Defying the odds: NUS graduates forge unconventional paths to a bright future

Defying the odds: NUS graduates forge unconventional paths to a bright future

The challenges of life can sometimes bring out the best in people. Two NUS graduates from the Class of 2024 discovered a silver lining amidst their struggles, and their stories are a testament to the spirit of learning and the power of perseverance.

Jade Soh Gek Sang: From a rocky start in education to earning a PhD

Brimming with resolve and a passion for knowledge, Jade exemplifies the qualities of a lifelong learner. Her educational journey started bumpy in the early 1980s when she had to transfer to a school with Primary 7 and 8 syllabuses because English was not one of her strengths. Despite taking a longer route, she did well in the GCE O-Level exams and secured a place in a polytechnic to pursue a Diploma in Accountancy.

Before starting her accountancy course, Jade took a trip to Indonesia with her classmates, where she experienced the warm hospitality and living conditions of the locals there. The visit inspired her to do something meaningful to help others, which compelled her to pursue a Diploma in Nursing at Nanyang Polytechnic.

With support from her parents, Jade continued her studies in Western Australia to complete a nursing degree in 1998. Following her graduation, Jade pursued a career in clinical trials and epidemiological research at the Ministry of Health and other hospitals in Singapore.

Her learning journey continued in 2007 at the age of 33 when she enrolled at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health(SSHSPH) for a part-time Master's course in Public Health. "I want to thank NUS for providing me with a positive and supportive environment to expand my knowledge in clinical research," Jade shared.

After completing her Master's degree, Jade landed a job at the University of Manchester, which was an overseas university partner of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), teaching Statistics and Public Health subjects. She found teaching a very rewarding career. "With the new knowledge gained from my Master of Public Health degree, I was eager to discover how to nurture the next generation," said Jade.

In 2018, the urge to upgrade struck again. Jade decided to return to NUS to pursue a PhD at the age of 45 - it was a natural choice for her as she enjoyed its nurturing environment. She was also impressed by the practical relevance of the public health courses offered by SSHSPH in meeting the ever-evolving global public health needs and those of the population.

Jade's PhD studies were not without obstacles. In the third year of her PhD journey in 2020, Jade's father had to be hospitalised for 117 days. Jade was grateful to Associate Professor Luo Nan, who was the Programme Director at that time, for allowing her to postpone her PhD Qualifying Exam twice to care for her father in the hospital.

Shortly after her father's passing in early 2022, Jade's mother was diagnosed with liver cancer, and she had to take a Leave of Absence from school to care for her mother. Jade recalled sitting on the hospital floor to work on her PhD thesis while waiting for her mother to see the doctor.

Jade is deeply appreciative of Professor Emily Ang, who was Head of the NUS Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies from 2019 to 2023, and Associate Professor Tai Bee Choo, her PhD supervisor from SSHSPH, who both supported her through her PhD studies. "In preparation for my PhD thesis, I was confident that my supervisor would be there to guide me through my ideas and give me input, allowing me to become an independent researcher," said Jade.

Jade is currently an Assistant Professor with the Health and Social Sciences Cluster at SIT, educating and inspiring young minds in public health research. And Jade hopes her learning journey will encourage adults to embrace lifelong education. She has this advice to offer: "Learning is not about getting an A but about ABCD - Always Be Committed to your Development."

Jade, at the age of 50, will be receiving her PhD degree in Public Health (Biostatistics) on 14 July 2024.

Bryan Tan Guang Jun: From ITE to Honours degree, and paying it forward to inspire others

At a young age, Bryan was aware of his strengths and he wanted to pursue a career in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Coming from a single-parent household, he had to take on multiple part-time jobs while studying to help defray living costs at home and support his mother in paying for his younger sister's medical treatments.

"You only have one family," said Bryan as he recounted the many hats he wore as a student and a breadwinner for his family through his teen years.

After completing his GCE N-Level, Bryan entered a two-year Higher NITEC in Chemical Technology programme at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East through the Direct-Entry-Scheme to Polytechnic Programme, with his studies funded by the Howe Yoon Chong PSA scholarship. After graduating as the valedictorian of his cohort, Bryan enrolled in the Singapore Polytechnic's Diploma in Chemical Engineering programme and was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship to Encourage Upgrading Award, which helped to cover his tuition fees.

Bryan later secured a place at NUS in 2021 to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering at the NUS College of Design and Engineering(CDE) and he was awarded the Singapore Industry Scholarship (SGIS).

Having benefitted from a good education funded generously by scholarships, Bryan pays it forward by dedicating his time to serve the community. At NUS, he was actively involved in different Student Ambassador activities, such as helping prospective students understand the undergraduate programmes offered at the University, sharing his overseas exchange experience to Scotland with incoming and current NUS students, and planning events and tours for his Department.

Outside of school, Bryan spends his weekends volunteering as a grassroots leader at the Limbang Youth Network, where he currently serves as Auditor and works closely with his office holders and other leaders to organise events for residents. He also demonstrated his community leadership skills by completing the Youth Corps Leaders one-year programme organised by the National Youth Council in December 2022.

But Bryan is not all work and no play. During the second semester of his second year at NUS, he had the opportunity to complete a Student Exchange Programme at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. His time there was marked with memorable experiences, including clay target shooting, camping outdoors along the lake at the Isle of Skye, and travelling around Europe.

Bryan also participated actively in student activities, such as NUS Ballroom, NUS Toastmasters, and the Chemical Engineering Student's Society where he served as President of the Society from 2022 to 2023. "I was spoilt for choice and had many opportunities to try new things and hone my leadership abilities," he said.

Looking back at his well-rounded experience at NUS, Bryan is grateful that the University offers students a lot of flexibility in managing their time, as this has allowed him to plan his academic timetable to explore new areas to enrich his student life.

"Don't limit yourself because of where you came from. Dream big and think far," said Bryan, who hopes his personal experience would inspire others who may be taking a similar academic pathway as he did.

Enjoying the fruits of his hard work, Bryan is currently travelling around Asia for his graduation trip and will be starting work soon to fulfil his bond under the SGIS scholarship.

Bryan will graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering with Honours (Distinction) on 18 July 2024.