Crossing Borders After A-Levels: Jolynn’s Journey from Asia to Europe!

When Choo Jolynn enrolled in the Cambridge A-Levels programme at Sunway College Johor Bahru in 2018, she never imagined how far the journey would take her. Today, the 24-year-old from Johor Bahru is pursuing a Master’s in Interaction Technology at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, driven by her ambition to contribute to innovations in Extended Reality (XR).

Jolynn chose Sunway College JB partly because it was close to home, but also because the A-Level programme offered Computer Science; a subject that instantly caught her eye. At the time, she knew almost nothing about it, but her lecturer’s enthusiasm and patience ignited a curiosity that grew into a lifelong passion. “My lecturer made the subject so engaging that it became the class I looked forward to the most,” Jolynn recalls. With support and encouragement, she began to see the vast potential of technology, especially the unique challenges posed by XR. Because this technology “tricks” our brains and connects so closely to perception and consciousness, Jolynn realised it must be developed safely to protect users both physically and mentally.

After completing her A-Levels, she ventured to Japan for the next stage of her education. She began at the ABK Japanese Language Institute in Tokyo for a year and a half before enrolling at Yamagata University for a four-year degree in Engineering (Information and Electronics).

She received 3 scholarships throughout her studies:

• Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship (文部科学省奨学金)
• Heiwa Nakajima Foundation’s Scholarship for Foreign Students in Japan (平和中島財団　外国人留学生奨学生)
• SGH Foundation’s Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students (SGH財団　私費外国人留学生奨学生)

Each scholarship not only eased her financial burden but also affirmed her determination to succeed.

Living abroad shaped her in more ways than one. The road, however, was not without its challenges. Adjusting from the relatively structured pace of A-Levels to the long-term demands of university projects tested her habits. “Having always preferred to complete tasks immediately, I initially struggled with assignments that required months of sustained effort, such as my final-year project. The stress was real, but I discovered that working alongside friends eased the burden” shared Jolynn.

After five transformative years in Japan, Jolynn felt ready to step into an even more international environment. She is now based in the Netherlands, pursuing a Master’s in Interaction Technology at the University of Twente. Jolynn believes the Netherlands’ open-minded culture and strong industry connections make it the ideal place to continue her growth in human-centred technologies. “The Netherlands is the perfect place to deepen my expertise and grow as a global citizen,” she reflects.

As the eldest of three sisters, she has always drawn strength from her family’s unwavering support. She also credits her lecturers, seniors and friends for guiding and encouraging her along the way.

Looking ahead, Jolynn hopes to work in a global technology company or research institute, ideally in a role that bridges the countries she has studied in namely, Malaysia, Japan, and the Netherlands. She envisions contributing to the development of XR in ways that ensure technology enriches the human experience.

From a curious student in Johor Bahru with no background in Computer Science, to a scholarship recipient in Japan and now a master’s student in Europe, Jolynn’s story is one of our many inspiring alumni stories. Her path proves that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about embracing opportunities and adapting across cultures. As she continues her journey, Jolynn is not only shaping her own future but also helping to build one where innovation and compassion go hand in hand. We are incredibly proud of Jolynn's achievements and are rooting for her future success!