYUEM for supporting them throughout their journey.

Their teachers helped by answering difficult questions, providing guidance beyond the A-Level syllabus and encouraging them to explore opportunities outside the classroom.

Friends and peers also played an important role. Their encouragement gave both students the confidence to take on challenges they might otherwise have overlooked.

For both students, having a supportive community at KYUEM made a difference as they prepared for an international competition.

One Opportunity Can Change Everything

When asked what advice they would give other students, Alden and Nathaniel had a similar message: don't be afraid to try.

Coming from a STEM background, Alden never expected an economics competition would lead him to represent Malaysia internationally.

Nathaniel also encouraged students to explore unfamiliar opportunities, even when they seem intimidating.

Their experiences showed how trying something new can lead to unexpected achievements, friendships and opportunities.

More Than Medals, More Than a Competition

For Alden and Nathaniel, the International Economics Olympiad was about more than winning awards.

It gave them the chance to represent Malaysia, meet students from different countries and apply what they had learnt beyond the classroom.

Most importantly, they returned with new experiences and skills that would stay with them long after the competition.

Ready to Write Your Own Success Story?

The achievements of Alden and Nathaniel are a testament to what can happen when talented students are given the right opportunities, guidance, and support. At KYUEM, students are encouraged to go beyond the classroom through academic competitions, leadership opportunities, research initiatives, and university preparation programmes that help them reach their full potential.

Whether it's representing Malaysia on the international stage, gaining admission to top universities worldwide, or discovering new passions and possibilities, every journey begins with a single step.

Applications for the January 2027 Intake at KYUEM are now open.

The January Intake offers students an excellent opportunity to begin their A-Level journey earlier in the year, benefit from a supportive academic environment, and work towards their university ambitions with a clear head start.

If a single email could open the door to an international achievement for Alden and Nathaniel, imagine where your first step could take you.

Apply now for the January 2027 Intake and start your own success story at KYUEM. 🚀