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I didn’t start with certainty — I started with responsibility. Growing up in a single-mother household with five siblings, I learned early that my choices carried weight beyond just myself.
Financial challenges were part of everyday life, but they shaped how I approached it — with resilience, discipline, and a constant drive to do better. Education became more than just a pathway; it became a way forward. When I received my UPU results, engineering was not my first choice. It wasn’t something I had planned for. But instead of resisting it, I chose to step into it — not with confidence at first, but with the willingness to grow. Over time, that uncertainty turned into purpose.
I came across the YTL Foundation Scholarship during a period where I was actively applying and facing multiple rejections. It was exhausting, and at times discouraging. But something about YTL felt different — it was straightforward, accessible, and focused on more than just academics. Despite everything, I decided to apply, not knowing that it would become one of the most important decisions I would make.
Receiving the scholarship didn’t just ease financial pressure — it changed how I approached my future. For the first time, I wasn’t held back by constant worry. I could focus, think deeper, and give my full attention to what I was building. One moment that stood out was during my final year project, where I was able to fully immerse myself in my research without distraction, while also having the assurance of internship placement. That sense of stability allowed me to perform at my best and gain recognition for my work.
Through this journey, I was exposed to a side of engineering I never expected — the commercial aspect. During my internship, I stepped into an environment where technical knowledge alone wasn’t enough. I had to understand client needs, communicate effectively, and think beyond calculations. It was unfamiliar, and at times uncomfortable, but it opened my perspective. I began to see that engineering is not just about solving problems, but about delivering value in real-world contexts.
That transition was not easy. There were moments where I felt out of place, where I questioned whether I was capable enough. Coming from a technical background, stepping into decision-making and business discussions challenged me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. But those moments became the most important parts of my growth. I learned to adapt, to ask questions, and to embrace not having all the answers.
One of my proudest achievements is my Final Year Project on geopolymer materials using waste carbide lime. Despite challenges and trial-and-error, it strengthened my patience, critical thinking, and resilience. Presenting it at ENGINEERIA 2025 and receiving recognition at conferences affirmed both the value of my work and my growth as an engineer.
At the core of my journey is my family, whose sacrifices remain my greatest motivation. Looking ahead, I aspire to build a career that bridges technical and commercial aspects of engineering, particularly in sustainable solutions. YTL has played a key role in shaping this direction by giving me exposure, confidence, and opportunities to grow beyond my expectations.
For those considering the YTL Foundation Scholarship, my advice is simple: keep going. Rejection is part of the process, but the right opportunity can change everything. This scholarship is not just support — it is growth, exposure, and a chance to discover your potential.
