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BIS HCMC

24 June, 2021

Ken's IB Story

IB Student Success Story | Ken Lau | BIS HCMC - ken lau

Ken graduated from The British International School, Ho Chi Minh City with one of the highest scores possible in his IB Diploma, placing him in the top 1% of students worldwide.

Ken moved to Ho Chi Minh City from his home country of Malaysia when he was in Year 7 and went on to complete his Secondary education at BIS HCMC until his graduation in 2017. He achieved world-class results in his IB diploma, putting him in the top 1% of students across the globe. During his time at the school he was presented with the IB Learner Profile Award for 'Being an Inquirer' due to his excellent research skills, his curiosity and love of learning. He’s now hoping to use these skills in an undergraduate degree in Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. Here’s Ken’s story…

How would you describe your time at BIS HCMC?

It was a pleasant change of pace when compared to my prior experience in schooling. I quite enjoyed how students are handled here – it’s much less stressful, but it did take a while to get used to.

How did you find the IB Diploma Programme?

I say this in retrospect but it wasn’t as bad as I expected, somehow. It was definitely challenging though. There were a lot of assignments and assessments as well as extra-curricular activities.

IB Student Success Story | Ken Lau | BIS HCMC - ken lau

In what ways do you think your education at BIS HCMC prepared you for your future?

I suspect the ILS lessons will probably come in handy in the future. University will presumably require large volumes of text processing and generation so the EE for example will probably be helpful.

My time at BIS HCMC was a pleasant change of pace when compared to my prior experience in schooling. I quite enjoyed how students are handled here – it’s much less stressful.

What would you say to your teachers who supported you through your education at BIS HCMC?

As a general response, the tone would revolve around heartfelt gratitude.

IB Student Success Story | Ken Lau | BIS HCMC - ken lau

What are your plans for the future?

I’d like to go to university. I haven’t applied yet but Melbourne would be ideal. After that, I’m not so sure.

Do you have any tips for other students doing the IB Diploma?

If you simply put in the time and effort, it’s possible to get a good grade.

Ken Lau, Class of 2017

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