The College of Humanities and Sciences’ (CHS) flexible framework allowed Windsor KOH to push the boundaries of learning and in doing so, he discovered the interdisciplinary combination that was the sweet spot lying at the interface of his diverse interests.

In reading Double Majors in Pharmaceutical Science and Life Sciences and Minors in Philosophy, Computer Science and Entrepreneurship, Windsor acquired diverse knowledge in his quest to solve problems, which range from fighting cancer to devising an efficient algorithm. His ‘adventurous’ choice of Core Curriculum modules and Unrestricted Electives from other faculties opened up new avenues of knowledge he would not have otherwise discovered.

Note: CHS students’ course combinations are accurate as at Academic Year 2021/2022   

Year 1 College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) student YOUNG Zhan Heng is reading one of the College’s newest offerings – the Data Science and Economics Cross-Disciplinary Programme. This four-year programme is the first of its kind in Singapore to integrate knowledge in both disciplines.

Zhan Heng had no prior knowledge about coding and machine learning but within a semester, he had the opportunity to work on real data from the Housing and Development Board. He used machine learning to develop a simple model to predict housing prices, which he tested against historical transaction data.

Note: CHS students’ course combinations are accurate as at Academic Year 2021/2022.

SPS modules bring together teams from different science majors and are largely application-based to spark innovation, critical thinking and collaborative teamwork.  

Year 2 Life Sciences student YEOW Xuek Qee conducted research on carbon dioxide concentration in Singapore and in another multidisciplinary project with the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, she studied the role of a protein in neuronal development. In the process, she gained skills such as science communication and computational analysis, as well as knowledge in diverse domains ranging from cell engineering to geochemistry and astrology.

Year 3 Environmental Studies student TOO Fang Ning, who also reads a Minor in Urban Studies, is fascinated by environmental challenges such as climate resilience and sustainable development.

Her UROPES experience was especially memorable. Through fieldwork in the intertidal area at Pulau Hantu, she discovered its vibrant marine life and the effects of increasing habitat complexity on invertebrates and algae. The project presented a unique opportunity for Fang Ning to utilise ecoengineering to create coastal structures that enhance biodiversity and combat sea level rise. 

Year 4 student TAN Yong Jie, who majors in Life Sciences and minors in Forensic Science and Public Health, collaborated with Board Certified Entomologist Dr HEO Chong Chin to study the altitudinal effects in urbanised environmental conditions on the attraction of necrophagous flies towards cadavers.

He pioneered experiments on fly attraction across four different altitudes and devised an experimental weather box for fly trap containment and protection. His work bridges a gap in existing entomological research that did not take into account Singapore’s urban and environmental settings, such as the prevalence of high-rise buildings where crimes involving deaths occur at elevated positions.

Year 3 Data Science and Analytics students CHEN Yilin and TU Zhehao, recipients of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Global Internship Award, visited Alpha Ori Technologies’ India branch office under the Undergraduate Professional Internship Programme (UPIP).

Not only did they pick up skills in computer vision and natural language processing, but they also learned about digitalisation in the maritime industry. They witnessed large-scale ship management operations, attended workshops, training sessions and simulations for mariners, and worked closely with maritime professionals. They thoroughly enjoyed India’s cuisine and its rich heritage too!

Diverse engagement and leadership development opportunities were but two of the takeaways for Johnathan YEO, a Year 3 USP student reading Double Majors in Mathematics and Computational Biology.

In the compulsory introductory writing module, Johnathan learned the skills to produce well-researched academic papers. Through interdisciplinary modules, such as Gender Studies and Philosophy of Mathematics, he gained understanding of topics from the dual perspectives of the sciences and the arts. Under an independent study module, he gained computational and critical analysis skills in proteomics.  

The University Town College Programme gave Year 4 student Edmund NG unique exposure to a multidisciplinary academic curriculum offered in a living-learning environment.

As a Tembusu College resident, Edmund, who majors in Quantitative Finance and minors in Statistics, read five modules – two of which focused on writing skills and linguistic concepts – as well as three discussion-based seminars on multifaceted topics covering both Asian and global perspectives. The writing modules, in particular, enabled him to explore an area of interest, natural semantic metalanguage. He also actively participated in the college’s activities, picking up three different sports.  

A DYOM project by a trio of students from Life Sciences and Food Science and Technology (FST) clinched the inaugural geNiUSbooks top prize in January 2022 as part of an NUS competition to promote innovative digital education content.

Drawing inspiration from eggs, one of the most versatile and widely consumed foods, Year 2 FST student Michiryu Aquila TAN ABIGAIL, and his team created an interactive multimedia book, ‘Egg-ceptional Wonders!’. This eBook helps young readers to understand the science of food properties behind egg components through hand-drawn illustrations and engaging videos. The eBook was developed under the faculty’s Young Educators in Science (YES) programme. 

Year 2 Pharmacy student Xavier LIM was persuaded to join the national para badminton team in 2018 and has not looked back since. In August 2022, he clinched a bronze medal – his first international medal – at the FOX’s Indonesia Para Badminton International (2022) in the Men’s Doubles SH6 category.

For Xavier, badminton has not only developed his athleticism and mental resilience, but also provided him skills to strategise by analysing his opponents’ weaknesses. He credits his professors for their support in his studies as he pursues his sporting passions.

Alumnus Mr WONG Zi Heng (Physics, 2017) was only 22 years old when a diving accident robbed him of his mobility and independence. The Faculty’s support enabled him to complete his undergraduate studies while enjoying student life to the fullest.

Zi Heng went on to become a teacher under the Ministry of Education Teaching Award, where he has motivated many others to persevere through difficulties by sharing his journey. While he has had to work harder – his students assist him in experiments or carrying books – he has touched students’ lives by teaching them to be holistically equipped to take their place in society.

WANG Yipeng, a first year student in this Master’s programme, is an aspiring data scientist. He joined NUS looking to gain knowledge about machine learning models and domain-specific methodologies and skills like deep learning, data visualisation, computer vision and natural language processing. He also had the opportunity to apply these skills to real-life projects during his internships at companies such as DBS Bank and Grab.

Mr Ronald LIM, Head (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme), School of the Arts Singapore, attended the course where he learned how to use smart devices to enhance the way his students learn physics.           

Mr Agung GUNAWAN, Dry Etching Process Engineer, ams Sensors Asia Pte Ltd, received professional certification in this course, which better equipped him to advance his career in the manufacturing industry.