Yong Cheng Yi
KUCHING: UCSI University Financial Assistance is offering students with financial difficulties the help they require to pursue their education.
Many prospective students nationwide to not pursue their dream careers because they cannot afford tertiary education.
Diploma in Hotel Management student Yong Cheng Yi started at UCSI University Sarawak Campus in 2014.
His father, a stationery shopkeeper, found it hard to cover his son’s tuition expenses and Yong considered leaving university to help support the family.
However, the university encouraged him to stay on and apply for UCSI University Financial Assistance.
“Getting UCSI Financial Assistance, in addition to the help offered by my relatives and my father’s employer, has enabled me to continue my studies. It is my wish to pay all the money back once I start working,” Yong said in a press release.
He said he chose the course as it has many options career-wise.
“Because there are many departments in a hotel, Diploma in Hotel Management graduates can choose to work in different departments. In fact, they are not only restricted to hotels, they can work in any other service industry.
“Considering my experience so far at UCSI University Sarawak Campus, I would have to say that at first I felt stressed because everyone was speaking English on campus. After taking some time to improve my English, I now enjoy studying in the programme as well as being involved in university activities. The lecturers are friendly, willing to help and teach with patience. And the Food and Beverages classes are my favourite! Through my experiences at UCSI University Sarawak Campus, I am learning communication skills and I am building up my confidence and courage,” he said.
Yong carried out his first industrial placement at Traders Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
“I had fun and felt relaxed. Even though I was away from home for the first time, I felt welcomed like a family member by the other staff in the hotel. In my second industrial placement, I would like to venture into Front Office Department,” he said.
Yong hopes to work in a five-star hotel in Singapore to gain experience and help support his family financially.
In the long-term, he wishes to buy a house for his parents and bring them to many distant and exotic places.
To know more about the programmes offered, call 082-455255 or go to the UCSI Sarawak Campus Facebook page.