Yi Yit Ho
LLB (Law) , 2021
Lord Templeman Scholarship
Malaysia
My lecturers at UWE aren’t concerned so much about whether your answer is initially right or wrong, because they intend to help you work toward the best answer or conclusion on your own. “
From a young age, I loved speaking my mind and debating with others, often correcting people when I believed they were wrong. Because of this, my parents first suggested that I study law. As I learned more about the profession, I realized it suited me perfectly. My long-standing interest in politics and social injustice connected naturally with criminal law, and I became drawn to the idea of helping people through the legal system. I also enjoy being active and communicating with others, so the image of arguing cases in court strongly appealed to me.
More importantly, there are serious issues in Malaysia that I hope to help address. Many people lack access to proper education and guidance, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and poor decision-making. Corruption and discrimination are also present within the legal system, where factors such as race or background can sometimes influence outcomes unfairly. Criminal law is still a relatively niche field in Malaysia, with few dedicated firms, and I hope that through this profession I can contribute to improving fairness and justice in my country. While meaningful change requires collective effort, I want to play my part in creating a more equitable legal system.
I completed my first two years of law studies in Malaysia before deciding to finish my degree abroad. After speaking with representatives from UWE Bristol, I chose the LLB programme because it offered both quality education and affordability, which was important as my family also needs to support my two younger brothers’ future studies. The support I received throughout the application, visa, and accommodation process made my transition to the UK smooth and stress-free. Receiving the Lord Templeman LLB Scholarship was also a tremendous financial help.
Life in Bristol has been an exciting and rewarding experience. I live at Frenchay Campus with a close friend from Malaysia who is also studying law. Cooking meals together, combining Malaysian Chinese, Indian, and British dishes, has helped us feel at home and avoid homesickness. I also appreciate how safe and walkable Bristol is, as well as its efficient public transportation. Exploring the city during events like Halloween gave me the opportunity to experience traditions and cultures that were entirely new to me, including the novelty of Daylight Saving Time, which does not exist in Malaysia.
Academically, studying at UWE has been both challenging and inspiring. The teaching style encourages preparation, discussion, and critical thinking rather than memorization. Workshops require students to engage deeply with legal questions and analyze why judges reach certain decisions. I especially value how lecturers guide students constructively instead of simply pointing out mistakes. They encourage us to think independently and develop our reasoning skills.
My lecturers are passionate and supportive, often sharing updates about current legal developments and taking time to understand students individually. This has made me feel respected and motivated to improve.
After completing my LLB, I hope to study for the bar and eventually work as a lawyer in the UK to gain experience and strengthen my skills. Ultimately, however, I plan to return to Malaysia and contribute to improving the fairness, integrity, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
