Owen Yang Fu Shen

Hi, I’m Owen Yang Fu Shen, from Brunei, and I’m currently in my first semester of the Foundation in Engineering and Science at Curtin Malaysia.

From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by how things work – constantly asking “why” and “how” sparked my curiosity and naturally led me to choose engineering. But my path hasn’t been without its challenges. During secondary school, I struggled with subjects like Maths and Physics, and as a result, I didn’t qualify for any scholarships when I applied to Curtin Malaysia. Despite that setback, I was incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to study at such a prestigious university. I held onto the same passion for learning that I had as a kid, and though I’m only at the beginning of my journey, I already have so much to be thankful for.

Starting my first semester was a huge transition – university requires a lot more independence, and coming straight from secondary school, I found myself feeling a bit overwhelmed. The units I was taking were challenging, and I had to quickly adapt to the faster pace. But thanks to some caring friends and supportive lecturers who went out of their way to help me after class, I soon found my footing.

One of the most rewarding parts of my semester has been the chance to give back through mentoring programs. I had the opportunity to become a STEM mentor with IEEE, as well as a SuCCESS Mentor for a Maths workshop. Both programs allowed me to work with secondary school students, helping them with hobbyist electronics and maths. These roles not only boosted my confidence but also helped me build strong relationships with teachers and peers, making me feel more connected to the Curtin community.

As the semester comes to a close, I can honestly say that Curtin Malaysia has already exceeded my expectations. The experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met have been incredible, and I know my academic journey here will be far from ordinary. I’m excited for what the future holds!”- Owen Yang Fu Shen, Foundation in Engineering and Science student

22 September 2024