From Zero to O-Level: Wu Zeyang and Li Siying’s inspiring sharing
From Zero to O-Level: Wu Zeyang and Li Siying’s inspiring sharing
For many students, the GCE O-Level examination is no small challenge. Language barriers, subject difficulty, exam pacing, and the need to adapt all present significant hurdles.
But for Wu Zeyang and Li Siying, who have already stepped out of the exam hall, it was more than just a test—it marked a turning point in their lives. From struggling to understand lessons to gradually paving their own paths, their journeys have been anything but easy.
Recently, they returned to Hanbridge Institute with their freshly obtained O-Level results, sharing their personal journeys and exam insights with juniors preparing for the same challenge. This homecoming was not just a show of encouragement—it was a testimony to growth and resilience.
Wu Zeyang: From “a teacher’s headache” to entering Temasek Polytechnic
When people mention Wu Zeyang, teachers still remember how he was when he first arrived: “He didn’t like studying much and often didn’t complete his homework.” Although he was always present in class, the concepts never seemed to go into his head. During that period, it felt like all efforts were in vain.
It wasn’t until the final stretch of the preparation period that something “clicked.”
“I couldn’t keep going like this. I had to listen in class, actively consult teachers, and drill through exam papers,” he said.
Zeyang’s method was simple but effective:
Make use of the gaps between exams – “There are actually several days between each paper. Don’t waste them—make the most of that time by doing practice papers. I did at least three papers a day.”
Use teacher support fully – “Ask questions whenever you don’t understand, especially in the final months. Make sure you really grasp every single concept.”
Today, Zeyang is a student at Temasek Polytechnic. He described his experience:
“The local students are super welcoming. I really enjoy poly life. It gives you more freedom, but that also means you have to be more disciplined. A lot of content is self-taught via online courses, so time management and taking initiative to ask teachers questions are crucial.”
This transformation—from someone who worried teachers to someone who took charge of his learning—may have came late, but it arrived just in time.
Li Siying: From zero to passing O-Levels in one year
When Li Siying joined Hanbridge, she had virtually no foundation in English.
“When I first came, my English was really at zero.”
Being placed in an English-dominated environment was overwhelming at first. But instead of giving up, she chose to trust her teachers and follow their methods step by step.
She shared:
“Our teachers at Hanbridge are very experienced local educators, especially the English teachers—some are Malay, some Indian. They speak only English, and they explain everything in English. The environment forces you to listen and understand, and eventually to speak as well.”
“A lot of question types actually follow patterns. At first, I didn’t get it, but after listening and practising, I started recognising key words that kept repeating. That helped me learn how to answer.”
In just one year, she proved that with the right approach, even when starting from scratch, it’s possible to pass the O-Levels.
Whether it’s Wu Zeyang or Li Siying, they share one common trait in their growth: they weren’t defined by where they started, but instead thrived in an environment that suited them.
At Hanbridge Institute, stories like theirs are not rare.
We understand that not every student starts out as “excellent.”
We believe that with the right space, method, and support, every student can become a better version of themselves.
We are committed to delivering results through a localised teaching team, an immersive learning environment, and individualised guidance.
Their success is not just a reflection of their own efforts, but also a strong endorsement of the right learning environment.
When they returned to Hanbridge, they brought not only their experiences, but also their gratitude. Every exam in life is more than just a number on a paper—it’s a battle with anxiety and self-doubt.
Through their stories, Wu Zeyang and Li Siying show us that there’s no such thing as a student destined to fail—only those who haven’t yet found their direction.
✨Watch this Youtube video to find out study tips and important information for O-Level takers by Wu Zeyang & Li Siying:
📌 If you’re also struggling with the O-Levels or searching for the right starting point, come learn more about Hanbridge Institute, hear their stories, and see if this could be your opportunity to turn things around.
👉 Got questions about academic pathways? Leave us a comment—our education consultants will be happy to offer one-on-one guidance.