LEMBAH BERINGIN: “Find solutions to the formidable challenges and existential threats that confront humanity in the world today”. This was the message by Khairy Jamaluddin, former Minister of Health to the graduating class of KYUEM, poised to embark on their studies at renowned universities worldwide in the coming months.
In its illustrious 25-year history, KYUEM has consistently nurtured individuals who have gone on to achieve remarkable feats. During the awards day ceremony, Khairy, the guest of honor, underscored the myriad problems that afflict our world, ranging from economic concerns to climate change and global conflicts.
Regarding climate change, Khairy candidly acknowledged his generation’s failure and urged the graduating students to take up the mantle, stating, “Climate change is the responsibility that we must shoulder for the sake of your generation, for my generation have failed. My generation will have long departed before the world reaches its boiling point.”
He further stressed the privileged position of the KYUEM students, given the exceptional opportunity to pursue studies at the world’s top universities, and implored them to utilise this privilege as a force for the greater good, transcending personal ambitions.
Khairy also shared a great lesson he learnt from his own experience of having to ‘change plans on multiple occasions’, that things do not always go according to plan. In spite of that, he urges students to remain steadfast.
“According to my own plan, I would already be the Prime Minister. Seven months ago, I ran the second biggest ministry in the country. Now, I host a breakfast show on radio every Monday morning,” he says.
Yet, Khairy explained that he has learnt that while it may be a setback, it has given him a chance to grow in other ways and to reassess things.
“I now get to listen to thousands of people calling in and talking to me, not as a minister, but as a friend they enjoy listening to. I have time for my family, tend to my mental health, take a step back and watch as other political gladiators kill each other. And I am able to pick myself up and fight another day,” he elaborated.
Dr. Thangaraj Munusamy, a KYUEM alumnus who now serves as a neurosurgeon at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, echoed the sentiment, remarking, “The true measure of a person’s success lies not in their financial gains, but in their contributions to society.”
At the 2023 Awards Day, KYUEM commemorates its 25th anniversary, acknowledging the accomplishments of its students who have successfully completed their studies at this distinguished A-level institution.
This year, the remarkable class of 2023 have been admitted to esteemed universities worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Cornell, LSE, Imperial, and UCL, where they will pursue their chosen fields of study.
Expressing pride in the achievements of KYUEM’s students and alumni across various fields of expertise, CEO Mazyu Sherina encouraged them to aim for greatness while maintaining unwavering integrity.
Principal David Vroege emphasised that success, as measured by A-level grades and university placements, is complemented by a profound human narrative rooted in friendship, support, and inclusiveness. He affirmed that the professional world will undoubtedly value the character and values instilled in students during their time at KYUEM.
Zachary Lim, president of the student council reminded everyone that success is not about personal achievements alone, but about lifting others as well. “We need to create opportunities to those who are unfortunate and leaving a lasting impact on the world around us,” he concluded.
The 25th-anniversary video produced by GetThere serves as a testament to the remarkable impact that KYUEM has made through the accomplishments of its students. Click on the video at the top of this post.
