School Advisor Articles

How Epsom College in Malaysia Helped Mun Yau Chin Redefine His Future

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Apr 21, 2025

Mun Yau Chin grew up in a modest household — his father was a lorry driver, and his mother was an immigrant from the Philippines working as an office clerk. His earliest memory of learning didn't come from a classroom, but from the sands beneath a tree. His grandmother would draw multiplication tables in the dirt with sticks while they rested during morning walks to the kopitiam. That quiet moment sparked something in him — a love for numbers that would later define his academic journey.

Although English was his first language, Mun Yau was enrolled in a Chinese-medium school. Understanding subjects like science and maths through Chinese was difficult. English became his best subject, not because he lacked ability in others, but because of the language barrier. A turning point came in Primary 3 when he unexpectedly scored well in maths. That win, though small, changed how he saw himself — not average, but capable.

His mindset shifted further during the pandemic. With schools closed and exams like PT3 canceled, Mun Yau focused on his studies, especially as he moved into upper secondary. At SMK Jinjang, a government school in an old Chinese settlement, he experienced a world many international school students never see — classmates who worked part-time, and some who dropped out entirely. Resources were limited, but the environment taught him independence. 

The moment everything changed was when he received a scholarship offer from Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM). To him, it felt like getting his letter to Hogwarts. Life at the international school was a completely different experience. He met peers from wealthy backgrounds but quickly realised they were just people — some became great friends. Teachers were enthusiastic and deeply knowledgeable. 

"All in all, I believe going through high school in a government school taught me tenacity and independence when it comes to my studies," he says. "In a way, it paved the way for me to be successful in my A-Levels. Studying in an international school, however, allowed me to learn a lot from successful people and what it is that got them there."

After getting straight A's in SPM, Mun Yau pursued A Levels at ECiM.

Studying at ECiM

Boarding school life at ECiM was a turning point for Mun Yau. It gave him space to focus on his studies while offering a unique kind of community — one where learning didn’t stop after class. He bonded closely with his peers, especially his study partner and close friend, Christabelle. They studied almost every day in the common room, helping each other prepare for A-Levels and navigate scholarship applications and interviews.

Pastoral care at ECiM made a strong impression. Despite coming from a government school and being on scholarship, Mun Yau felt completely accepted. His house matrons in Granville treated him like everyone else, and that sense of inclusion gave him confidence.

ECiM’s facilities added to the experience. From the gym and sports hall to the shared common areas, every space encouraged connection. He picked up a gym habit that improved both his health and mental clarity. He even got pretty good at pool, thanks to the table downstairs.

Academically, the support from teachers was exceptional. His top three educators — Mr Kattan, Mr Baloyo, and Ms Anna Macleod — each played a unique role in his journey.

"Mr Kattan was my Physics teacher, and for good reason, a highly respected one at school. Coming from Egypt, he would mix in a bit of Arabic in his classes and jokes as well. He pushed me hard for an A* in physics, and I was very glad he did. He was also highly knowledgeable in his field and frequently showed a perpetual sense of learning. Even as a teacher, he never stops learning and attending courses in his spare time, indirectly teaching me the value of lifelong learning."

Then there was Mr Baloyo, the Mathematics teacher and STEP club advisor. He had a natural way of connecting with students, almost like a friend. He introduced Mun Yau to the book Zero, which deepened his understanding of maths as not just numbers but a way of seeing the world.

Ms Anna Macleod, his EPQ supervisor, wasn’t a subject teacher, but she taught through example. Juggling countless tasks with grace and efficiency, she showed what it means to be truly productive and dedicated. " She also advised me on what to do with university applications."

Ultimately, his hard work paid off: A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and EPQ — including the world’s highest score in Chemistry and Malaysia’s highest in Physics. But beyond the results, it was the people and environment at ECiM that truly shaped his journey.

Boarding life at ECiM has taught Mun Yao how to be independent and manage his time effectively between social activities, schoolwork, academic performance, and his own health and fitness.

An Eye-Opening Internship Experience at AirAsia

Mun Yau Chin’s 10-day internship at AirAsia was part of an opportunity offered by ECiM — and it gave him his first real taste of the corporate world.

“Working at AirAsia opened my eyes to the corporate and business world for the first time. I met many new friends there, and overall, the experience was pretty eye-opening.”

One of the biggest takeaways for Mun Yau was learning how businesses handle money differently from individuals. He was surprised to find out that companies can defer payments for up to 30 days after receiving goods and even collect interest if payments are delayed further. It was a completely new perspective for someone who had never been exposed to the inner workings of a business.

The experience also boosted his confidence. Working alongside adults gave him the mindset shift he needed. “I am happy that I could have this exposure earlier than most people. Coming from this experience, I was able to shake the thought that I was still a teenager, but began to think of myself as on par with working adults, the only difference being that I have less experience in life. This allowed me to be bolder in future interactions."

Now, inspired by what he learned, Mun Yau is thinking ahead. He’s exploring the financial side of business and dreams of starting his own company one day — an ambition sparked in part by this early corporate exposure.

While at ECiM, Mun Yao pursued A-Levels in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and an Extended Project Qualification.

Pursuing higher education at Monash University Malaysia

For Mun Yau, ECiM was more than a school — it was the place where his academic goals took shape. As a boarding student, he had the space and structure to fully focus on his studies. The environment allowed him to dive into academics, sharpen his communication and presentation skills through various events and societies, and avoid burnout, thanks to downtime at the gym and pool table.

With strong teacher support, he completed his A Levels in a shorter timeframe and took on the EPQ — an impressive feat. “ECiM gave me the right environment to work hard and secure good grades.". 

Those grades helped him earn a place at Monash University Malaysia, where he is pursuing his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering programme. 

Equally important was the help he received from the higher education support team. "I must thank Mrs Perrang, Ms Macleod and Mrs Brown for supporting my application to various universities around the world."

So, why stay in Malaysia for university instead of going abroad? For Mun Yau, it was a practical and deeply personal choice. Studying overseas would have led to significant debt, and as the eldest in the family, he wanted to stay close to support his two younger sisters and aging parents. "With one  of my sisters stepping into the same process of applying for university in a few years, I would have to be present and actively help her to secure a better future."

He’s also inspired by the idea that excellence transcends geography. "I believe that there is always a place in the world for people who can excel and be the best at what they do," he says, drawing from the book So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport. That mindset now drives everything he does.

Mun Yau Chin’s time at ECiM gave him a strong head start at Monash University Malaysia — both socially and academically.

“I would say that studying in ECiM overall has been a good experience and allowed me to grow into the person I am today. I appreciate the friendships that I formed there and the teachers who helped me along my journey.”