Nationality: Singapore
Faculty & Year of Study: Business School, Year 5
Undergraduate: National University of Singapore, Singapore
"Be genuinely curious, willing to learn and re-learn, open to criticism, and come equipped with persistence and perseverance."
Why Did You Choose To Pursue A PhD?
Upon completion of my undergraduate studies, I worked as a consultant for around 5+ years before deciding to do a PhD. While I enjoyed my work, part of me wanted to be in an environment where I could continually learn and have the flexibility to explore and do research on topics that interest me.
Why Did You Choose To Pursue Your PhD At NUS?
I spent a year as a research assistant in NUS to see if a PhD, and a career path in research, would be the right choice for me. I witnessed, in NUS, how rigorous research is carried out within a flexible and welcoming environment. Research ideas and directions are constantly examined, improved upon, and challenged by great minds.
Can you tell us briefly about your research topic?
I study consumer behavior, and am interested in the intersection between consumer choice and technology / innovation.
How does PhD graduate education compare with your undergraduate experience?
In the PhD program, learning is done more independently. The learning curve is way steeper, and much less structured. You are expected to be more self-critical, and to generate new knowledge compared with using and applying existing knowledge (in the undergraduate program). Research may be collaborative in nature, but most of the learning, analyzing and thinking is done by oneself.
What do you like most about graduate school?
Getting to know fellow PhD students who share similar general research interests, similar curiosity toward understanding the different facets of human behavior, and to go through the ups and downs of PhD life together.
Can you tell us something fun about your PhD journey in NUS?
Getting to go on overseas conferences, where I can share my work and listen to other great minds share their work.
Any advice for someone who's considering a PhD in NUS?
Be genuinely curious, willing to learn and re-learn, open to criticism, and come equipped with persistence and perseverance.