At NTU’s School of Computer Engineering, a rigorous curriculum and qualified faculty transforms students into promising gems. Be inspired by how one particular Professor mentors his student, growing his zeal and wisdom not just to succeed, but also fulfil dreams.

By Azhar Jalil

Ranked consistently amongst the top 100 universities in the world, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has undeniably come far in just over 50 years.

More than two decades ago, NTU established the School of Applied Science, where it pioneered the education of Computer Engineering in Singapore. In 2000, riding on its renown and in recognition of the then nascent IT sector, the School evolved to become the School of Computer Engineering (SCE), further solidifying the university’s reputation as a top-notch global institution.

SCE has since grown from strength to strength and now offers a broad range of programmes in Computer Engineering and Computer Science at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Interested students can opt to pursue double degrees in Business & Computing or Economics & Computing, or even integrated degrees comprising a Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science / Computer Engineering) awarded by NTU and a Master of Science (Computer Science) awarded by Georgia Institute of Technology.

Such diverse exposure enables SCE’s alumni to chart their careers in a variety of industries, such as gaming, digital media and animation, IT consultancy, R&D, and even finance and banking.

Host to over 2,000 students and powered by a group of highly dedicated staff, SCE regularly collaborates with industry leaders and other prestigious institutions, serving as a reputable technological hub where great minds meet.

The Art of Teaching
“I believe the art of teaching lies in understanding how people learn,” says Associate Professor Ong Yew Soon.

From enhancing classes with conventional audio-visual aids to providing real-time computer software demonstrations that lend life to lessons, Yew Soon does what it takes to ensure his students take home the maximum learning value from any subject.

For his lectures on Artificial Neural Networks (the simulation of biological neurons in a circuit), he created, with the help of some students, a software application that demonstrates how such technology can be diversely applied to benefit the finance, healthcare, defence, manufacturing, and robotics industries.

“To demonstrate its fun side, I also show how it can be used to produce creative art, pieces of music, as well as other diverse forms of digital multimedia,” he says.

Yew Soon also believes other key aspects of teaching include adapting to the needs of students and helping them resolve their issues. To this end, his friendly, open-minded and approachable teaching style bridges the student-faculty gap, fostering a conducive learning atmosphere that encourages students to think independently and analytically.

“I prefer to provide hints that build on what they know. The confidence they’ve gained from this approach is often revealed when they tackle other questions during tutorials,” he says.

Of Excellence, Strength and Wisdom
In recognition of his dedication and creativity as an educator, Yew Soon clinched the Excellence in Teaching Award at the 2008 Nanyang Awards – a reflection of the academic calibre at SCE.

Yew Soon says his interest in academia is based not only on research and service to society, but also centres on his passion for integrating teaching, mentoring and creativity. Such intellectual rigour serves as a conduit which accelerates the pace of scientific and technological advancement.

“I believe excellence in teaching means giving someone the strength and wisdom to not only succeed, but also to dream,” he says. “With appropriate and adequate exploration, novel and creative approaches can be developed to enable me to go above and beyond teaching someone something.”

Transforming Lives, Realising Dreams
Pang Zheng Xiang is someone who has definitely learnt more than just “something” under Yew Soon’s tutelage.

Earlier this year, the pair collaborated to create a mascot for the inaugural Asian Youth Games (AYG). Symbolic of their ingenuity and computer expertise, the pair took things into the virtual realm – Frasia the mascot is an artificially intelligent conversation-capable program.

Zheng Xiang’s motivation was simple. “My dream was to make Frasia come to life.”

The 25-year-old wanted to use technological innovation as a global platform that would connect Asian youths while also exposing them to foreign cultures. “I felt that I could apply the knowledge and skills learnt in SCE to use my creativity to realise a dream,” he says.

That dream materialised and has since been certified as the world’s first use of Artificial Intelligence in a multi-sport event by the AYG organising committee.

“I’m inspired to be innovative in the use of IT to transform lives,” Zheng Xiang quips.

In fact, animating Frasia wasn’t the first combined effort between Zheng Xiang and his Professor. Both had previously worked together in NTU’s Computing Innovation Development Programme (CIDP), where Zheng Xiang and four other students endeavoured to create a One-Stop Network-Centric Enterprise by carrying out software engineering and system integration. With Yew Soon’s guidance, the team walked away as overall champions in the event held earlier this year.

Zheng Xiang describes his mentor as knowledgeable, friendly and extremely helpful – someone who’s always there to impart knowledge and share life experiences with.

“In disagreements or disputes, Prof Ong wouldn’t force his opinion on the students but instead listens to the student’s point of view. He’s also an effective communicator and believes in constructive discussion,” Zheng Xiang says. “His mentorship enabled me to spot hope in the maze of difficulties.”

Zheng Xiang counts the guidance from Professors Miao Chun Yan and Quek Hiok Chai, and many other SCE faculty as instrumental to his achievement of success. Yew Soon now mentors Zheng Xiang in his final-year project, and both are in the process of expanding their work for AYG into the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010.

“They’re not only concerned about our school work, they also closely mentor us and pave the way for our future by making sure that we realise our fullest potential,” he says. “This makes me feel that studying in NTU is like being in a big family, which at the same time transforms us from raw stones to crafted diamonds.”

Six Points for Success
Between school work and pursuing his interest in computers, Zheng Xiang finds time to preside over the NTU chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery, and even serve as Vice-Chairman of the People’s Association Youth Movement Youth Executive Committee.

He attributes his success at managing various facets of his life to six factors: proper time management, being goal-oriented, effective teamwork, finding meaning in his work, an iron will, and finally, passion.

“In order to make dreams come true with every tomorrow a vision of hope, you must have the desire to reach your fullest potential,” says Zheng Xiang.

“Live each day as if it were your last and you will develop a keen respect for time, opportunity and creativity!”