Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievement of its alumnus, a Torchbearer, Ethan Yam, who has been selected to represent Malaysia in fencing at the upcoming SEA Games.
Ethan, a former Cambridge A-Level student, was not only known for his academic excellence but also for his leadership and commitment to holistic development. During his time at MCKL, he was awarded the Student Leadership and Achievement Award, a testament to his dedication both in and beyond the classroom. Now, Ethan is set to carry the nation’s colours on the international stage, showcasing the same discipline, perseverance, and passion that marked his years at MCKL.
Balancing Academics and Sports Through Discipline
Being an achiever in both academics and sports, Ethan shared that effective time management was key to his success. For him, it was never about sacrificing essentials like sleep, but about making conscious choices to cut out unproductive activities such as video games or endless streaming.
“I chose to invest my time in training and revision,” he explained. “Since I gave up leisure time, I made sure every second counted. Whether I was studying or fencing, I gave 100% effort to make the sacrifice worth it.” Ethan added that the secret lies in consistent practice. “Do not practice until you get it right, practice until you cannot get it wrong.” This mindset, he believes, has been central to his journey as both a student and an athlete.
Reflecting on his journey, Ethan expressed deep gratitude to the lecturers and staff at MCKL who supported him through the challenges of balancing academics with his demanding training schedule. “I am extremely grateful for the cooperative lecturers and staff,” he shared. “My teachers offered special help whenever I asked, especially for topics I missed due to training.”
Ethan spoke with particular appreciation for his Chemistry lecturer, Dr Lee Lin Zhi, who consistently went the extra mile to guide him. “Dr Lee has been extremely supportive of my journey and dreams. Whenever I fell behind because of training, she was always willing to teach me. She was also very responsive to my requests for recommendation letters and evaluation forms. Her encouragement motivated me to keep striving, even when I felt like giving up, because I knew there were people like her who truly wanted to see me succeed.”
Being a Young Athlete
Ethan’s passion for fencing began when he was just ten years old. “I was never good at ball sports, yet I loved the competitiveness and thrill that sports brought,” he recalled. “When my dad came across fencing, he encouraged me to try it, and I loved it instantly.”
He trained with determination, even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, he earned his first bronze medal, which he described as the moment he “tasted success” and knew he wanted more. Two years later, he clinched his first gold medal at the 2023 National Junior Championships, a victory that carried special meaning.
“Not only was it my first gold medal, but it was also a redemption for me,” Ethan explained. Previously sidelined by back pain, he returned stronger to defeat two formidable teammates, Aiman Shah, former National Cadet Champion, and Jesaiah Lyshant, former Asia Cadet Champion, both of whom he had never beaten before. “That win sparked my Olympic dream, and I have been working endlessly towards it ever since.”
Now, as he prepares to represent Malaysia at the SEA Games, Ethan reflects on the honour and responsibility of wearing the national colours. “It is undeniably exciting. At the same time, it is terrifying I feel the weight of 35 million citizens on my back, shouldered alongside my teammates. But at the end of the day, I thank God for this opportunity to be where I am today. I know this is Him answering my prayers.”
Looking ahead
Ethan’s aspirations extend far beyond the classroom and the fencing piste. “I aspire to study Applied Mathematics at an Ivy League university, namely Princeton in the United States,” he shared. “At the same time, it has always been a goal to be an Olympian and I plan to continue fencing throughout university. I believe the university that I have chosen has a strong a fencing programme and it can bring me closer to both of my long-term goals.”
With his unwavering discipline, academic drive, and passion for sport, Ethan is determined to pursue both excellence in his studies and his Olympic dream. His journey stands as a powerful example of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of holistic success.
To his juniors, Ethan offered words of encouragement drawn from his own journey, “Put your faith in God and pray. He will answer in His timing. From my experience, His timing is always the best. Alongside faith, give your 100% in everything you do; never approach tasks carelessly just to get them done. God is fair. He sees effort and rewards those who work hard. And finally, manage your time wisely, diversify your pursuits and do not put all your eggs in one basket.”
Ethan’s story is a testament to perseverance, discipline, and faith. From excelling in academics at MCKL to carrying Malaysia’s colours on the international sporting stage, he embodies the values of resilience and holistic growth. As he sets his sights on the Ivy League and his Olympic dream, Ethan continues to inspire his peers and juniors to pursue excellence with purpose. His journey reflects MCKL’s mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals who not only achieve personal success but also make a lasting impact in their communities.