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Monash swimmers shine

20 April 2005

Two first-year Monash Malaysia engineering students were stars of the pool last month at a swimming tournament organised by the Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities.

Monash Malaysia swimmers Alvin Ng (left) with Cheng Shu-Fenn.

Ms Cheng Shu-Fenn took home a medal haul of one gold, five silver and one bronze, while Mr Alvin Ng won one gold, one silver and one bronze.

Ms Shu-Fenn, who won the 50m freestyle, with the rest of her medals coming in breaststroke and backstroke events, said she was surprised to have outperformed her stronger opponents despite a lack of practice.

"I did not really practise for the tournament except while coaching the Selangor state synchronised swimming team," she said.

She plans to retire from representing the state in competitive swimming but will continue to represent the university.

Mr Ng, who won gold in the 50m breaststroke and silver and bronze in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events respectively, said he would continue representing Monash in swimming competitions if they did not clash with his study schedule.

Monash University Malaysia pro vice-chancellor Professor Merilyn Liddell said it was important for students to strike a balance between university study and co-curricular activities.

"We want our students to excel not only in their studies but also in whatever sporting or community engagements they choose to be involved in," she said.

"The university is fully supportive of our students who take part in activities that bring positive benefits to themselves, the campus, the community and the nation."