Zoey Tan: A Scholar’s Journey from BSKL and Charterhouse to Warwick
Published by SchoolAdvisor | Apr 09, 2025
Some people grow up in one place, shaped by a single culture. Others, like Zoey Tan, carry the world in their hearts. Born in Hong Kong and proudly Malaysian, Zoey’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From the bustling streets of Beijing to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, she has experienced a kaleidoscope of cultures that have shaped her into a keen observer of human nature.
Currently a Global Excellence Scholar at the University of Warwick — an honour bestowed upon only 15 individuals worldwide — Zoey has never been one to settle for surface-level answers. Her foundation at The British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL) and Charterhouse Malaysia instilled in her an insatiable drive to question, analyse, and seek meaning beyond the obvious. For Zoey, learning is about acquiring knowledge and uncovering the ‘why’ behind the world’s complexities.
A Transformative Educational Experience at BSKL
With a 100% pass rate and 38% of its graduates attending the top 100 universities ranked by QS, BSKL has built a reputation for academic excellence. But for Zoey, the school was more than just a place of high achievement.
“BSKL provided a vibrant, diverse community that allowed me to connect with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds. This diversity not only enhanced my understanding of people but also fuelled my curiosity and passion for human relationships,” she says.
Zoey Tan with her football team at BSKL, where she represented the school in FOBISIA tournaments across multiple sports.
Beyond the classroom, BSKL encouraged exploration. Whether it was participating in sports, diving into creative endeavours, or taking on academic challenges, the school provided opportunities that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. From football pitches and a swimming pool to a gym and even cafés, the state-of-the-art campus facilities supported both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Meaningful friendships were another highlight of Zoey’s experience. The supportive atmosphere, combined with teachers who genuinely cared about their students, made learning enjoyable. “My Year 6 teacher, Mr Kimber, inspired me with the importance of asking questions and embracing curiosity—lessons that have stayed with me beyond the classroom,” she says.
Zoey’s experience at BSKL was not limited to the classroom. She was deeply involved in co-curricular activities, which played a crucial role in shaping her personal growth and preparing her for university life. One of her most memorable experiences was performing at BSF Music Festivals in Moscow and Nanjing as part of the choir and percussion ensemble.
“Being integrated into such a diverse and global community taught me adaptability, cultural awareness, and the value of collaboration in creative settings,” she says, as the opportunity to be hosted by local families gave her an immersive cultural experience.
Sports were another significant part of Zoey’s journey. She competed in FOBISIA tournaments across multiple disciplines, including football, athletics, swimming, and basketball. Training with an ex-Olympian running coach at Desa Park highlighted her dedication to self-improvement and perseverance. However, her competitive athletic journey was cut short due to an ACL injury. Despite this setback, she found valuable lessons in resilience and the importance of prioritising long-term well-being.
Besides music and sports, Zoey also participated in the BSF Award and International Award (IA), similar to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which emphasised skill development, volunteering, and physical activity. These experiences shaped her in profound ways. She explored graphic design, honing her creativity and attention to detail. She also volunteered at a Myanmar refugee children’s centre, an experience that deepened her empathy.
“I got to gain an insight into a new perspective, which touched my love for understanding and working with people,” she says.
During a challenging expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Zoey and her team navigated terrain, set up camp, and cooked their own food, building resilience and teamwork in the process.
Excelling in A-Levels at Charterhouse Malaysia
Zoey’s A-Level journey at Charterhouse Malaysia was defined by independent learning, strong mentorship, and leadership opportunities. The smaller class sizes and discussion-based learning environment helped her refine her study techniques and develop critical thinking skills. “The smaller community made it easier to ask questions and seek clarification from teachers, fostering a supportive and interactive learning experience.”
Her teachers played a key role in shaping her academic journey. Educators like Jonathan Sutton (History), Lyndsey Mercer (Art), and Esther Albert (Psychology) made their subjects engaging and encouraged curiosity. “What made a difference was that every single one of them enjoyed teaching my class and supported us where needed. I never felt belittled or less than for asking questions.”
This supportive atmosphere allowed Zoey to take ownership of her learning and approach complex topics with confidence. Even after leaving Charterhouse, she continued to seek guidance from Ms. Amy Candiano, her university counsellor, when making decisions about her degree.
Charterhouse also encouraged initiative and leadership, which Zoey embraced fully. She introduced the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) to the school, where her team qualified for the global round. Out of 400+ participants, she ranked in the top 10 for Collaborative Writing. Leading this effort strengthened her skills in team coordination, research, and persuasive writing, all of which proved invaluable for university applications.
As Head of the Diversity Committee, Zoey spearheaded initiatives promoting inclusivity and collaborated with the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) to develop a youth advocacy programme. Managing this project gave her real-world experience in team leadership, strategic planning, and working with external organisations.
One of the most academically enriching experiences at Charterhouse was completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This research-based project taught her how to synthesise complex ideas, structure arguments, and produce a well-researched paper, providing essential skills for university coursework.
Zoey Tan at her convocation, celebrating her achievement as a graduate of the Charterhouse Class of 2024
Preparing for Success at the University of Warwick and Beyond
Zoey’s experience at Charterhouse Malaysia was crucial in shaping her ability to thrive at the University of Warwick. The close-knit school environment taught her how to forge meaningful connections — an invaluable skill that helped her integrate seamlessly into Warwick’s diverse and dynamic community. Her leadership experiences, particularly in the Diversity Committee and Politics and MUN Clubs, gave her the confidence to navigate new spaces and contribute effectively.
Academically, Charterhouse’s emphasis on independent learning, primarily through the EPQ, prepared Zoey for the demands of university coursework. “Thriving at university requires not only academic excellence but also emotional intelligence, adaptability, and an openness to diverse perspectives,” she says. These skills have helped her approach university life with confidence and resilience.
Beyond academics, Zoey’s commitment to personal growth extended to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze), which strengthened her leadership and perseverance. Her interest in law also led her to intern at Kevin Wu’s legal firm, where she gained hands-on experience in legal research, drafting, and professional communication.
Looking ahead, Zoey is passionate about sustainability, business, and international relations. She aspires to create business frameworks that balance profitability with social responsibility. “I want to ensure businesses contribute to their communities while minimising their ecological footprint.” As a Warwick Global Excellence Scholar, she hopes to continue advocating for innovative solutions that drive meaningful change.
