Jynice Ong was in a government school in Form 1 and 2 but was unhappy. She often felt constrained by the rigid system and limited opportunities to explore her interests. The environment didn't allow her to pursue her passions fully, leaving her feeling unfulfilled and disconnected.
That was until she enrolled into Sunway International School (SIS). "SIS changed it all for me," she says. "It was the first time I realised studies can be fun and made me want to do better. If I had not gone to SIS, I wouldn't gone to the University of Melbourne, which is one of the best universities in the world. SIS made me realise that my dream was achievable, and to this date, I am still really grateful for my teachers and the school culture."
Today, she works at Loyal Engineering, a leading business group with diversified operations and experiences in EPCC, Water & Wastewater Treatment, as a Special Officer to General Manager.
Studying at SIS
Jynice's experience at SIS was a turning point in her educational journey. Coming from a government primary and secondary school background, she initially expected the usual academic drill, but SIS was something much more. Here, learning was beyond marks and exams, it was about nurturing curiosity, character and a lifelong love for discovery.
Unlike exam-driven systems, the Canadian curriculum at SIS placed a greater emphasis on assignments than exams, with a weightage of 70% for assignments and only 30% for exams. This approach, which prioritises continuous assessment, helped her focus on consistent learning rather than cramming for a one-time test. "I appreciated this approach over exam-focused academics because it alleviated the pressure to perform perfectly in a single test. Instead, it emphasised ongoing engagement and continuous improvement in daily learning practices."
Jynice is grateful to SIS for instilling in her a love for learning and curiosity to explore new ideas, laying the foundation for her aspiration toward lifelong learning.
One of the most remarkable aspects of SIS for Jynice was the support from her teachers. Having grown up in an educational environment where instruction often emphasised strict discipline over curiosity, she found the teaching style at SIS a refreshing change. "At SIS, the teachers were not only friendly but also incredibly encouraging. They fostered an environment where they clarified that ‘there are no silly questions’ and that every opinion mattered."
This inclusive atmosphere sparked Jynice’s love for learning, and she began to look forward to classes as opportunities to explore and understand new concepts.
Certain teachers left an indelible impact on Jynice. Ms Gee, her biology teacher, transformed her view of science and sparked a deep passion for biology. She vividly recalls Ms Gee’s engaging lessons that made complex concepts come alive. Her gratitude for Ms Gee extends beyond the classroom. One afternoon, Jynice began choking on a piece of squid during lunch, and it was Ms Gee’s quick intervention with first aid that saved her life. This extraordinary incident reflects the dedication and compassion that SIS teachers displayed, nurturing not only academic growth but also a genuine sense of care.
Jynice’s English teacher, Ms Olivia, played a similarly pivotal role in her development. When Jynice first joined the English class, she aimed to improve her language skills to reach a higher level. Ms Olivia’s gentle encouragement helped her build confidence, and she remembers studying a book on the Cambodian war that sparked her love for literature.
Equally influential was Mr N, who taught psychology and drama. These subjects became some of Jynice's favourites, not just for the engaging material but because of Mr N’s dynamic approach to teaching. "Whether delving into the complexities of the human mind or exploring the nuances of theatrical expression, his teaching brought these subjects to life in ways that captivated my interest and fueled my enthusiasm."
At SIS, the curriculum extended beyond traditional academics, offering various subjects that enriched Jynice’s perspective. History classes exposed her to the complexities of World War I and II, encouraging her to think critically about their historical significance and relevance today. Drama offered a space to develop self-confidence and communication skills through theatrical exercises and performances, skills that she has since found invaluable. The career guidance classes introduced her to personality assessments that provided insights into her strengths and aspirations, giving her direction as she considered her future path.
Another highlight of her experience was art class, which became a space for self-discovery and creative expression. "Whether painting, sculpting or experimenting with other mediums, I found the joy and fulfilment in creating art that reflected my unique perspectives."
In essence, the opportunity to delve into subjects like art, psychology and drama allowed her to grow beyond academics, encouraging a well-rounded approach to learning.
One of the most impactful experiences for Jynice was her involvement with PTPI, a non-profit organisation focused on fundraising for refugees in Malaysia.
Building Skills Beyond the Classroom
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) played a significant role in shaping Jynice's personal growth and creating a sense of community. Her active involvement in various clubs, including the Student Council, People to People International (PTPI), and the book club, as well as her service as a librarian, helped shape her character and skills.
One of the most impactful experiences for Jynice was her role in PTPI, a non-profit organisation focused on fundraising for refugees in Malaysia. Starting as a committee member, she discovered her passion for helping refugee communities through small events. Driven to make a more significant difference, Jynice ran for Vice President and eventually became President in Grade 11. Under her leadership, PTPI organised events ranging from small fundraisers to larger projects.
"A highlight of my presidency was collaborating with CIMP’s PTPI to organise the Apex Survival, an obstacle challenge event akin to the Viper Challenge, which also marked our first sponsorship experience."
Through this experience, Jynice developed vital leadership skills, including task delegation and team motivation, thanks to supportive teachers like Mr Power, Mr Owen and Mr Kwok.
Another memorable PTPI event was the Halloween Fundraising Carnival, where Jynice and her team invited refugee children to join the festivities. Watching the children’s joy as they participated in games and enjoyed treats was a moving experience for her.
In her role on the Student Council as the social media representative, Jynice got her first taste of marketing. Through promoting school events on digital platforms, she learned valuable communication skills and found a way to connect with her peers. Her contributions went beyond event promotion; she was involved in decision-making processes that influenced student life, advocating for initiatives like improved facilities, mental health support and diversity inclusion.
PTPI allowed Jynice to make a meaningful impact on the community and provided lessons in leadership and teamwork that continue to shape her personal and professional growth today.
Jynice’s involvement in the book club and her role as a librarian also played a significant role in her personal growth. Not only did these activities help improve her English skills, but they also ignited her passion for literature. "One memorable experience was when the movie adaptation of ‘The Mortal Instruments’ was released. Having read the book as a group beforehand, we all attended the screening together and engaged in lively discussions afterwards, comparing and analysing the differences between the book and its cinematic interpretation."
Through these activities, Jynice developed leadership, empathy and a lifelong love for learning, which have continued to influence her personal and professional growth.
Jynice's Journey from SIS to University and Beyond
After graduating from SIS, Jynice continued her studies at Sunway College, where she completed the Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) with an impressive 87%, earning her Ontario Secondary School Diploma. She then pursued a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Management at the University of Melbourne.
Reflecting on her journey, Jynice credits SIS with instilling a vital perspective on expression and active participation. Growing up, she observed a tendency in Asian culture to be reserved, but SIS encouraged her to speak up and engage.
“SIS empowered me to voice my thoughts confidently and contribute actively to discussions and projects. This shift in mindset deepened my understanding of topics and equipped me with essential communication and collaboration skills crucial in academic and professional settings.”
Jynice graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2020 and currently works as a Special Officer to General Manager at Loyal Engineering Sdn Bhd.
These qualities became a guiding force in Jynice’s journey, motivating her to actively participate in university life. She joined societies like the International Commerce Student Society, participated in case competitions, and became involved with Toastmasters International. Each experience refined her public speaking and leadership skills — traits that have since earned her recognition in her professional career.
“Looking back, SIS was definitely a significant place that changed me to who I am today.”
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