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IELTS Prize winners 2016/17

Sue Yen Chong

Regional IELTS Prize, Grand Prize Winner 2017
BSc (Hons) Architecture, University of Bath

I remember how it all unfolded. It was an ordinary day, I was surfing the Internet, when all of a sudden an email notification popped up at the corner of my screen; it was from British Council. In a rush of excitement and anxiety, I opened the message and found a “Congratulations!”. I was, and still am, absolutely elated and rather speechless about winning the IELTS Prize. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined winning a scholarship that would enable me to further my studies overseas.

I am extremely grateful to the British Council and IELTS for granting me with this priceless opportunity of pursuing Architecture abroad. This has been a lifelong dream because what better way can there be to broaden my perspectives than by immersing myself in a totally unfamiliar culture, rich with architectural history.

This Prize means so much more to me than just relieving a financial burden and helping me to bridge my aspirations and reality. It is also a testament to the enormous support from organisations - such as British Council - for the education of students like me.

Joyce Soo Synn Hong

Malaysia IELTS Prize Winner 2017
Fellowship in Paediatric Endocrinology, University of Auckland

The IELTS Prize came as a very unexpected, albeit wonderful surprise! It helps tremendously with expenses for my one-year stint in New Zealand and gives me the opportunity to broaden my horizons beyond just my fellowship training. It gives me some leeway to be able to experience the culture and natural beauty New Zealand has to offer, enriching this one-year experience further than I’d originally hoped. It also gives me more confidence in my usage of the English language, as winning this Prize serves as an affirmation of my level of competence where English is concerned.

Taking IELTS with British Council was a simple process. The online registration instructions were clear and the website was very informative. As for any sort of test or examination, nerves play up, but the systematic way in which the IELTS test was carried out helped to reduce additional stress. All the staff I encountered in the process of taking this test were friendly and efficient. The practice lessons offered online were very important in getting used to the test format, giving us an idea of what to expect.

I would advise students planning to take the IELTS to enjoy it. They should read and speak as much as they can in English, and perhaps watch programmes and news in English too.

Kristen Yan Han Chin

Malaysia IELTS Prize Winner 2017
BA (Hons) History, University of Cambridge

I am very grateful to British Council for the IELTS Prize, as the financial support will help to mitigate some of the burden of studying and living in the UK for my family and allow me to focus more attention on my studies.

Besides the financial aid, I am really thankful for the experience I gained during the application process and the related preparations, as they honed and affirmed my adaptability to novel situations as well as my speaking and writing skills.

Taking the IELTS test gave me the opportunity to scope out the degree of English proficiency needed to survive the academic workload in a UK university. So my success in the test has given me confidence in my ability to handle studying abroad.

Mohamed Aizuddin Hilmi Mohamed Anuar

Malaysia IELTS Prize Winner 2017
MSc Comparative and International Education, University of Oxford

I am incredibly excited and honoured to have won the IELTS Prize. Throughout the selection process, I had the opportunity to share a part of my culture and my academic aspirations, as well as reflect on how I will use the knowledge and experiences gained abroad to truly make a difference back home in Malaysia.

I am also very grateful that this Prize will help alleviate the burden of funding my education abroad in the UK. It has also been a great confidence boost for me and shown that I will be able to effectively communicate with and learn from my classmates from all around the world. It has definitely spurred my motivation to make the most out of this opportunity as I pursue my studies in a field I am passionate about. I hope to also get the chance to pay it forward when the time comes.