NTU empowers students by giving them a broad-based education. Students have the opportunity to choose modules from a variety of disciplines, and the freedom to combine subjects from business, arts and science to suit their interests. They are also mentored by some of the world’s best professors and able to learn alongside like-minded peers. At the same time, they can benefit from enriching overseas study programmes with eminent global partners such as Rolls-Royce and Imperial College London.

This emphasis on wide exposure aims at bringing students closer to their new phase of life after graduation. Two students strongly affirm NTU as a place to receive a holistic education. Tan Chin Sian and Sabina Tan, both Nanyang Scholars, share their experiences and tell us what makes their learning journey so fulfilling.

Choosing NTU

An Engineering graduate from Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Chin Sian is currently undertaking the Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at NTU. He chose Engineering in polytechnic and university to satiate his love for mathematics and physics.

His academic life had always extended beyond his textbooks. One reason he embarked on a polytechnic route was the televised dance competition he witnessed, conducted by NP’s dance club. The dance club left an indelible impression on him and secured his participation.

Sabina Tan Yushan
Nanyang Scholar

Studying Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences,
Nanyang Technological University

Diploma in Biotechnology, Temasek Polytechnic

Fast forward a few years and Chin Sian is now an avid member of NTU’s modern jazz dance club. He chose NTU to pursue both his degree and dance interest because of NTU’s focus on grooming multi-faceted individuals. “I always knew that NTU’s emphasis on a broad-based education would give me varied opportunities and greater exposure,” Chin Sian shares.

On Sabina’s end, she completed her Diploma in Biotechnology at Temasek Polytechnic, and is currently pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at NTU. Her interest in the field was sparked by the CSI television series she followed in secondary school. She tells us, “I chose NTU because it allowed me to select subjects based on my interests, as opposed to more entrenched courses at other universities. I wanted to learn about, enjoy and excel in Forensic Science, and NTU has allowed me to do just that.”

Memorable Experiences

As Nanyang Scholars, both students have revelled in the benefits that accompany their scholarship. Apart from being bond-free, the scholarship covers scholars’ tuition and hall fees, provides a travel grant of S$5,000 for an overseas programme, and gives scholars priority for overseas programme participation among other benefits.

Chin Sian chose to undertake his exchange programme at the University of California, Los Angeles, an institution ranked among some of the most reputable international universities. He tells us that he chose UCLA for two main reasons – his dream of experiencing life in an American college and its big dance community.

Tan Chin Sian
Nanyang Scholar

Studying Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering,
Nanyang Technological University

Diploma in Electronic and Computer Engineering, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

His time at UCLA certainly exposed him to its rigorous academic culture, and shaped him to become a fiercely-independent learner. He shares, “UCLA has a very competitive academic environment and professors there ensure students are never spoon-fed. I also remember only sleeping four hours on average per night, after trying to balance events, dance trainings, a raft of school work and my household chores. It was not an easy journey. To me, my exchange programme was the toughest period of my academic life, but it was also the period I grew most as a person.”

Sabina’s exchange programme took her to Australia’s University of Melbourne for five months. It was there that she made the decision to go beyond her comfort zone and participate in activities not usually associated with her.

She shares with a laugh, “I was never the outdoorsy type! But I knew I wanted to do something different and make my exchange programme really worthwhile. I thus opted to go for hikes up a couple of hills in Australia with extremely steep terrain. It made me proud that I was able to complete them.

“I also never imagined myself performing in public. My resolve to step out of my comfort zone pushed me to join the Glee Club on campus, which led me to sing in front of the entire school. My exchange programme certainly brought out a new side of me.”

Where Exciting Things Await

NTU students have a myriad of opportunities to enrich their academic lives. When Chin Sian was in Year 3, he was shortlisted alongside two others to undergo an internship with the United States Air Force Academy for six months. He shares, “I was attached to the Astronautics Department. My time there enabled me to witness professors invent a satellite simulator for the classroom, designed to mimic the functions of a real-life satellite. I had the opportunity to see Astronautics undergraduates use this satellite simulator to complement their theory.”

He also highlights his own engineering professors in NTU, all of whom possess strong research and professional expertise. “My professors are influential researchers in their own field and understand the value of independence. This is why they train us to become strategic and independent learners. They also take on a systematic approach in their lectures, ensuring students are able to grasp complex concepts easily,” he muses. For Sabina, she shares that her forensic science lectures are often conducted by employees from the Health Science Authority (HSA) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). She tells us, “These lessons allow us to learn about technologies that are being utilised currently. They help us understand the workforce better and teaches us what to expect.”

While NTU students are exposed to a variety of opportunities, Chin Sian and Sabina say that approaching these with the right attitude is key to enjoying an enriching student experience.

Chin Sian advises, “Remember that there are no shortcuts to success and hard work is essential. While you feel empowered by your achievements, always remember to be humble. Let your achievements push you – not distract you.”

Sabina agrees, concluding, “It is also important to be pro-active. I would not have known about the Nanyang Scholarship had I not taken the initiative to make new friends who eventually told me about it. The lecturers here are also extremely nice, always willing to offer us their textbooks over the weekend and taking effort to clear our doubts. However, the first step has to come from you in order to maximise your time and grasp all your opportunities at university.”