Hailed by many as the premier research institution for science and technology in Singapore, A*Star or the Agency for Science, Technology and Research epitomises the spirit of enquiry, innovation and constant reinvention that have shaped our country’s present, and mould our future.

The select few who become A*Star scholars will probably attest that their success takes more than wishing upon a shooting star. Instead, it takes a lot of hard work and planning.

This is what we gathered from Gabriel Ng, a young A*Star scholar currently pursuing a double degree in biology and business at University of Pennsylvania.

The three D’s
When asked about his advice for aspiring A*Star scholars, the 23-year-old third year undergraduate quoted three ‘Ds’: Do your homework, Distinctions and Differentiate.
Make no mistake, it’s not an easy path to take, but the destination is worth it. Armed with the organisation’s support, A*Star scholars earn the privilege of studying overseas at the world’s best universities.

“Pursuing an overseas education has broadened my horizons and given me greater insight on some of the exciting research work being conducted in the United States,” said the former student of Victoria Junior College.

Studying in the US also gave Gabriel the opportunity to work with people from around the world.

“Through project meetings and classes, I gained a global perspective and also grew more mature at the same time, because of my interaction with international students,” says Gabriel.

Furthermore, he is glad to be studying under the guidance of world-renowned professors at the University of Pennsylvania. “The learning process is very independent. Besides the usual tests and project work, research and presentations facilitate self-exploration and a deeper understanding of concepts,” he says.

Learning to participate
But studying abroad is not a bed of roses! Gabriel had to overcome some obstacles when he first got there. “It took a few classes and some determination before I overcame the inertia to actively present my views in class,” he recalls. “I must say that the discussion-based learning environment in the US greatly accelerated my educational progress.”

Of course, there are also fond memories. For instance, Gabriel had the opportunity to organise the Wharton Asia Business Conference in November last year. It was a great experience to bring together students, international business leaders and professionals to debate Asia’s economic prospects and discuss what lies ahead.
Given that Singapore is reinventing itself as a world-class research hub for science and technology, you can understand why A*Star scholarships are highly sought after.

As someone who is keen on building a career in biosciences, Gabriel speaks of the benefits of being a scholar. “This scholarship offers me a chance to shape the rapidly growing biomedical sciences industry and elevate Singapore to the ranks of other countries that have successfully developed a competitive advantage in this area.”

More specifically, the scholarship will also provide Gabriel with first-hand experience about research management. He will have the chance to work with the organisation’s top managers along with many distinguished scientists.

The technology business
In fact, working with managers at A*Star will be a practical extension of Gabriel’s education, since he is not just majoring in biology but business as well.

It is not at all easy to do a double-degree. Each degree requires in-depth knowledge of its own subject area. “It is a challenge,” admits Gabriel, “but I believe that a double degree in Business (especially Operations Management) and Biology will give me sufficient breadth to appreciate the advances in science as well as the managerial skills needed for a career in life science management.”

But what will Gabriel do once he has graduated?

“I will be working at either the Biomedical Research Council or the Science & Engineering Research Council, which oversees and coordinates public sector research and development activities in Singapore the business arm of A*Star (Biomedical Research Council Science and Engineering Research Council) or the Corporate Planning Division as part of a six-year-bond,” he replies.

Every scholar can look forward to a range of jobs in technology management. And not all of these jobs require performing research in the laboratories. In fact, scholars like Gabriel will also have the opportunity to work in sister agencies such as the Economic Development Board (EDB) or IE Singapore, for a period of two years.

So, if you’re interested in pursuing an exciting career in science and technology, you don’t need to look further than A*Star.

Advice for the aspiring
• Do your homework: Gabriel urges aspiring scholars to find out more about A*Star. He sought advice from his mentors and recruitment officers from the organisation before deciding to join the organisation.

• Distinctions: For Gabriel, the golden rule is to do well in your studies. This means preparing early for the A-Levels.

• Differentiate: Gabriel believes that a potential A*Star scholar must be able to differentiate himself from other applicants. He should have played an active role in co-curricular activities; displayed a keen interest in the sciences; taken part in science fairs, international science conferences or even internships during school vacations.