19yo Joel Pang from Kuching is sole Malaysian to secure spot at Caltech for class of ‘28, eyes career in NASA

Joel Pang, a bright young mind from Kuching, is the only Malaysian accepted into the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for the Class of 2028. Photo credit: SAYS website/Joel Pang/Caltech (Facebook)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 10: Sarawak is filled with pride as Joel Pang, a bright young mind from Kuching, has accomplished the incredible feat of being the sole Malaysian to secure a spot in the esteemed California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for the class of 2028.

The 19-year-old’s journey is truly remarkable, given that he received offers from prestigious institutions like Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Cambridge in the UK.

According to a recent SAYS article, Pang selected Caltech due to his aspirations of working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is NASA’s sole federally-funded research and development centre.

Pang, who studied at SMK Batu Lintang here, is currently in his final year of A-Levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM in Lembah Beringin, Selangor.

The Shell scholarship recipient further said he plans to pursue chemical engineering, a field that intersects with chemistry, biology, physics, and artificial intelligence — all of which he is passionate about.

He is also keen on exploring niche courses like Astrophysics and Geology and Planetary Science, with hopes of working on samples at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at NASA.

Pang noted that he plans to pursue postgraduate studies to further his chosen field, even though his future includes fulfilling his bond with Shell Malaysia after graduation.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian took to his official Facebook Page to extend his congratulations to Pang for his impressive achievements.

“Heartiest congratulations to Anak Sarawak, Joel Pang for becoming the only Malaysian to be accepted into the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for the Class of 2028.

“In fact, he has also received offers from Ivy League unis like Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the University of Cambridge in the UK,” Dr Sim said. — DayakDaily