Finding her voice in journalism

When Life Sciences alumnus Angelica Ang enrolled in NUS as a Science student, she did not envision a future in a bustling newsroom. Her journey took an unexpected turn during the pandemic, when she saw firsthand how misinformation could spread rapidly. This opened her eyes to the power of clear, credible and accurate reporting in shaping public understanding during times of crises.

Today, as a journalist at The Straits Times, she uses the critical and analytical skills honed during her science education to investigate complex issues and communicate them with clarity. Her path sheds light on the versatility of a science education. While journalism may be a less unconventional choice for science students, Angelica’s story shows how a science degree can open doors to fields where clear, evidence-based communication is vital. 

What sparked your interest in journalism?

Since I was young, my family members have been big proponents of the news. We spent many evenings huddled together in front of the TV, watching daily news reports. We also had a print subscription to The Straits Times, from which my mother would cut out articles for my brother and I to peruse.

Despite that, as a kid more inclined towards the sciences, I had never truly contemplated a career in journalism until the COVID-19 pandemic. With our lives upended and schedules disrupted, I turned to journalism from across the globe to make sense of the pandemic which was unfolding at an unprecedented scale. I found it fascinating the way outlets like The Atlantic and The New York Times wrote about viruses, science, public health and the pandemic – with both scientific accuracy and linguistic flair. I’ve always enjoyed writing and thought that it would be fulfilling to combine that with my broad-based science education and pursue journalism.

Did your undergraduate course influence your decision or was this your passion all along?

When I was in my fourth year, I did my final year project at the National Environment Agency’s Environmental Health Institute (EHI). As part of the virology team, I studied insect-specific viruses (ISVs) – or viruses which only infect insects and not humans. A potential benefit of such ISV research is that these viruses may potentially be used to create safe vaccines for human and veterinary diseases. One day, while on a car ride home with my father, he asked me about why vaccines were important and how they actually work. I had an epiphany then – that in order for mankind to benefit from science, the general public needs to first understand and trust it.

Scientists can toil away for years to produce a research paper, but it is also important that their findings are communicated to those outside of academia, so that more people can come to understand science and how it works! This could also influence policy decisions and sway public interest – helping to close the loop in translating and achieving impact with science research.

What are the skills and knowledge from your NUS Science education that transferred well into your work as a journalist?

One area would be in digesting complex information! A key skill I learnt during my time as a student is to break down and analyse scientific papers. Often littered with jargon and intricate diagrammes, I recall spending afternoons poring over papers, with a highlighter and pen in hand.

As a journalist, a big part of my job is to break down source material (reports, papers, press releases and the like) and put together a palatable piece for readers. The analytical and research skills I picked up as a student have served me well in this regard.

Does your science background give you an edge in how you approach stories or research topics?

For sure! Aside from acquainting me with scientific concepts and jargon, my background in science has also afforded me a wealth of story ideas, and a fantastic network to boot. For example, while at the NEA, aside from my own research, I was also exposed to other aspects of work undertaken by the EHI – including how various mosquito traps (e.g. the Gravitrap, Night Catcher) are used in surveillance for mosquito-borne diseases. This inspired a story that I undertook after joining The Straits Times, which outlined how various institutions in Singapore – NEA, National Parks Board (NParks) and Mandai Wildlife Group – regularly monitor animal populations for zoonotic diseases, which can pass from animals to humans.

My background in science has also given me a firm foundation to explore different ways of telling stories on how our world works – such as via a visuals-driven piece on Singapore’s seagrass restoration efforts I worked on in collaboration with our picture desk, and a news analysis on how zoos and aquariums should do more than just entertain (but also help in rehabilitation, education and conservation). Most of all, it has been very fulfilling to get to interview my professors and peers, and an honour to be able to tell the stories of their work.

Please share how a day at work is like.

As breaking news journalists, my team serves as the “first responders” to any news which breaks both locally and internationally. This means responding quickly to tip-offs and news flashes and filing a fast yet accurate first cut which can reach readers as quickly as possible. A few of my memorable work days were spent filing stories on Singaporeans’ reactions to Pope Francis’ passing in April and collaborating with a stringer / freelancer from Washington DC for our newspaper’s coverage on how Singaporean students at Harvard University were impacted by Trump’s international student ban.

At times, reporters are also roped in to report on large-scale national events, such as the General Elections and National Day. On days when there is no urgent news, we get to pitch and work on our own story ideas. Some of my favourite pieces I’ve worked on include the science pieces mentioned above and lifestyle stories on the rise of home-based cafes and the resurgence of interest in Pokemon trading cards here.

What are some of the challenges you face as a journalist and how do you address them?

A big challenge is how incessant the news cycle can be; especially as newly-minted journalists, it may be easy to burn out. I have been trying my best to pace myself, and pursue my ideas and stories at a sustainable pace, while keeping my excitement and curiosity alive.

How does Artificial Intelligence (AI) change the media landscape, and how are you adapting to it?

AI has an indelible impact on many facets of our lives, including the media. For journalism though, the human touch will always remain important. After all, the heart of reporting is sitting with people, and listening to and sharing their stories. Doesn’t get much more ‘human’ than that, does it?

In what ways do you think scientists and journalists can work better together?

Being open-minded and having shared conversations about how we can better communicate science.

What advice would you give NUS Science students on pursuing careers beyond traditional discipline-based jobs? What do you wish students knew about careers in the media?

I would say that if it excites you, then go for it – there’s no harm in trying it out! As with most careers, capabilities and skill sets can be learned on the job – and your academic background may serve you in unexpected ways. While careers in research and teaching are indeed exciting, many other opportunities also lie in the application of science – in science communication and public policy, for example.

What was the reaction from your peers, professors and family when you told them you are going into journalism?

They were pleasantly surprised and very supportive! A few of my professors even helped to pen referee letters for me, which definitely aided in my application to graduate journalism school. Every once in a while, my professors and peers send me a text on a piece I had worked on, saying they enjoyed it and / or offering some ideas and feedback. I truly appreciate the gesture, and the fact that they’re not just passionate about science, but also the application and communication of it!