For many school leavers, choosing the right type of pre-university education may seem daunting, as it represents a promising start of an illustrious tertiary education. Pre-university education, though short and sweet, can help students build and capitalise on their foundational skills and further hone their talents as they pursue their respective degree programmes.

In this regard, Taylor’s College has long stood as a nurturing ground for future leaders, creators, and changemakers. With its strong academic environment, flexible and supportive learning structure, and emphasis on holistic development, the institution continues to be a launching pad for students who dream big and achieve even bigger. 

The journeys of three exceptional Taylor’s College students—Tan Yong Zen, Edwin Chan, and Chee Xin Yen— have been inspirational, and they have transformed their Pre-U experiences into stepping stones toward prestigious universities and impactful futures.

Tan Yong Zen: Bridging Science and Purpose through Biomedical Engineering

For Tan Yong Zen, his journey began with a dream—to study abroad and make a lasting difference in the world. A Cambridge A Level student and recipient of the Taylor’s STAR Award, Tan’s journey has taken him to the National University of Singapore under the NUS ASEAN Scholarship, where he is pursuing Biomedical Engineering with a specialisation in Tissue Engineering.

“From the very beginning, I didn’t just want good grades. I wanted to leave a lasting impact wherever I went,” said Tan in an email interview.

Tan chose Taylor’s College because it offered a rare combination of academic excellence and personal flexibility. 

“The flexibility at Taylor’s allowed me to explore my interests, like founding a board game club and launching the first student-run STEM Bowl competition,” he shared.

But above all, it was the people—his lecturers and peers—who made the experience unforgettable. 

“Lunches with lecturers, countless late-night project discussions, and spontaneous mall outings after exams—those were the moments that made Taylor’s feel like home,” he recalled. Lecturers like Ms. Nesa Ramani (Biology) and Dr. Gilbert Foo (Mathematics) played a pivotal role in shaping his academic and professional vision.

“Biology felt like magic—how it bridges the physical and chemical sciences to explain life itself. Ms. Nesa made every class feel like a discovery,” he recalls. Dr. Gilbert, with his engineering background, helped him see mathematics as a tool of creativity and problem-solving. Their guidance led Tan to discover his passion for biomedical engineering.

Tan is committed to continuing his pursuit of innovation in medicine, exploring cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, 3D organ printing, and DNA Origami. 

His dream? “To one day create something impactful—something that changes the world of healthcare for the better,” he said.

Edwin Chan: Healing Through Science and Service

Scoring an ATAR of 98.75, and Highest Subject Awards in Chemistry and Biology, Edwin Chan represents the best of Taylor’s College AUSMAT Pathway. He is now pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) at the University of Sydney.

Drawn to AUSMAT’s structure that emphasised internal assessments over final exams, Chan appreciated the continuous learning format. While the coursework-heavy nature of AUSMAT was intense, the flexible deadlines and personalised attention from lecturers allowed Chan to find a way to thrive. 

“Taylor’s offered a study environment that allowed me to focus on growth, not just performance. The flexibility and small class sizes made it possible to always put in my best work,” he said in an email interview.

“Taylor’s College taught me how to manage my time, live independently, and take charge of my learning,” he further added.

Through initiatives like CAREbinet, where students would build furniture for the underserved using sustainable materials, and a quilling workshop with the special needs community, Edwin gained valuable life skills and empathy. These experiences solidified his belief that healthcare is about more than science—it’s about people.

Chan dreams of helping people improve their quality of life through physiotherapy. 

“Health is one of the most valuable things we have. Being able to help others heal and thrive—that’s the kind of impact I want to have,” he said.

Chee Xin Yen: Bridging Human Connection with Art

Chee Xin Yen, recipient of the ‘Best Student Award’ for Foundation in Design April 2024 Intake, and Taylor’s Excellence Award 2024 scholar, took a bold leap from a science background to pursue her passion in design. She has just started at The Glasgow School of Art for a BA (Hons) in Communication Design this month, September 2025.

Chee was drawn to the Foundation in Design at Taylor’s College because it offered a focused, hands-on pre-university experience that was also grounded in a vibrant campus community. 

“The campus felt like a place I could belong. And the Foundation programme gave me a chance to start from scratch, explore, and slowly build my creative voice,” she said in an email interview.

Transitioning from science to design wasn’t easy. But with the support of her lecturers and her determination to keep trying, Chee found clarity and confidence. 

“I constantly reminded myself that I chose this path—to feel, to create, and to connect with people,” she said.

From working late into the night on projects to real-world design opportunities like creating a product catalogue and preparing for an upcoming event, Chee immersed herself fully in her new world. 

“Design isn’t just what I do. It’s how I see the world,” she said.

While she hasn't pinned down a specific career path, Chee’s aspirations are rooted in one clear goal: to use design to foster human connection. 

“I want my work to inspire love, empathy, and understanding between people. That’s the kind of design that matters to me,” she shared.

The Taylor’s Difference: A Launchpad for Passion and Purpose

These three students, each with different ambitions—biomedicine, physiotherapy, and design—share one common foundation: Taylor’s College.

Whether through the rigour of Cambridge A Level, the flexibility of the AUSMAT Pathway, or the creativity of Foundation in Design, Taylor’s provided them with the tools, support, and inspiration to take bold steps forward.

From lecturers who go the extra mile, to a campus environment that encourages exploration, and a placement team that helps students reach top global universities, Taylor’s College continues to shape the next generation of changemakers.

Explore Your Path at Taylor’s College

Taylor’s College offers a range of Pre-University programmes, including Cambridge A Level, AUSMAT pathway, and Foundation studies, designed to equip students with academic excellence, real-world skills, and the freedom to pursue their unique passions.

Start your journey today—and let Taylor’s College be the first chapter in your story of success.

This Empower the Future series is a collaboration with Taylor's College.