JOHOR BARU: It was double joy for twins Evon Kan Kuan Lam and Eva Kan Kuan Yee who obtained their Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (bioprocess) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The 24-years-old sisters from Tampin, Negri Sembilan, have been “inseparable” since they were kids, being in the same class from primary to secondary school.
“The only change was when we started university in 2021 and had to live in the hostel away from our family.
“Having Eva by my side really helped reduce my homesickness,” said Evon when interviewed at UTM’s 69th convocation ceremony yesterday.
But the twins did “part ways” after the SPM, with Eva taking physics for the STPM while Evon opted for biology.
“We still supported each other. We took the same course in university but studied separately.
“If the question was physics-related, I would ask Eva about it and if it involved biology, she would refer to me,” said Evon.
She said their four-year journey at UTM was meaningful as they were mainly cared by their grandfather, aunties and uncles.
Evon said the most challenging time came when they were separated for the first time during their internship.
“I completed my internship in Melaka while Eva remained in Johor.
“I did not feel sad at the time because I was too stressed and busy learning new things in a semiconductor company, which was completely outside my field.
“Despite my workload, I made three trips back to the university just to see my sister.
“You have your close friends, but my closest friend has always been my twin, so being apart was tough,” she said.
Eva said she coped by keeping herself busy.
“I was sad at first and cried almost everyday in the first week because I was alone and I am sort of an introvert.
“But I managed to overcome it by keeping myself busy and focusing on my tasks,” she said, adding that she has a tendency to follow her sister’s choice of hobbies too.
Now that they have completed their studies, both are preparing for the next chapter – finding jobs in the engineering field, but have not ruled out furthering their studies.
