FOR more than five decades, Taylor’s College has upheld its legacy as a leader in pre-university education, having established one of the nation’s first pre-university programmes.
The institution has long been celebrated for its commitment to quality education and holistic student development, offering a wide range of programmes from pre-university to professional qualifications such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), alongside various foundation and diploma courses.
At the heart of its offerings is Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT), a pathway deeply rooted in its Australian heritage.
Since its inception, AUSMAT has remained Malaysia’s top choice for pre-university studies, with its students’ earning placements at prestigious universities across Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.
Gateway to global prestige
AUSMAT, also known as the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), is a rigorous yet supportive pathway that not only prepares students academically but also imbues them with the confidence to navigate university life and future careers.
For students like Matthew Leong Wen Jieh, the pathway became a stepping stone to remarkable achievements.
Enrolling at Taylor’s College in 2023, Matthew achieved an impressive Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 99.7, earning him a coveted spot at the University of Melbourne, where he is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computing and Software Systems.
One of the major factors that influenced his decision to take up AUSMAT at Taylor’s College was his elder brother’s positive experience with the same pathway years earlier, which left a lasting impression on him.
“Seeing how much he enjoyed his time there, I set my sights on Taylor’s College. Visiting the Lakeside Campus in 2022 only reinforced my decision – it was buzzing with vibrant campus life,” he shared.
Reflecting on his time at Taylor’s College, Matthew shared, “The challenging assignments pushed me to develop a stronger work ethic and problem-solving skills.
“Assessments include 70% internal evaluation and 30% final examinations, and this prepared us for university because some subjects in university are made up of projects and assignments too. It really exposed us to collaborating in groups and report writing,” he added.
For Matthew, studying at the University of Melbourne – a globally renowned institution for Computer Science degrees – was always a dream.
He also credits much of his success to Taylor’s University Placement Services (UPS), which offered invaluable guidance throughout his university application journey.
From personalised consultations to detailed application guidance, Matthew added that UPS ensured that he was well-prepared at every step of the process.
Reaching new heights
Another AUSMAT alumni, Aisyah Farhana Azha Syahril, confided that she had always been an average student in secondary school, yet dedicated lecturers and enjoyable classes at Taylor’s College ignited something in her.
“Suddenly, I felt confident and brave enough to be my true self and unlock my untapped potential,” she shared.
Aisyah, who enrolled in 2022, achieved an outstanding ATAR of 97.35, placing her in the top 10% globally, and earned her the Highest Achiever in Malaysia Award for Economics.
She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, with plans to major in accounting and finance.
Her experience at Taylor’s College laid a strong foundation in her preparation for her undergraduate degree, equipping her with essential skills such as conducting quality research, developing effective listening skills, adapting writing styles to various formats, and delivering impactful presentations.
In subjects like mathematics, accounting and economics, AUSMAT students, said Aisyah, were exposed to a range of concepts, including topics such as Gross Domestic Product growth, inflation and their real-world implications.
“These skills and knowledge have been invaluable in my degree. For example, the derivations I learned in mathematical methods are now applied in my economics courses.
The big difference
What sets Taylor’s College apart is its dedicated educators. For Aisyah, the passion and care exhibited by her lecturers made her journey truly enriching.
“They didn’t just teach with passion; they delivered lessons with love and care. During consultations, they were always kind, encouraging growth and improvement,” she shared.
The lecturers’ commitment, she explained, also extended beyond the classroom. They worked closely with Taylor’s UPS advisors, ensuring students had all the tools and guidance needed for a smooth transition to university life.
Aisyah recalls how her UPS advisor, Lee Lian, not only helped with applications but also celebrated every acceptance milestone.
“She even guided me through the visa application process and connected me with seniors who offered valuable advice,” she added.
Path to success
Taylor’s College has been home to recipients of the SACE International Highest Achiever Award for 11 consecutive years, a testament to its culture of excellence and relentless pursuit of success.
It comes as no surprise why even after 50 years, Taylor’s College is still the go-to for so many students looking to expand their horizons beyond Malaysian borders.
As Aisyah aptly puts it, “Choosing the right college as your foundation is crucial. It sets the stage for your future. I’m grateful for the AUSMAT pathway at Taylor’s – it wasn’t just about academics but also about finding a nurturing environment that inspired me to grow.”
For those seeking a foundation of excellence, Taylor’s College remains a beacon of promise, lighting the way to a brighter future.
Discover more about Taylor’s College and the AUSMAT pathway here, or visit Taylor’s Lakeside Campus during Open Day this weekend (Dec 14-15) to learn more.