Malaysian student Stephenie Siew Jean Tiew won the title of International Student of the year in 2008. She feels that taking part in the awards has completely changed her perspective on life.

'I learnt about the Shine awards in my first year in the UK and I found it hugely inspiring to read the winners’ stories. The way they embraced all aspects of life inspired me to push myself, work hard and seek out experiences beyond studying.

'After watching the awards with interest and reading about the winners, and with some encouragement from my friends, I decided to enter in 2008. The competition is designed in such a way that it’s not difficult to have a go and I just imagined that I was writing to my mum and dad. If you picture in your head the person you’re writing to, then it’s easy to convey your story.' While she was at university, Stephenie won the prestigious Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Student prize, she was actively involved in the debating team and became a regular writer for the medical school newsletter. Outside of the university, she and some friends set up the ‘Save a Baby’s Life Society’, which meant they went out into the community to teach basic life support skills to parents and carers and organised special events to help fund the group. These were just some of the experiences that Stephenie wrote about in her entry. Commenting on winning the award, Stephenie said, 'I can honestly say that it’s changed my outlook on life and given me a massive confidence boost. I have the attitude that anything is possible if you really go for it and I’d definitely encourage students to take part.'