She is expected to be away for a few years before returning to serve the government.

Yap told FMT she had applied to eight universities in the US and out of those, six accepted her application and four offered her scholarships.

She said she would spend at least three years pursuing her Master’s in Urban and Transport Planning and would consider studying for another master’s in public policy.

Yap said she had not decided on which university to pursue her studies but had shortlisted two universities — Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, or Cornell University in New York.

“In the past five years as an assembly member, I have learnt a lot about governance. I think it is time for me to pursue my passion in town and transport planning.

“I am still young and I think it is best I pursue my studies. The country needs more planners and I hope to return to serve the government with that expertise,” Yap said.

When asked who the DAP would field in Pulau Tikus in the coming polls, she said it would be decided by the party leadership.

The 36-year-old graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (Hons) from Monash University in 2005.

She first served the Penang government as the science, technology and innovation officer at the chief minister’s office.

In the 2013 polls, Yap won the Pulau Tikus seat with 11,256 votes, defeating her Gerakan opponent Rowena Yam by a majority of 8,220 votes.

On the national stage, Yap is DAP Wanita executive council member.