Staring at the fork in the road after graduation? Can't decide on which path to take? Parlaying your diploma for a degree is plausibly your best bet.

By Eugene Lim

Currently in her final year of studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Yammie Chin graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a Diploma in Media and Communications. However, her true interest, since her adolescent days, was in Psychology. She muses, “I've always wanted to study Psychology since secondary school. However, I did not like the junior college curriculum and, at that time, polytechnics did not offer courses in Psychology.”

While parents around the globe might blame the television for their child's lackadaisical performance in school, Yammie's parents may well attribute their daughter's academic drive to the same source. “I watched a Hong Kong drama which featured a psychologist who counselled policemen, negotiated with people on the verge of committing suicide, and interviewed child witnesses. I thought her job was quite cool,” she recalls, speaking of the spark that ignited her passion for psychology.

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.

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.”

NTU’s School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering offers students the right balance of theory and practice, objectivity and creativity.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Budding engineers do not have to look far for a first-rate degree qualification. At the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) houses a multitude of degree programmes that are not only pertinent to the industry, but unique and vastly appealing.

For Gan Hoe Yee and Huang Jiesi, students of the EEE and Information Engineering & Media (IEM) programmes respectively, their programmes of choice provide them with the depth and relevance that a tertiary curriculum should offer.

“It’s more of an easier path for polytechnic students to get used to, maybe because of the way the course has been structured so it’s more smooth-flowing for us,” says Hoe Yee, a former Singapore Polytechnic student.

Jiesi also acknowledges the advantage that polytechnic students have over those from junior colleges. “Most of the polytechnic students will have some background in some of the modules,” says the National Junior College alumnus.

For Polytechnic Diploma Holders who are directly admitted to the EEE programme, courses on Basic Engineering Mathematics and Foundation Physics are provided to ease their transition into the degree programme.

Two graduates from NTU share how their decisions to further their studies after polytechnic education gave them a foothold in their pursuit of success.

Engineered for growth
Fresh out of university, Vernon Shen, the affable 26-year-old Mechanical Engineering graduate from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is the epitome of what we envision our graduates to be—confident and savvy. Currently an engineer at Sembawang Shipyard, Vernon is serving his bond under the Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI) scholarship he received during his final year of studies.