Henry Tan didn’t come from a famous school or a privileged academic background. He came from Batu Pahat, Johor, a small town where big university dreams didn’t feel like the default.
“I’m from a small district,” Henry said simply.
For a long time, Henry didn’t even know global scholarships were an option. That changed when he discovered the Yayasan Khazanah Global Scholarship — the opportunity that would completely reshape his education journey.
Opportunity stepped in
Henry attended a Chinese vernacular primary school before moving on to a national secondary school. There was nothing flashy about his pathway, just steady progress, curiosity, and a growing interest in mathematics and economics.
“I was someone who didn’t really know much about scholarships at first,” he admitted.
What caught his attention about Yayasan Khazanah was not just the prestige, it was the flexibility.
“What’s special about this programme is the flexibility it gives scholars,” Henry explained. “You can explore your interests and even switch your field if you discover what truly suits you.”
That philosophy mattered to Henry, because he wasn’t chasing a title. He was still figuring things out.
KYUEM: The bridge built by Khazanah
Being awarded the Yayasan Khazanah scholarship placed Henry at Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM), Malaysia’s premiere A-levels college.
“KY helped me a lot in building my character,” he shared. “It formed who I am right now.”
At KYUEM, Henry studied Cambridge CAIE A Levels, taking Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics, and Physics, and graduating with 4A*. But more importantly, he entered an environment that encouraged curiosity over competition.
“We weren’t competitors, even though we were applying to the same universities,” he said. “We shared our ideas, our perspectives, and collaborated on projects.”
Because KYUEM is a residential college, learning extends beyond classrooms. “You see the same people every day,” Henry explained. “So you end up having academic discussions, late-night talks, and even becoming friends with your teachers.”
That support system, from peers, lecturers, and the university relations team, helped him navigate academic pressure, mental health, and university applications without feeling alone.
Why Cornell felt right
With the backing of Yayasan Khazanah, Henry applied to 10 US universities, including Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Berkeley, UCLA, and Cornell. He received multiple offers — but Cornell stood out.
“Cornell is very collaborative and inclusive,” he said. “You’re encouraged to explore different majors, minors, and perspectives.”
Founded in 1865, Cornell University is one of the world’s leading research institutions and a member of the prestigious Ivy League. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is renowned for its rigorous academics, interdisciplinary culture, and a philosophy that encourages students to explore widely across fields.
With more than 1,000 courses spanning economics, engineering, technology, and the humanities, the university attracts some of the brightest minds from around the globe. Its alumni include Nobel laureates, pioneering scientists, global business leaders, and influential policymakers, making Cornell not just a university, but a launchpad for individuals shaping the future.
With over 1,000 courses and a strong interdisciplinary culture, Cornell felt like an extension of the learning style Henry had grown into at KYUEM.
“Apply to a university because you fit into it,” he advised. “Not because of its reputation.”
From Batu Pahat to Cornell — Carrying Yayasan Khazanah’s values forward
Today, Henry is a Cornell University undergraduate, majoring in Economics and Statistical Science, with a minor in Actuarial Studies. He serves as a Lead Teaching Assistant, a researcher at the Cornell Econometrics Lab, and has applied his skills in real-world settings — including building risk dashboards at Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
Looking back, Henry sees a clear throughline.
“Without Yayasan Khazanah, I wouldn’t have discovered this path,” he said.
From an ordinary beginning in Batu Pahat, to KYUEM, and now Cornell, Henry Tan’s journey is proof that opportunity, when paired with curiosity and courage, can change everything.
