Alumni Updates: From KTJ to Manchester

From KTJ to Manchester: A Journey of Discovery

In the summer of 2023, KTJ alumnus Arif Asyraf Akmarul Ariffin was on a call with a friend, anxiously awaiting the results of the PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP). When the results came through as successful, the two could hardly contain their excitement—celebrating the milestone that would mark the start of an exciting new chapter.

Now, over two years later, Asyraf has gone on to achieve 4A*s in A-Levels and secure a place at The University of Manchester, where he is currently pursuing an MEng in Mechanical Engineering.

His time in Manchester has been a rewarding adventure from the very beginning—though not without its challenges. On his first day, a simple walk in the park turned into a small ordeal when he misplaced his dorm keys and spent nearly an hour retracing his steps to find them! Since then, university life has been filled with discovery, learning, and new experiences.

At Manchester, Asyraf has immersed himself in several student organisations. He is an active member of ManSEDS (Manchester Students for the Exploration and Development of Space), where he is preparing to take part in next year’s Olympus Rover Trials, applying the CAD and Fusion 360 skills he first developed at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ). He also serves as the Social Media Secretary for the university’s Mechanical Engineering Society, a role that allows him to express his creativity through design and media.

Outside the lecture halls, Asyraf is taking full advantage of his time in the UK, exploring new cities and scenic landscapes. His travels have already taken him to London and the Lake District, where his father’s old camera has found new purpose capturing memorable moments along the way.

As he continues his studies, Asyraf looks forward to making the most of every opportunity that comes his way—both in Manchester and beyond.

This article is adapted from Asyraf’s post on LinkedIn.