Tay (centre) with two fellowr Malaysian students who were also sponsored by Petronas to study at Victoria University of Wellington.
KUCHING: In 2009, Joyce Tay was fortunate enough to be selected for a Petronas-sponsored programme, which sent her to New Zealand to start her studies in 2010.
Tay, 23, studied at Victoria University of Wellington, located in the country’s capital, where she completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, majoring in accounting and finance at the Victoria Business School.
She said New Zealand universities are on par with the world’s best, offering challenges with support, materials and world-class facilities to maximise students learning.
“New Zealand universities provide a very good environment for their students,” she said.
Tay’s international experience in New Zealand has allowed her to return to Malaysia, securing a highly regarded position as finance executive in Petronas Gas Berhad.
Before she returned to Malaysia to begin her job, Tay’s delighted family flew to New Zealand to see her graduate.
When she moved to New Zealand in February 2010, she knew no one but that was no problem, thanks to the friendly community which made her feel welcome and warm despite Wellington’s windy weather.
“I always regard the New Zealand scenery as the masterpiece of God,” she said.
Victoria University provided her with a great study environment, lecturers and tutors, while the university’s international office organised many activities to make international students feel comfortable.
“The lecturers and the tutors are so helpful and I should specially thank the university’s international office for providing such strong support for international students,” she said.
Tay plans to return to New Zealand at every opportunity she gets, including for a friend’s wedding.
With all going well, it is in Tay’s plan to be a charted accountant within three years.
New Zealand’s ‘New Way of Thinking’ will be showcased during the 2014 Borneo Post International Education Fair (BPIEF), where students can learn how New Zealand will help them become successful in Malaysia.
To have a new experience, new ideas, new adventures and become the next new world leader, visit www.studyinnewzealand.com and talk to New Zealanders at BPIEF on March 22-23.