From Curiosity to Discovery: Sunway A-Level Students Explore the World of Research

Students from Sunway College Kuala Lumpur's A-Level Programme recently participated in the Oxbridge NatSci Symposium 2026, an inaugural research symposium organised by the Oxbridge Society Malaysia. The symposium aims to provide students with an opportunity to undertake research projects in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, while exploring how fundamental scientific principles can be applied to solve real-world challenges.

The event attracted 65 teams from across the country, with all participants presenting their work through poster presentations. Following the poster evaluation, only the top three projects in each category were selected to deliver a live oral presentation during the symposium.

Sunway College A-Level was proudly represented by nine research teams, comprising four Physics teams, three Chemistry teams, and two Biology teams. Their research topics reflected a wide range of contemporary scientific issues and applications:

Chemistry

1. Effect of Calcium Chloride Cross-Link Density on the Stiffness, Swelling Ratio, and Diffusion Properties of Artificial Hydrogel-Based Skin Grafts
   Carmen Lee Hew Kay, Cordelia Jasmin Polko, Ryenne Lim Ryui En
   Supervisor: Ms Grace Tan Kang Ning
2. Carbon Nanotubes in Drug Delivery: Exploring Molecular Adsorption
   Loon Mun Hei Oscar, Eliam Low Zhe Lai, Ng Yi Han
   Supervisor: Ms Lim Jing Jye
3. Cold Storage as a Post-Harvest Ethylene Suppression Strategy to Reduce Food Waste
   Researchers: Matherine Chong Shan Yee, Joanne Yan Yu Hong
   Supervisor: Dr Khor Shy Cian

Biology

1. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Chemotherapy vs Immunotherapy
   Researchers:Athirah Batrisyia Binti Arshad, Lee Wen Ying, Muizza Amelia Binti Mohamed Asraf
   Supervisor: Ms Angeline Torey
2. The Blue Pharmacy: Marine Chemical Defences in Extreme Environments and Their Medicinal Potential
   Researchers:Anjitha Suresh, Arshia Simone Jaryal
   Supervisor: Ms Angeline Torey

Physics

1. Resonance in Vehicle NVH: Impact of Resonance on Internal Cabin Structures
   Researchers: Azhad Luqman, Lean Yue Ting
   Supervisor: Mr Kingsley Row=
2. From Kinetics to Kidneys: Mathematical Modeling of Microfluidic Counter-Current Dialysis
   Researcher:Lai Zheng Yi
   Supervisor:Ms Hoo Jing Ying
3. Bio Impedance & Disease Diagnosis
   Researchers: Jun Ning Niew, Lai Lip Heng, Jue May Lin
   Supervisor: Dr Poh Hun Seng
4. Feeling the Heat (It's Killing Us)
   Researchers: Hendrick Yapp Jing Xuan, Chong Zen Yi Lucas
   Supervisor: Mr Kingsley Row

The symposium provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience the research process first-hand, from identifying scientific questions and exploring current literature to communicating their findings through professional poster presentations. Through interactions with judges, peers, and educators, participants gained exposure to contemporary scientific topics that extend far beyond the A-Level syllabus.

In addition, the question-and-answer sessions helped students strengthen important skills such as critical thinking, scientific communication, and confidence in presenting and defending their ideas. These experiences are invaluable in preparing students for future university studies and research opportunities.

Their involvement demonstrated that A-Level students can successfully engage in meaningful scientific research despite the rigorous and examination-focused nature of the programme.

More importantly, the symposium highlighted the spirit of curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning among Sunway A-Level students. The experience not only enriched their academic journey but also inspired them to continue exploring scientific research and making connections between classroom knowledge and real-world applications.