Two graduates from NTU’s School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering share their experience of how tertiary education has prepared them to face the challenges ahead.

By Md Sufyan Saad

Vincent Toh discovered his interest in airplanes as a member of the Singapore Youth Flying Club during his second year in Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP).

“I did about 20 flights while with the club. Through that, I began to view planes as brilliant pieces of machinery,” he enthuses.

Despite his background in Multimedia & Infocomm Technology, the 26-year-old was adamant about furthering his studies in Aerospace Engineering at the Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE).

“I was initially offered programmes by two local universities,” he says. “But ultimately, I decided to pursue my burning passion.”

He joined the pioneer batch of students in the Aerospace Engineering programme, which commenced in June 2005 and was officially launched in February the following year. To date, NTU is the only university to offer such a degree programme.

An enjoyable school experience
As one of the pioneers, Vincent had many challenges to tackle. “The first year was tough and quite a struggle for me, as Physics and Chemistry were not my strongest subjects,” he explains. “Eventually, I managed to overcome that and was able to perform well for the rest of my school years.”

“There’s a good competitive spirit, as everybody shares whatever they have learnt and discovered. That was how we coped being the pioneer batch,” adds Vincent, who graduated with an Upper Second-Class Honours degree.

He also immersed himself in other aspects of student life. “On top of being the Vice-Chairman of Hall of Residence 5 Dinner & Dance Committee, I also took part in the inter-hall games which took place after every first semester of every school year. I participated in tennis and road relay,” the sportsman proudly declares.

Looking back at his four years in NTU, Vincent considers living in the residential hall as one of the highlights of his student life. “I pretty much stayed in the hall throughout the four years, and it was very exciting – the people you meet, the friends you make, are all from different schools. It was a very good, fun experience,” he sums up with a smile.

Gaining experience
Fellow graduate and NYP alumna Faith Foo Sin Yee didn’t immediately pursue a degree after attaining a diploma in Mechatronics Engineering. “I chose to work for a few years before returning to school as I wanted to save up for tuition fees as well as gain some working experience,” she says matter-of-factly.

She first worked as an air stewardess – so she could “see the world for free” – and two years later, became a personal assistant in an employment agency.

“During my time there, I met many engineers seeking job placements. I learnt more about an engineer’s job scope, remuneration and other information with regard to engineering,” says Sin Yee.

Eventually, in 2005, when she decided she was both mentally and financially ready, she left her job and pursued her degree full-time in Mechanical Engineering at NTU’s School of MAE.

Diversified roles
Having been in the workforce for so long, Sin Yee saw the three years in NTU as “a break from work”. “I allowed myself to fully experience and enjoy all the fun and privileges of being a student again,” she says.

Sin Yee seized the opportunity to actively participate in co-curricular activities (CCAs), and was elected Business Manager for the MAE Club, and subsequently became Vice-President, leading a committee of more than 20 executive members.

She also set up an online lingerie shop with a friend – who is now her fiancé – in her fourth year of studies. “I made use of my spare time to learn a few multimedia software and designed the website myself while, at the same time, learnt how to be an entrepreneur,” she beams.

Upon graduating in 2008 with an Upper Second-Class Honours degree, Sin Yee secured a job as a Project Engineer with ExxonMobil Chemical Operations Pte Ltd – where she had interned as a third-year student.

“My role as a Project Engineer is very diverse,” she explains. “When tasked with a project, we are expected to handle it through various stages. To complete these tasks, we need to be equipped with not only the appropriate technical knowledge, but also the people management skills. We are responsible for ensuring that all personnel involved carry out their tasks safely, accurately, and promptly.”

Sin Yee adds, “All the knowledge that I have gained from both academic courses as well as project-based modules have strengthened my ability to cope with all the challenges in my work.”

A wealth of opportunities
In all, both Sin Yee and Vincent agree that they have gained much from their NTU experience.

“I remember every semester, I would be stationed at the Lee Wee Nam Library from 8.30am till 11.30pm, mugging for exams with my friends. It was a tough period, but it was a good experience nonetheless,” Vincent recalls.

“For me, having my Final Year Project published in an international journal was the highlight of my academic results,” Sin Yee proudly exclaims. Her project, which explored the potential for artificial intelligence to make aesthetic judgements, was nominated for Institution Project Prize and Best Project Certificate by IMechE from the United Kingdom.

“Also, I figured out what I wanted in life during my NTU days, and made use of the time and learning opportunities I had to path my future,” she adds. “I stayed in a residential hall for my last three years, and I think the environment is very suitable for young undergraduates to study, improve their interpersonal skills, and achieve overall self-development.”

As for Vincent, he believes NTU has given him a wealth of opportunities. “There are a lot of things that you can do here – go for student exchange programmes, join various clubs, participate in sports, and take up different roles in the clubs and hostels. In short, prospective students will enjoy their student life in NTU.”