Athletes recognised with awards

We’re proud of you: (from left) Taylor’s University Student Affairs director Leonard Lim, Cai Lin, Prof Hassan, Shaun and Erika pose after the award ceremony.

THREE students made Taylor’s University proud at an event held to recognise athletes from private institutions of higher education.

The individuals who were presented awards at the Majlis Sukan IPTS Malaysia (Masiswa) Award Night held in Bangi were Shaun Yap Kah Choon - 2014 Masiswa Sportsman of the Year, Khoo Cai Lin 2014 Masiswa Sportswoman of the year, and Erika Kong Chia Chia - 2014 Masiswa Most Promising Athlete (Women).

Taylor’s University vice-chancellor and president Prof Datuk Dr Hassan Said said that he was proud of the students’ outstanding achievement.

“I have not seen this achievement from a single institution since I established Masiswa in the early 2000s, and they have really done Taylor’s University proud by getting this recognition,” he said at the award ceremony.

Shaun who is studying under the American Degree Transfer Programme, has been swimming since he was seven. He was also chosen to enter the World Junior Championship in Dubai in 2013, and represented Malaysia for the 20th Commonwealth Games last year.

“My parents and siblings have supported me through my highs and lows. My coach and friends also played a very important role in my achievements,” he said. Shaun holds the national record for the 50m breaststroke category, and represented Malaysia at the SEA Games, Singapore this year.

Cai Lin who is studying Mass Communication and Public Relations, is no stranger in the Malaysian swimming arena. She has represented Malaysia twice at the Olympic Games, and also represented Malaysia in the Commonwealth and Asian Games over the past few years.

“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition by Masiswa,” said Cai Lin, who is the current record holder for the national relay for swimming in Malaysia (four individual and three relay records).

Erica is currently pursuing her Foundation in Business at Taylor’s Business School, and took part in the 20th Commonwealth Games last year and the17th Asean University Games 2014.

Shaun and Erica are both scholars under the Taylor’s University sports scholarship programme, while Cai Lin holds the Education Ministry’s sports scholarship.