Program: Master of Science in Energy Geoscience
Home Country: Malaysia
Universities: Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Arabic, Turkish
Pronouns: She/her

I am a highly assertive and positively competitive individual, who is always on the lookout to seek more opportunities for constant improvement. I embrace the learning process and the journey along the way, especially the places I go and the people I meet. I believe that if you have the strong will and determination to achieve your goals, you will stay invested in all your efforts. On top of that, I am indeed passionate in the things I choose to do in my free time, and hopefully in my future career, too, for the sake of a healthy work-life balance.

CORE VALUES:

ASSERTIVE

I am optimistic towards new challenges that add more value and experiences. Throughout my early education years, I have been actively participating in competitions locally and internationally to boost my confidence and broaden my skill sets. My participations range from debate and public speaking to Geoscience competitions. One of my most unforgettable achievements include being selected for the Ship for Southeast Asia and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP), an ambassadorial youth program that promotes mutual understanding among ASEAN countries and Japan, in which only 28 individuals were chosen out of thousands of applicants in Malaysia. I was the youngest participant from the Malaysian contingent and was blessed with the opportunity to sail on Nippon Maru to five different countries in 52 days. I find excitement and fulfillment when I achieve my desired goals, while pushing myself to further improve myself in order to be competent and tenacious.

STRONG-WILLED

Firmly believing in the philosophy “You reap what you sow”, I have dedicated a large portion of my time to constantly improve myself and learn from mistakes along the way. It takes a series of failures behind every victory accomplished. My victories in debate and public speaking-related competitions are a result of five consecutive years of hard work and training, and in 2015, I managed to emerge as Champion of the National Academic Decathlon, thus qualifying my team for the Global World Scholars Cup. In 2020, I have been able to help raise funds for our humanitarian mission to Nepal, where I worked hard to get sponsorship from corporate companies and even through busking. My perseverance has also shaped my values and ethics, always giving out the best in everything I invest in.

What I like about Rice/Houston

I have a good feeling that Rice will be the next place I belong :) Rice is by the far the only university that advocates for my field of Exploration Geosciences compared to other universities with conventional petroleum engineering courses. I love the fact that Houston is close to a wealth of resources especially the oil and gas industry network and reserves as well as the opportunity to discover and explore interesting sites of visit that will add value to my experience in America. On top of that, I think I’ll adapt best to Houston’s culture and weather! Howdy :)

What I like about Fulbright

As an incoming Fulbrighter who has personally connected with previous Fulbrighters, I believe that Fulbright is the best avenue to pursue postgraduate studies while being immersed in the American culture and way of life. I personally have a foster sister from Cambodia whom I met through SSEAYP, an international ambassadorial ASEAN & Japanese Youth Program, and she is indeed a bright Fulbrighter. From her stories and experiences that she’s shared with me, this makes me believe that Fulbright is the one for me :)

Apart from being one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities to pursue my postgraduate goals, I believe Fulbright is the best platform to make our American dream come true~ after all, it’s not easy for a Malaysian like me to get to experience America coming from the other side of the world!

Thank you Fulbright and Rice for accepting me and welcoming me into this new journey I am about to embark on! :D

Fun fact about me

I’m a retired rhythmic gymnast and cheerleader! Been in practice for about 18 years! I also play the piano classically (Grade 7 now) and casually (R&B and songs according to my mood). Excited to go to Houston and join the cowboy gang because I took up equestrian classes when I was a high school kid too!