When Charmaine first participated in sports at the age of 7, she had no idea she would become an elite swimmer who would participate in many different competitions and go on to represent Selangor in state division competitions. Meet Charmaine Hung Yun Wen, our 2021 scholarship recipient as we sit down to get to know her better.

1) Hi Charmaine, you are a very active student who has excelled in sports and performing arts. What are some of the activities that you have been involved in over the years?
I swim at state level and am currently part of the Selangor Swimming team. I was also active in football, basketball, water polo, athletics and Taekwondo. When I was 8, I represented the state in artistic gymnastics. Other than sports, I had also performed in musicals with the most recent performance in MUD the Musical show in Menara Ken TTDI.

2) What drives you to take part in these activities and competitions?
I first started exploring 9 different types of sports when I was 7 years old. At that point of time it was just my growing passion and had not thought about competing. It was only later my desire to participate in competitions had begun. A little failure had made me realise to perform better and excel further. I started training harder and along the way, I ended up being part of the state team.

3) How do you spend your time in practice as well as how do you manage your time between sports, performing arts and studies?
It has been challenging. On weekdays, I would have my training before school as well as after school. I will usually complete my homework late at night once I am done with training and dinner. At weekends, I try to put in more time and attention towards my studies. It can be challenging at times but with a positive mentality, I am able to manage and balance my time effectively.

4) How does the scholarship help you in achieving your goal and dreams?
The TIS scholarship has actually given me further purpose to continue on what I've been doing in both sports and academics. With the scholarship, this is just the beginning and I want to strive and achieve better results in them.

5) What is the advice that you would give students who are interested in applying for the scholarship in the future?
Always expect the unexpected. You only lose a fight when you stop fighting, not when you give up. Continue to try your best in everything that you do. Believe in yourself!