Sunway College Jb’s Maths Whiz, Tan Zi Heng Strikes Again

Tan Zi Heng, who is turning 20 this year, recently received his Cambridge A-Level results, earning an impressive 3A*s and 1A. He was a recipient of the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award (OCLA) for AS Mathematics - Top in the World for his AS Level last year. This time round, he achieved PUM 100 for A2 Mathematics!

“I am incredibly grateful and happy with my performance. The journey itself has been rewarding. Receiving the OCLA for AS Mathematics last year was a milestone I'll always cherish, as it reflects that my hard work had paid off,” shared Zi Heng while reflecting on his recent A-Level results.

Formerly from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Perling, Zi Heng's academic adventure began when he achieved 9A+ and 1A for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), earning him the Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship, covering his full tuition fees at Sunway College Johor Bahru. His decision to pursue the A-Levels at Sunway College JB was driven by the reputed balance of academic rigor and a supportive learning environment enjoyed by students.

Reflections about his college choice…

“Sunway College JB provided the perfect atmosphere for my studies. The experienced lecturers and resources made all the difference. One of those lecturers, Ms Leong Hsueh Yan, Alicia, played an important role in my mathematical success. Her guidance in understanding complex concepts and mastering answering techniques significantly contributed to my achievements. All my lecturers have been incredibly dedicated and supportive, always providing guidance and encouragement, especially when I faced challenges. I am deeply thankful for their efforts and the significant role they played in my achievements.”

Despite the demanding nature of the A-Level programme, Zi Heng excelled through self-discipline and careful time management. The intensive curriculum and workload required consistent effort, but staying organised with daily schedules and a strict focus on past-year paper practice was key. Family has been a pillar of strength for him, always encouraging Zi Heng to push forward while friends provided both academic and emotional support. The combination has made the journey both enjoyable and fulfilling. Nonetheless, he also found time for hobbies, such as reading and playing mobile games, which helped him unwind during stressful periods.

Plans for the future…

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise the way we live and work. My goal is to contribute to society by developing innovative solutions that improve lives. I would also like to thank my Computer Science lecturer, Mr Ng Kien Heng, for inspiring me to explore computer science further. His insights deepened my interest in the field and solidified my ambition to pursue a career in AI.”

Looking ahead, Zi Heng aspires to further his studies in Computer Science at a top-ranked university, preferably closer to home. High on his list are the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and University of Malaya (UM). He confidently expressed his hope to make meaningful contributions in fields like healthcare, finance and education through innovative technological solutions.

“Perseverance and consistency are key. However, understanding the topics thoroughly is equally important. Practicing without understanding (the concepts) is not productive, so it's essential to ensure clarity beforehand. Understand thoroughly, practice diligently, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from your lecturers!”
-Tan Zi Heng

Sunway College JB congratulates Tan Zi Heng on his remarkable achievements and we wish him the very best as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey. With his accomplishments and the possibility of another Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award, the future looks bright for him. We're keeping our fingers crossed!