Gates scholarship takes Edward to Cambridge

A University of Adelaide graduate has been named among the world's most brilliant students, winning one of the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarships.

Edward Yapp, 23, from Brunei, completed his double degree in Chemical Engineering (First Class Honours) and Finance at the University of Adelaide.

His academic excellence earned him a University Medal and the honoured position of mace bearer for his graduation ceremony last April.

Even before he graduated, Edward had been awarded a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, one of the highly competitive scholarships for study at the University of Cambridge.

The scholarship will enable Edward to study for a PhD in Chemical Engineering.

"I never expected it, but I am really grateful for the opportunity. It will help me to challenge myself," Edward said of his scholarship.

"I hope to complete my PhD at Cambridge in three or four years and enter the industry, where my knowledge and technical skills may be applied to real-world problems," he said.

Edward, who was studying at the University of Adelaide on an international scholarship, said his time at the University was well spent.

"I got to know many excellent lecturers, in particular Dr Ken Davey and Dr Yung Ngothai, who showed concern for students. I was also recommended to be a part-time tutor, which I enjoyed very much," he said.

In addition to his studies, Edward was involved in sports such as mountain biking, jogging, table tennis and basketball.
He will begin his PhD at Cambridge in October.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship was established from a US$210 million donation to Cambridge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

To see more photos from the recent University of Adelaide graduation ceremonies, go here.

To view the range of scholarships available at the University of Adelaide, visit: ua.edu.au/scholarships

Story by David Ellis