From High School Equivalency Diploma student to college graduate, Paul Sum achieved his MATC dream
Paul Sum with his producing equipment
Whenever Paul Sum wanted to move forward, MATC was there for him. Sum and his wife, Lian Nu, came to the United States from Malaysia in June 2014, and they struggled to find work and to get around Milwaukee. “We had no car. We didn’t speak much English,” Sum recalled. “It was a very difficult life.” The couple read online about MATC and in 2017 enrolled in English as a Second Language classes. They took courses while they worked and slowly improved their proficiency. In December 2023, they both received their High School Equivalency Diplomas (HSED) from the college. Sum didn’t stop there. He enrolled in MATC’s Audio Production program, attending classes full time, working part time at night and delivering packages for Amazon and food for Uber Eats. He completed his homework in the early morning hours and on the weekends. “Sometimes I was working on my assignments until 2 a.m. or a.m.,” he said. “Some days I slept about four hours.”
His dedication and hard work has paid off. He made the honor roll in four straight semesters and earned his associate degree at MATC’s 2025 Winter Commencement at Fiserv Forum. “It has been worth it,” Lian said. “He is so proud of himself. He really likes to learn, and he loves the Audio Production program. I know there were times he wanted to give up, but he kept going.” The Audio Production program combines creative and practical aspects of sound and music, and prepares students to work as broadcast technicians, sound engineering technicians and media collections specialists — careers that can pay up to $30 or more per hour based on experience, according to Lightcast Data. “For me, the program was very difficult, but I loved the practical part of it,” Sum said. “All of my instructors were great. They all helped me and supported me when I needed it.” Theodore King-Smith, an instructor who taught Sum in several courses, said that Sum was an excellent student. “Having finished the ESL program beforehand, Paul was able to keep up with ease,” King-Smith said. “He also has a good ear for music and sound, which helped him understand the concepts in classes quickly, even if there were some new terms he hadn’t heard before.
“Paul was also quite humble in class, eventually sharing his musical talents on guitar, bass and drums for several recording sessions,” King-Smith added. “I am proud of the trajectory he has had at MATC and will continue to have in his career.” Throughout his time at MATC, the college created a supportive environment for Sum as he adapted to life in the United States. “MATC has been great for us,” Sum said. “I love the college. They have been very supportive. All of the teachers and instructors we have had have been great, and they really help immigrant people. They have helped my entire family move forward.” Today, Sum is working as an on-call sound engineer, managing and operating audio equipment for live events and corporate meetings. He sets up microphones, adjusts audio levels, resolves technical issues, and ensures performers and presenters can clearly hear themselves. Sum hopes his journey will motivate and inspire his three children, now 15, 14 and 10 years old. “As immigrant parents, we are the example for our children,” Sum said. “We want to encourage them and show them our efforts.”