My Fascination with Aerospace Engineering

Flying in the sky was once a far-fetched dream. But now in the 21st century, man-made birds weighing 200,000 times heavier than the seagulls are moving through the air. It is all down to the fundamental ideas of flight first experimented by the Wright Brothers in 1903. The ideas are developed by engineers since then and mans’ wish to fly is granted. This fascinates me as man are capable of turning the impossible into reality through continuous research and exploration. From when I took my first flight at six years old, I became enchanted by planes and how they work. Over the years, the interest has progressed deeper, whether it be through watching planes land and take off at airport near my house, or feed my curiosity on pondering the air crash investigation programmes on internet. My interest in aerospace engineering has “skyrocketed” when I immersed myself in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) during my secondary school. When I saw there was a course specifically designed for aerospace, I knew it was what I had been looking for. I could be able to learn everything about my interest that has fascinated me for years.

Physics and Maths have always been my favourite subjects since secondary school, but I have found an even deeper appreciation for these subjects at Foundation, where the courses challenge my thinking in solving problems rather than just memorize facts and equations in order to pass an exam. I took particular interest in circular motion and how planes can turn mid-flight, using lift on the wings as a centripetal force. In order to sustain my curiosity, I had taken the initiative to get an overview of the aircraft components and the development history of aerospace industry over time. From the history, I learn about the Berlin airlift during the Cold War where the United States begins a massive airlift of food, water, and medicine to the citizens of the besieged city and over two million people in West Berlin were sustained nearly a year. This make me ponder on the importance of the aerospace technological advancement where it can be put in wider area of application for the benefits of mankind. Since young, both my parents encourage me to explore on my interest in aerospace. Working in the education field for years made them realize the importance of non-stop learning and thus they always encourage me to further my knowledge and understanding of how and why things work instead of just taking it for granted.

As the President of the Robotic Club at school, I have been responsible for leading my team in the robotics competition. These activities have made me realize that I really enjoy the process of developing an idea into a design that actually works. Becoming a Robotic Club President also allowed me to expand my skills where I designed and built robots according to the different tasks given for the competition. The robotics kit we used was the Lego Mindstorms EV3. This includes writing a program using the EV3 and Python programming software and design of the robot to ensure stability and fulfil competition requirements. My team and I pooled our efforts together and we had the change to represent our state in the National Robotics Competition with the result of Bronze Award.

Being the Section Head of Saxophone in the Wind Band at school allows me to take responsibility on managing the training schedule for the members and prepare them to participate in performances and competitions. My position in the Wind Band requires me to take into account the strength and weakness of each member and communicate with them to come up with a training that is suitable for everyone. I learnt to listen to their opinion and make regular discussion on the training content with them. For the five years I joined Wind Band, I experienced first-hand the importance of teamwork especially when we are preparing for concert or competition. I am given the opportunity to represent Malaysia in the “Nie Er Cup” China International Youth Band Festival together with the team and we succeed in obtaining the result of Silver Award.

I am a keen pianist, playing since the age of seven and I had completed all eight grades in the piano ABRSM examinations. After completing the Grade Eight examination, I put my skills into use for church services and thus further improve my piano skills. Playing basketball and letting myself indulge in constant work out is how I keep my body fit and filling up my free time as I understand the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body throughout the journey of life. I believe that I have the academic aptitude and creativity that will be necessary for aerospace engineering and I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that university will offer. I am sure that university will provide me with a further sense of independence and discipline, a foundation for further post graduate study and the confidence and knowledge to secure the future I wish to achieve.