Scheduled fulfillment: country boy happy in Singapore.

“I am thrilled because I never expected my dream to come true.” Bun Senkosal, 19, says. The student from Pursat province made it into Singapore through the ASEAN scholarship program.

Still at Pursat High School, Kosal was just a simple – not outstanding – student. By taking extra short courses and with self-studying he attained the necessary knowledge to win the scholarship.

“First, I had to apply for the scholarship. Then, I took an exam in mathematics and English writing skills. After that, I had to go through a 15-minute interview,” said Kosal summarising the application process.

Upon stepping into Singapore for the first time Kosal says that he was absolutely overwhelmed because it is nothing like his small hometown of Pursat.

“Everything here in Singapore is amazing. There are many skyscrapers, and the city is rubbish-free while the local people are busy with their business. When I first saw my school, I told myself that their education must be good and the teachers welcomed me.” Kosal remembers.

The curriculum is tough, leaving little opportunity to explore what Singapore has to offer apart from education. There are no holidays, only weekends but the students can have a break after each semester. Eight hours per day students have to stay on campus at Anderson Junior College.

Apart from class, extra-curricular activities are required of the students as well. Kosal plays harmonica.

“The knowledge I gain in music helps me to enjoy music better and also de-stress. Then I can study even better,” he says.

In an environment where Kosal has no difficulty to merge into studying is rather enjoyable to him than annoying.

“My classroom has a great environment. Without racial discrimination, all the students are intimate. Competition is inevitable but it doesn’t affect our friendship.”

Despite living a life dedicated to study and discipline, Kosal has never regretted going to Singapore for his education. There he values the law-abiding citizens, and well-organised environment for private and professional purposes. For Kosal it is the perfect place to develop himself.