Tong Jing Ying’s Think Big Scholarship Journey: Biochemistry with Molecular Biology at the University of Bristol

My name is Tong Jing Ying, and I’m from Malaysia. I’m currently studying Biochemistry with Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Bristol. Honestly, I never thought I would end up in this field. In secondary school, I was in the business stream and didn’t take Biology for IGCSE. But I’ve always been curious about how life works—how something small going wrong in our body can cause diseases. Even though I wasn’t studying science, I was always amazed by how researchers could find ways to solve these problems.

Studying business before also helped me see how important it is to bring science into real life. Discoveries in the lab are important, but it’s also about how we can turn them into useful tools or products that actually help people. That’s why I’m really interested in combining science with practical ideas that can make a difference.

I want to become a researcher who helps find ways to treat or even cure diseases. One reason I chose this course is because of its flexibility—I get to pick modules that focus on molecular biology and human health, which are areas I’m really interested in. I’m also looking forward to the research project in my final year, where I hope to work on synthetic proteins, which I find interesting because they can be used to develop new types of medicine.

Getting the Think Big Scholarship made a huge difference for me. As an international student, it helped me and my family worry less about money. It also gave me the chance to focus more on learning, joining activities, and gaining new experiences. To me, the scholarship isn’t just financial support—it also gave me confidence. It reminded me that I have potential and that someone believes in what I can do. I’m just grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.

Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship Details

I received the Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship from the University of Bristol. I was awarded a £13,000 tuition fee discount per year, along with an additional £3,000 bursary. This financial support helped me and my family a lot, especially as an international student studying abroad.

But what makes the Think Big Scholarship special isn’t just the money. It also offers the Think Big Development Programme, which helped me grow as a person and to dream bigger.

The programme includes workshops and sessions that helped me:

• Be more self-aware – I learned more about my strengths, values, and how I react in different situations.
• Plan my life in Bristol and beyond – I started thinking about my goals more clearly, both short-term and long-term.
• Take risks and be proactive – I gained the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and try new things.
• Communicate with energy and build real connections – It taught me how to express myself better and connect with people in meaningful ways.

There are also events throughout the year where scholars can meet each other, share ideas, improve presentation skills, and learn from one another’s experiences. It’s not just about sitting in workshops—these sessions are interactive, supportive, and really inspiring.

We were also given a Think Big workbook, which includes reflection exercises, leadership activities, and tools for personal growth. It’s something I use in my own time to reflect on my progress, especially during busy or stressful weeks. The workbook helps me manage my stress, stay emotionally balanced, and think about my personal and professional goals more clearly.

What I appreciate most is that everything is done at your own pace. There’s no pressure. It’s more about building the habits and mindset that help you succeed in life, not just in university.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

In my first year at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, I received the Taylor’s Excellence Award Scholarship, which was worth RM15,000 per year. It supported me during the first year degree before I transferred my second and third year to the University of Bristol.

Educational Background

Before coming to the University of Bristol, I did Foundation in Science at Taylor’s College and completed my first year of Biotechnology at Taylor’s University. I achieved a CGPA of 3.97, which I’m proud of because I came from a business background and didn’t take Biology during IGCSE. I had to catch up with a lot of science topics, but I worked hard and slowly built a strong foundation.

At Taylor’s, I learned how to write lab reports, analyse data, and present scientific information clearly. I also worked on projects where we made science posters and videos, which taught me how to explain complicated topics in a simple and engaging way. This helped me realise the importance of science communication, especially in the healthcare field.

Besides academics, I was actively involved in clubs and societies. I joined the Taylor’s Chinese Society, Biosciences Club, and Badminton Club. These experiences gave me the chance to coordinate events and help with marketing, which taught me how to work with others, plan ahead, and communicate clearly. I also made friends from different courses, which helped me grow my social circle and step out of my comfort zone.

Through these activities, I became more confident and independent. Looking back, both the academic and extracurricular experiences I had at Taylor’s played a big part in preparing me for university life in the UK.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

1. Long-term mindset and future goals
What I think made my application stand out was my long-term mindset and how I see this scholarship as a way to help me build the future I want. I’ve always thought about how what I learn now can help solve real problems later. That’s why I chose to study Biochemistry. I’m especially interested in diseases like diabetes that affect many people in my country.

2. Involvement in clubs and what I learned from them
Besides my studies, I joined clubs like the Bioscience Club and Badminton Club. Through these, I learned how to work with others, organize events, and take on responsibilities. For example, in the Bioscience Club, I helped plan and promote events, which helped me build teamwork and communication skills. These experiences made me more confident and independent.

3. Giving back and inspiring others
I’m also looking for ways to give back. Whether it’s organizing cultural exchange events, volunteering, or sharing science with others, I want to create spaces where people can connect and support each other. I believe thinking big means inspiring others to do the same — and that’s what I hope to keep doing at the University of Bristol.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to UK Universities?

I didn’t apply to the University of Bristol through the usual application process. Instead, I came through Taylor’s University’s 1+2 credit transfer programme. I did my first year of a Biotechnology degree at Taylor’s, and then transferred to Bristol to continue Year 2 and 3 in Biochemistry with Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. To be eligible, I had to get a CGPA above 3.25 — I got 3.97 out of 4.00. Additionally, I didn’t take IELTS because I already did English I and II during my foundation studies at Taylor’s and met the English requirement.

During the application process, I also wrote a personal statement that I used to show my passion for research and the steps I’ve taken to work toward my goal of becoming a researcher.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Think Big Undergraduate Scholarship?

I applied for the scholarship through the official website, which provided clear step-by-step guidance on how to apply. One of the most important parts of my preparation was joining the webinar organized by the scholarship team. During the webinar, they offered mini-practice sessions on writing essays that are clear and focused, which really helped me understand how to be specific within the 250-word limit. This was especially useful because it’s easy to get off track or write too broadly in such a short space.

Another key part of the webinar was hearing from past recipients who shared their own experiences—how they approached their applications, what challenges they faced, and the tips they found most useful. To make sure I didn’t miss anything, I also kept track of all deadlines carefully and made a schedule so I had enough time to draft and revise my essays. I spent time thinking about what I want to achieve in the future and how the scholarship can be a stepping stone toward those goals.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Honestly, I don’t think I would have done much differently. Since I got the scholarship, I believe the approach I took worked well for me. If I had to give advice, it would be to just be yourself and be honest in your writing. Overall, trusting the process and staying true to who you are is what matters most.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice for anyone applying for a similar scholarship is to start early and give yourself enough time to think about what really matters to you. Be specific in your answers. Also, make sure to join any webinars or info sessions you can, because hearing tips from past recipients really helps. Lastly, keep track of all the deadlines and don’t rush your application. Taking the time to prepare properly makes a big difference.