School Advisor Articles

Bridging Borders: Ng Gha Yuan’s Journey to the Ivy League

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jan 16, 2025

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” For Ng Gha Yuan, those words ring true. From the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur to Yale University’s ivy-clad campus, her path has been guided by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth. Her time at Sri KDU Schools and Alice Smith International School played a pivotal role in moulding her journey, instilling the grit and passion that would lay the foundation for her global aspirations.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Gha Yuan has a deep love for the vibrant café culture and diverse food scene of her hometown. She enjoys exploring new neighbourhoods and discovering hidden culinary gems. Her curiosity doesn't stop there — she's also taken up bouldering and started learning Italian during an unforgettable study abroad experience in Siena, Italy.

Gha Yuan's journey started at Sri KDU Schools, where she cultivated the resilience and discipline that continues to drive her ambitions today.

Gha Yuan did her SPM at Sri KDU, where she achieved straight A's.

The Formative Years at Sri KDU

“I attended Sri KDU Primary and Secondary School, where I completed half of my primary education and the entirety of my secondary education under the Malaysian national curriculum,” Gha Yuan says. 

The academic demands were significant, as she prepared for the UPSR, PT3 and SPM examinations, but these challenges drove her to excel.

The school provided an intense learning environment that not only emphasised academics but also nurtured personal growth. Gha Yuan recalls how the teachers went beyond just delivering lessons, offering personal support to help students thrive. Their dedication was crucial as she managed the challenges of preparing for 11 subjects in the SPM, teaching her to stay focused, organised and disciplined amidst demanding academic pressures.

Outside the classroom, Sri KDU offered a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that contributed to her holistic development. Gha Yuan held leadership roles, including serving as Deputy Head Prefect of the Secondary School Prefectorial Board, where she honed her organisational and leadership abilities.

The school also played a significant role in her journey as a competitive swimmer, a pursuit that spanned seven years. “In Form 5, I was honoured to serve as the captain of the school’s swim team,” she says, a role that further strengthened her resilience and work ethic.

These formative years at Sri KDU laid a solid foundation for Gha Yuan’s next chapter at Alice Smith International School, where she broadened her horizons further and continued her growth journey.

Gha Yuan continued her academic and extracurricular excellence at The Alice Smith School.

Thriving at Alice Smith International School

During her two years at Alice Smith, Gha Yuan experienced an education that was both enriching and life-shaping. Supported by the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Alice Smith School (KLASS) Scholarship, she pursued A-Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science, achieving A*s in the former three subjects and an A in the latter.

The educators there left a lasting impression on her. Their commitment went far beyond delivering lessons, as they regularly provided personalised support through one-on-one check-ins. These sessions offered encouragement and clear guidance, creating an atmosphere where students could thrive both intellectually and emotionally.

Alice Smith’s campus stood out with its top-tier facilities, including a remarkable three-story gym and multiple volleyball courts, which fueled Gha Yuan’s passion for sports. These resources, combined with a wide range of extracurricular options, allowed her to explore her interests and develop a well-rounded perspective. 

“I represented the school on the volleyball team, which taught me teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of staying focused under pressure.” 

Just as she had at Sri KDU, Gha Yuan continued to sharpen her leadership skills by serving as the Senior Science and DT Prefect, where she organised events like the annual KLASS Science Fair and led a team of prefects to support the school’s Science and Design Technology departments.

In addition to leadership and sports, Gha Yuan actively participated in physics and mathematics olympiads, which deepened her passion for STEM and challenged her to think critically and creatively. “These co-curricular activities helped me develop discipline, time management, and planning skills — qualities that have been invaluable in navigating the demands of college life,” she says. 

These activities also helped her clarify her academic and career interests, providing a solid foundation for her university application. 

What truly defined her time at Alice Smith was the deep connections she formed. Her friends became a vital support network, making the journey less daunting and more rewarding. “My best friends were my greatest support system, especially during the challenges of college application season.” 

Today, she studies at Yale University, one of the world's top institutions.

A Bridge to Yale: Lessons from KLASS

“Studying at KLASS was an invaluable experience that greatly contributed to my transition and success at Yale University,” Gha Yuan says. 

With a diverse student body bringing together individuals from all walks of life, Alice Smith exposed her to various cultures and perspectives. This environment helped her develop adaptability and an appreciation for diversity, skills that have made it easier for her to relate to and connect with Yale’s equally multicultural community.

The school’s emphasis on academic excellence and active participation in extracurricular activities mirrored Yale's liberal arts approach. Her balance between challenging academics and involvement in sports, leadership, and co-curricular activities taught her essential time management and organisational skills. These skills have been critical in navigating Yale’s demanding curriculum while immersing herself in the university's vast array of opportunities.

This balance of academic rigour and dynamic extracurricular engagement also informs Gha Yuan’s ongoing work with The STEM Bulletin (TSB), a platform she co-founded in 2021 with her friend E Rick. “Over the years, our team has worked tirelessly to inspire and connect students through STEM opportunities,” she says. Currently, the team is focused on revamping the platform, with ambitious projects planned for 2025. 

Reflecting on her time at Alice Smith International School, Gha Yuan recognises how it not only prepared her academically but also instilled in her the confidence and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, global environment.