Tan Yin Bei is a proud alumna from the class of March 2022 at the Sunway University School of Arts. Her Sunway journey began when she enrolled in the A-Level programme, in which her academic excellence led her to receive the Jeffrey Cheah Advance and Continuing Excellence (ACE) Scholarship. Through the scholarship, Yin Bei continued her studies at Sunway University by enrolling in the BA (Hons) in Communication programme in 2019. 

The BA (Hons) in Communication programme proved to be a game changer for Yin Bei by equipping her with industry experience through hands-on practical work that simulates a real working environment. Notably, the Event Management module taught Yin Bei and her coursemates how to foster teamwork, contact companies for sponsorships professionally, and even involve themselves in social media design and marketing. Teamwork lies at the heart of her learning experience. The programme’s course structure focused on group projects and class activities, alongside creative problem-solving and communication skills. Additionally, the programme enabled her to pick up technical skills such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and website creation, which has benefitted her greatly in her professional life. 

“The resources from the School of Arts and guidance from my lecturers were everything I needed and more to achieve incredible milestones throughout my studies,” Yin Bei commented, adding that her lecturers have been very patient and supportive in their students’ endeavours. She expressed her gratitude in particular to the Department of Communications lecturers - Ms Vijaya Sooria, Associate Professor Dr Pauline Leong, and Associate  Professor Dr Catherine Lee for pushing her to think and analyse the world around her critically and creatively. To Yin Bei, each lesson was an enrichment to her knowledge while remaining easy to comprehend.

Outside of the classroom, Yin Bei was exposed to a myriad of opportunities, which she chose to actively pursue and gain experience from. Throughout her varsity years, her extra-curricular excursions led her to write and produce newsletters for the School of Arts Press, experience radio broadcasting via the student radio SunFM (now rebranded as Sun4U Radio), and serve in a student leadership body under the School of Arts Representatives (SOAR) - all while maintaining good grades and eventually graduating with the Jeffrey Cheah Scholastic Award. 

The three years in her degree not only enhanced her technical and soft skills but also inspired Yin Bei to give back to society through various means. It began during the Community Service module where she and her groupmate volunteered at an animal shelter while raising funds for donations and interviewing the shelter’s owner. The experience motivated her to support communities in her way, followed by her internship with Shopee Malaysia, where she worked on fundraising campaigns such as the #ShopeeGivesBack Flood Relief Fund and #ShopeeSapotLokal. She has even turned her sewing hobby into a fundraising opportunity by selling handmade coasters to raise funds for charity!  

When she started her higher education journey in A-Levels, Yin Bei was solely focused on her studies. However, the BA (Hons) in Communication programme broadened her outlook to going beyond the classroom and seizing opportunities when they arise. Equipped with the skills she needs and the heart to make a difference, Yin Bei now takes things into her own hands, actively pursuing opportunities to grow and impact the world around her.