Nationality: Singapore
Current Job: Lecturer, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
Graduation: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Year 2013
Undergraduate: National University of Singapore, Singapore
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” - Zig Ziglar
In retrospect, would you still have chosen to do a PhD? Why?
Yes. Because the PhD journey not only allowed me to gain domain knowledge but also to learn the importance of perseverance and resilience.
On hindsight, would you still have chosen NUS to do your PhD?
Yes. Because NUS has world-class resources and teaching staff and it is one of the most reputable Universities in the world.
On hindsight, would you have chosen the same research topic for your PhD?
Yes. Because my PhD project involved very new technology back then (Next Generation Sequencing), which offered me the opportunity to do something that not many graduate students had an opportunity to do at that time.
On hindsight, would you have chosen the same research supervisor for your PhD?
Yes. Because my PhD supervisor gave me sufficient freedom to explore new things, provided clear direction for project and strong support in terms of resources. She is a great mentor who has shown me what a true educator and scientist is like.
How did your experiences as a graduate student shape and guide you in your current career?
My current career in education requires qualities such as patience, integrity and meticulousness. During my graduate studies, I learnt the importance of paying attention to even minute details to make experiments work. I was also trained to be more patient and resilient. Maintaining integrity when reporting experimental results was also an important training I received during my graduate studies. All these values / qualities are very useful in my current career.
Suggest 2 or 3 things that graduate students should do to prepare for their professional careers?
a. Network with people, especially those in the industry that you are trying to get into.
b. Learn skills beyond your domain skills, including soft-skills.
c. Publish well.
What advice would you give someone considering doing his/her PhD at NUS?
Try to imagine the end point. What would you like to do with a PhD degree? Is that goal sufficient to keep you going for 4-5 years despite challenges?
Choose a project that you are confident that you can stay engaged / interested for at least 4-5 years.
When faced with challenges, never forget your original intention of starting your PhD.
Briefly share something fun in your graduate journey at NUS that you remember.
We had lab outings every year. We went for walks, buffet, barbeque, bowling etc. Those are some of the fond memories that I have.
Any other words of wisdom to share?
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”
– Zig Ziglar