Sunway College JB Tan Zi Heng’s double awards, double excellence!

Tan Zi Heng has once again made Sunway College Johor Bahru proud by earning his second Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award (OCLA) in Mathematics. 

First time? Impressive. Second time? ICONIC!

Zi Heng earned his first OCLA for topping the world at AS Level Mathematics in the May/June 2024 Cambridge International exams. This time round, he has taken his achievement to an even greater level, scoring a perfect Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM) of 100, earning him the well-deserved accolade Top in the World for A-Level Mathematics!

His journey to academic excellence has been nothing short of inspiring. With 3A* 1A under his belt for his A-Levels, Tan Zi Heng has consistently demonstrated his passion and dedication to learning.

Of course, his journey to success was made possible with the guidance and support of his Mathematics lecturer, Ms Alicia Leong Hsueh Yan.

“I am especially grateful to Ms. Alicia, my Mathematics lecturer, whose guidance in mathematical concepts and answering techniques played a significant role in helping me secure the OCLA for Mathematics, not only once but at both exam stages!”

Secret to Success

“The most challenging part of the A-Level programme is the demanding syllabus and timeline. The curriculum involves in-depth understanding and requires consistent practice and revision to fully grasp the concepts. Choosing to undertake 4 subjects, it felt overwhelming at times. My daily schedule was packed with classes, followed by revision and practice of past year papers.

A well-organised schedule helped me stay on track academically while ensuring I got enough rest. I prioritised tasks, took breaks when needed, and made time for hobbies like reading and playing video games, as well as socialising with friends and family.

I believe perseverance and consistency are key to success. Consistent revision and regular practice with past year papers are the most effective and direct ways to excel in any A-Level subject. However, understanding the topics thoroughly is equally important. Practicing without understanding the concepts is not productive, so it’s essential to ensure clarity on each topic. There are many online resources, websites, and videos that can help students understand the material. However, lecturers remain the best source of guidance, and they should always be your go-to for academic support and questions.”

Support System

“I am deeply grateful to my beloved family for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey. Their complete belief and confidence in me kept me motivated and focused. My lecturers also played a crucial role in my success for always being there for me, offering valuable guidance and advice.

Last but not least, I am thankful for my A-Level mates. We attended classes together, stayed late in the library, and celebrated the highs for each other. We’ve been through so much as a group - without them, the journey would have been tiring and monotonous. However, thanks to their presence, my time at college became enjoyable and filled with joy.”

Sunway College Johor Bahru congratulates Zi Heng on his remarkable achievements and wishes him the very best as he embarks on the next exciting chapter when he commences undergraduate studies. He has received offers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, Tsinghua University, China and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Whichever he chooses, we have no doubt that Zi Heng will continue to achieve great things in the future.

@Sunway College Johor Bahru | 6 June 2025