Mary Anne Ng
Mary Anne is a New Zealand Scholarship recipient from Malaysia, who graduated in 2020 with a Master of Public Health. She shares her experience studying at the University of Auckland.
“As a hospital pharmacist in Malaysia, I always pondered about strategies I could undertake to further improve the health of my patients at a population level. While I was considering my options, I chanced upon the University of Auckland Master of Public Health programme and instinctively knew this was the right path for me.
“I feel incredibly grateful and privileged to have received the prestigious New Zealand Scholarship. Opportunities like this don’t come by often so I have tried to make the most out of it. Not only has it helped me achieve a personal milestone, but this opportunity has also opened my eyes to a wide range of options in terms of improving population health and the healthcare system in Malaysia.”
I wanted to study at the University of Auckland to have the experience of studying in the top-ranked university in New Zealand. Furthermore, the University is research-focused, making it the perfect institution for postgraduate studies.
“I wanted to study at the University of Auckland to have the experience of studying in the top-ranked university in New Zealand. Furthermore, the University is research-focused, making it the perfect institution for postgraduate studies.
“The academic staff at the School of Population Health are very supportive. They are always there in times of need and offer constructive feedback to help students excel and achieve our goals.
“I love Aotearoa for its fresh air, crystal clear water and beautiful scenery. I have always had a passion for nature and outdoor activities. Living here has allowed me to experience staying in a DOC hut at the summit of the Pinnacles, venturing into the darkness to watch glow worms in a cave, or going to the middle of nowhere to stargaze and explore the many wonders of New Zealand.
“When I return to my home country, I intend to place my focus on Malaysian health policies and utilise the skills and knowledge I have gained from my experience at the University towards reaching the end goal of improving the health system and the quality of healthcare services.
”My advice for prospective students thinking about applying for the New Zealand Scholarship is to go for it and give it your best shot. The skills, knowledge and experiences gained are worth every bit of the effort! It will be the best decision you have ever made in your life.”