A-Level Science high flyers

Kolej Disted-Stamford student Chin Jun-Xing has added another distinctive feather to his cap by achieving 5 straight As in the 2005 Cambridge A-Level Science international examination.  

While studying at SMK Tinggi Bukit Mertajam, he did exceptionally well in the SPM examination with 10 1As. 

His SPM achievement earned him a DISTED merit scholarship of full tuition fee waiver to take up the British pre-university programme at the college.

“Work hard. Pay attention in class. Ask questions to better understand what is taught by the lecturers,” said Chin of his recipe for academic success. 

“Do a lot of past years’ papers too,” added Chin who intends to pursue an engineering degree in nanotechnology or material science in Hong Kong or Singapore. 

Prior to enrolling at DISTED, Chin had a 1-year cultural and educational experience in Germany on a student exchange programme organised by Antarabudaya Malaysia. 

What drew this brilliant student to DISTED? 

“DISTED is about the only college that runs the Cambridge A-Level Science programme in 1 year. This fast track route gives me a head start to university entry,” said Chin. 

“The tuition fees are reasonable and comparatively affordable. Furthermore, DISTED has a very attractive scholarship scheme for SPM high achievers,” he said. 

“The Cambridge A-Levels was my preferred pre-university course as it is widely recognised for university entry worldwide,” said Chin. 

Apart from par excellence grades, Chin also has other fond memories of his stint at DISTED. 

“DISTED’s lecturers are very good. They are a helpful and friendly lot and accessible to students even beyond class hours. They took pains to give good and helpful lesson notes. 

The lab facilities are sufficient to give us impactful hands-on science practical experience,” he said. 

Cambridge A-Level Science top scorer Chin Jun-Xing (centre) being congratulated by his course mates (from left) James Tang Chee Kinn, Mahesh Chakravarthy, Ooi Chun Kee and Kenneth Ng Jin Yew.

Actuarist wannabe Tan Kean Ming scored 3 As in Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics in the examination. 

A former student of SMJK Jit Sin, Tan attained 9 As in the SPM for which DISTED awarded him a merit scholarship to pursue the Cambridge A-Level Science course. 

“Study consistently. Do lots of exercises. Going through a topic before it was taught in class had helped me to better understand the lesson,” Tan advised. 

“Helpful and friendly lecturers as well as good facilities make DISTED a splendid learning environment,” said Tan. 

“I could easily make consultation appointments with my lecturers as they cared for the well-being of students. The library has a wide range of references to support our academic pursuits,” he explained. 

“I was initially attracted to DISTED because of its strong reputation that I heard from my school seniors. In addition, it offers a lot of scholarships for deserving students. 

The Cambridge A-Level Science is a good choice as it gives a solid foundation for tertiary studies in a wide range of courses the world over,” said Tan who wishes to study actuarial science in USA. 

Cambridge A-Level Science students rejoicing after getting their results.