With the outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide, many students were forced to reconsider their higher learning options. There are currently mixed sentiments towards international mobility, with some students choosing to delay their overseas study plans, some planning to pursue transnational education that enables them to complete a portion of their programme in Malaysia before going abroad, while others are cancelling their plans altogether.
Cheah Kar Hui qualified for her Life Saving Society Malaysia examination, which she claims is one of her greatest achievements.
It was a similar scenario for twin sisters, Cheah Kar Yee and Cheah Kar Hui from Penang who have now decided to complete their higher education at INTI International College Penang (INTI), foregoing their initial plans to study in the United Kingdom.
Both are currently pursuing their BA (Hons) in Business Administration, a degree offered in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire, and have embraced their decision optimistically as they claim everything happens for a reason.
While the pandemic required them to switch where to study, the driving force behind their decision to pursue this field of study is the hero in their lives – their father, who remains a role model for both of them.
“We come from a family with a business background. Our father is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Oppstar Technology Sdn Bhd. Whenever we have doubts about business related matters, we seek his help. He guides us through our problems and nurtures us with the knowledge he has gained from his years of experience. He is our inspiration and we would like to become successful just like him,” said Kar Hui and Kar Yee.
Cheah Kar Yee represented Malaysia at the Jeju Youth Forum, South Korea in 2015 as a panelist.
Kar Hui and Kar Yee wanted to study in the UK for two reasons; they wanted to graduate from a business programme at the University of Hertfordshire which is held in high prestige, and to gain an overseas experience.
“I actually wanted to go to the UK to pursue my degree during my final year with the University of Hertfordshire (UH). But my plans were disrupted due to COVID-19. My twin sister and I were disappointed at first, but looking on the bright side, we are thankful to still be able to pursue our final year at INTI,” said Kar Hui.
Kar Yee shared, “INTI offers globally recognized programmes that are cost-effective for all students. This gives students and families of all walks of lives to experience an education of quality. Moreover, the various extracurricular activities available, and its’ multicultural and diverse society shapes a vibrant student life.”
“Additionally, INTI is an experienced educational institution that provides an innovative and collaborative teaching system. Through its strong partnerships with global industry leaders, I believe we will soar to greater heights hereafter,” expressed Kar Yee.
Kar Hui and Kar Yee who have had a strong relationship and great bond since they were born, also felt that completing their education locally would keep them closer to home while they still benefitted from the same quality of education they would receive if they had gone to the UK. COVID-19 has definitely taught them both to appreciate their time with their family and friends.
“The ongoing pandemic has taught students like us to be grateful. Prior to this, students failed to devote sufficient time for themselves due to their busy lifestyles and stress. Hence, the good side of the lockdown is that students have plenty of time to rejuvenate, rethink and analyze the true meaning of life,” both Kar Hui and Kar Yee believe.