Faculty of Science Alumni & Students Fireside Chats 2025

Each academic semester, the Student Life & Alumni Relations section hosts on campus an evening of alumni & students networking session, to draw on the wealth of wisdom of NUS Faculty of Science alumni, who have, since their graduation, assumed a variety of professional roles and return to the alma mater to inform and inspire the next generation of professionals and leaders from the undergraduate section of the Science faculty.

Drawing on the freshly minted recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Science Alumni Awards, this semester, the section pioneered a new format of networking, utilizing the intimate setting of a fireside chat. Taking place over two evenings in late March and early April, catering to two different groups of Faculty of Science students (by their areas of studies), the Faculty welcomed back four of our 2024 Awards recipients, who selflessly found time from their professional and personal commitments to dole out precious nuggets of wisdom to our students, in a way only seasoned and successful professionals from a STEM background could.

On 26 March, Ms. Wong Sze Keed (Mathematics and Economics, ’92) and Dr. Zhao Jingyuan (Statistics PhD, ’09) joined forces to represent two highly accomplished women leaders in the financial services industry to field the questions of a group of ~40 inquisitive students reading mathematical sciences majors. Speaking from their own personal and professional journeys since graduation from NUS Science, Ms. Wong and Dr. Zhao took our students on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and adaptability, key attributes that grew them through their blossoming and storied careers. These invaluable sharings, combined with their career advice for students who are currently still amassing domain knowledge in preparation for the launch of their careers, enthralled the audience and invited additional, impromptu questions from the floor. Of course, these questions included the hot topic of assimilation of AI in the insurance services industry, and other related industries, to which our esteemed alumni speakers were able to provide a bird’s eye view on the trajectory of integrating AI in a variety of business processes, and the liberated productivity. Prior to their sharings with the students, the Department of Mathematics and the Science Deanery team warmly welcomed the two alumni with a short and discussive networking dinner.

The second fireside chat took place on 7 April, catering to Science students reading life and physical sciences majors. Gracing the occasion were Mr. Simranjit Singh (Life Sciences, ’04) and Dr. Karenne Tun (Zoology, ’94, and Marine Science PhD, ’13), who bring with them a trove of knowledge and experiences in the healthcare and conservation sectors, respectively. In addition, as a serial entrepreneur, Mr. Singh injected the much needed audacity of entrepreneurial spirit to the group of ~40 attending Science students, some of whom were indeed contemplating venturing out on their own with business ideas. Questions from the floor included tips for transitions from technical to managerial roles, and how life-long learnings helped the alumni speakers to where they are today. Of course, given climate change is such a vital topic for the future of Singapore as an island nation, Dr. Tun was also able to enlighten the participants of the utilization of nature-based solutions by a consortium of Singapore governmental agencies to counter the effect of rising sea levels. Leaders from the Department of Biological Sciences, together with the Science deanery team, discussed with Mr. Singh and Dr. Tun on a variety of collaborative topics before the fireside chat.

The two successfully concluded fireside chats are presented by the Science Dean’s Office, with able support from the NUS Students’ Science Club and the NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates.

Ms. Wong Sze Keed, left, regales students with career progression tips during the fireside chat session on the evening of 26 March, 2025.

Dr. Zhao Jingyuan, middle, recaps her illustrious career journey to the attending students during the 26 March fireside chat.

Mr. Simranjit Singh, left, injects the daring spirit of entrepreneurship during the 7 April fireside chat.

Dr. Karenne Tun, alumnus speaker at the 7 April fireside sharing, receives a token of appreciation from Vice Dean A/Prof Chng Shu Sin at the conclusion of the event.