KUCHING: Oxford and Cambridge alumni in Kuching held a reunion called ‘The Sarawak Connection: Coffee Table Insights’, in collaboration with MABECS, at the Grounds Coworking Space, The Hills here on Nov 25.

The aim was to bring together students aspiring to attend Oxford or Cambridge for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

The event attracted around 20 students from private and public schools, as well as university students, with attendees coming from St Joseph’s Private School, Lodge International School, SMK St Thomas, Borneo International School, Sunway University, and Open University.

The event provided a platform for alumni to share their personal journeys, insights into the application and interview processes, and the academic support they received during their college years.

Attendees, including postgraduates, engaged in meaningful networking opportunities, connecting with alumni who have successfully navigated the academic landscapes of these prestigious universities.

Esteemed alumni in attendance included Datin Alice Hu (Oxford), Dr Xavier Sim Yoon Han (Cambridge, 1995), Raymond Fong (Oxford, 2012), Chen Chian Ning (Wolfson Cambridge, 1996), Faisal Zaidin (Cambridge, 2014) and Dr Franca Cole (Cambridge).

Special guest Jacqueline Fong, entrepreneur and founder of Tanoti, added to the event’s significance.

All the alumni had the opportunity to share their experiences in Oxford and Cambridge universities.

Datin Alice Hu, an Oxford alumna who delivered a presentation during the event, also expressed her sentiments.

“As an alumna, I am proud to be part of an event that opens doors for the next generation. The journey to Oxford or Cambridge may seem daunting, but events like these showcase that it is not only achievable but can be incredibly rewarding,” said Hu.

During her presentation, Hu showcased several examples of Sarawakian students who successfully pursued education at Oxford and Cambridge universities in recent years, citing her own journey as a testament to the fact that perseverance and initiative are key to enrolment.

Taking this opportunity, Hu also informed attendees about the assistance offered by current students through the Oxford University Malaysia Club (OUMC) and the Cambridge University Malaysian Society (CUMaS), reinforcing the sense of community and support available to students from East Malaysia.

While not physically present, Jordan Kho, Cambridge alumni and senator at the International Council of Malaysian Scholars (ICMS), shared his insights, advice and encouragement via video.

“Everyone can make it to Oxbridge, do not think that you can’t,” said Kho, emphasising the importance of seizing the opportunity and not writing yourself off before even giving applications a try.

MABECS, a crucial collaborator and co-host of the event, provided a succinct statement underscoring the support and resources accessible to Malaysian students aspiring to study abroad.

Their pragmatic depiction of the application process, including insights into deadlines and expectations, offered a grounding and reassuring perspective.

With the success of this inaugural gathering in Kuching, local alumni are looking forward to creating similar gatherings in East Malaysia in the future, with a shared vision of unlocking the potential within East Malaysia’s younger generation and encouraging them to aim higher and go further than they may have originally thought.