SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL ANDBIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (SCBE)Bachelor of Engineering(Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)

Bachelor of Engineering(BioEngineering)

The School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (SCBE) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), offering direct honours degree programmes in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and BioEngineering, aims to empower a new generation of engineers through a rigorous curriculum that integrates principles of engineering with fundamentals of life and chemical sciences.

With modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities as well as dynamic faculty from internationally renowned universities, the School provides a stimulating learning environment and opportunities for students to identify and pursue personal and professional goals.

ADVANCING SOCIETY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE CHEMICAL AND BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES

INTRODUCTION

- Work and learn with the best students from Singapore and the region- Fresh graduates with one of the highest employment rate and gross monthly

salary in Singapore- Ranked 21st in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2015- World renowned professors as mentor- Offers direct-honours degree programmes- Global Immersion Programme (GIP) – Opportunities for six-month stints in one

or more of the following countries: China, India, France, Switzerland and USA- Accelerated Bachelor’s Programme (ABP)* - Fast track programme enabling

completion of degree in three and a half years- Undergraduate Research on Campus (URECA) Programme* - Opportunities

for research attachment within NTU

*Students need to satisfy certain requirement to be eligible for these special programmes offered by NTU

WHY SCBE?

PROGRAMMESOFFERED

CHEMICAL & BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES (CBE)B.Eng. (Hons) Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringB.Eng. (Hons) Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Year 2 Poly Direct Entry

RELATED PROGRAMMES:CBE with a Second Major in Business

• B.Eng. (Hons) Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering with 2nd Major in Business• B.Eng. (Hons) Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering with 2nd Major in Business (Int’l Trading Prog/ITP)

CBE with Second Major in Food Science Technology • B.Eng. (Hons) Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering with 2nd Major in

Food, Science and Technology Double Degree

• B.Eng. (Hons) in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering & B.A. (Hons) in Economics

CN YangIntegrated Program (IP) (M.Sc in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)

BIOENGINEERING PROGRAMMES (BIE)

B.Eng. (Hons) in BioengineeringB.Eng. (Hons) In Bioengineering, Year 2 Poly Direct Entry

RELATED PROGRAMMES:BIE with a Second Major in Business

• B.Eng. (Hons) In Bioengineering with 2nd Major in Business• B.Eng. (Hons) in Bioengineering with 2nd Major in Business

(Int’l Trading Programme/ITP)BIE with a Second Major in Food Science and Technology *New*

• B.Eng. (Hons) In Bioengineering with 2nd Major in Food, Science and Technology

BIE with a Second Major in Pharmaceutical Engineering *New*

• B.Eng. (Hons) In Bioengineering with 2nd Major in Pharmaceutical Engineering

Double Degree• B.Eng. (Hons) in Bioengineering & B.A. (Hons) in Economics

CN YangIntegrated Program (IP) (M.Sc in Bioengineering)

Programmes Offered | 01

aboutCHEMICAL & BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING

02 | About Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to satisfying the General Entry Requirements of NTU, candidates must have a minimum of:

• H2 level (or equivalent) passes in chemistry and mathematics, and

• GCE ‘O’ Level (or equivalent) pass in physics*.

* An ‘O’ level pass in physics is only applicable to candidates without H2 level pass in physics.

Candidates with relevant diplomas from local polytechnics may apply for admission.

Eligible candidates who hold a diploma with merit / distinction may be considered for direct entry into the second year* of the programme (i.e. completion of the programme in three years). Other eligible candidates may be admitted into the first year with exemption of courses granted on a case-by-case basis.

Only applicable to candidates who are applying for admission in Academic Year 2012/13 and onwards.

About Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering | 03

CBE is the branch of engineering that deals with the application of physical science (e.g., chemistry and physics), and life sciences (e.g., biology, microbiology and biochemistry) with mathematics and economics, to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. In addition to producing useful materials, modern CBE is also concerned with pioneering valuable new materials and techniques — such as nanotechnology, fuel cells and biomedical engineering.

The CBE programme at NTU aims to produce a new generation of CBE graduates with the necessary skills to meet the challenges of the chemical and biomedical sciences industries in Singapore and the world. Our accredited* undergraduate programme incorporates biomolecular engineering and physical sciences with chemical engineering principles.

our graduate achieved highest

gross monthly salary among the graduates from similar field.

Our young Chemical Engineering programme

is ranked 21st globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2015).

Since founded in 2004, we have attracted the best students from Singapore and the region. Our fresh graduates have achieved one of the highest employment rate in Singapore. Based on Ministry of Education (MOE)’s 2014 GE Survey, our graduate achieved highest gross monthly salary among the graduates from similar field. At the post-graduate level, we offer a doctoral degree program in Chemical Engineering.

Our faculties from around the world are conducting vibrant interdisciplinary research on nanotechnology and catalysis, cellular and molecular engineering, bioproduct engineering, as well as basic chemical science and engineering. We have won two 10-million competitive research programmes funded by the National Research Foundation, Singapore. Our young Chemical Engineering programme is ranked 21st globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2015).

The School offers a four-year direct honours undergraduate degree programme in CBE. Students are empowered to solve challenging problems in CBE and its related areas and better understand the implications of these solutions on society.

*The degree programme in CBE is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) of the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES).

04 | About Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

OVERVIEWOF THE

CURRICULUM

The CBE curriculum integrates principles of chemical engineering and life sciences (biology, biochemistry and genetics) to facilitate the development of safe, profitable and environment friendly processes for the synthesis and manufacture of products from chemical/biological raw materials.

Year 1Fundamentals of

Chemical, Physical & Biological

Sciences

Year2 & 3

Principles ofChemical &

BiomolecularEngineering

Year 4Electives/Final Year

Project

Fluid mechanicsReaction engineeringChemical thermodynamicsUnit operationsHeat & mass transferProcess controlProcess systems engineeringProcess systems engineeringProcess safetyIndustrial Attachment

Biotechnology & therapeutic engineering

Nanotechnology & reaction

engineering

Industrial chemistry & green

processing Pharmaceutical engineering

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Manufacturing industries

• Research and development in: - Petrochemicals industries- Oil and gas sectors- Bio-pharmaceuticals related fields- Specialty chemicals- Food/flavours/fragrances- Nanotechnology

• Trading and finance related jobs in relevant industries

Chemical sciences

Physical sciences

Engineering mathematics

Biological sciences

About Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering | 05

aboutBIOENGINEERING

06 | About Bioengineering

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to satisfying the General Entry Requirements of NTU, candidates must have a minimum of:

• H2 level (or equivalent) passes in mathematics and biology/chemistry/physics/physical sciences, and

• GCE ‘O’ Level (or equivalent) pass in physics*

* An ‘O’ level pass in physics is only applicable to candidates without H2 level pass in physics.

Candidates with relevant diplomas from local polytechnics may apply for admission.

Eligible candidates who hold a diploma with merit / distinction may be considered for direct entry into the second year* of the programme (i.e. completion of the programme in three years).

Other eligible candidates may be admitted into the first year with exemption of courses granted on a case-by-case basis.

Only applicable to candidates who are applying for admission in Academic Year 2012/13 and onwards.

About Bioengineering | 07

BIE is a fusion between the various disciplines of engineering and biomedical sciences. The two fields are complementary, as core technologies from different engineering disciplines are applied in several biomedical sciences areas. In fact, biomedical sciences has led engineering to evolve further into areas such as biomedical imaging, biomedical instrumentation, biomaterials and tissue engineering, which can be broadly classified under the spectrum of “Bioengineering”. A bioengineer applies fundamental principles and methods of engineering to address problems in medical and life sciences. Although the main BIE endeavour is based on engineering disciplines, a bioengineer also needs a good background in biological and medical sciences.

The BIE programme at SCBE empower students to solve challenging problems in bioengineering and its related areas and better understand the implications of these solutions on society. The School offers a four-year direct honour undergraduate degree programme in BIE. The accredited* programme blends modern biological principles with advanced engineering methods in electronics, materials, mechanics and computing to train high standard engineers for biomedical and biotechnology industries as well as healthcare and clinical services.

86% similar to the biomedical/

bioengineering/biological engineering programmes offered by the top 5 American universities

The SCBE BIE programme recently been revamped to be 86% similar to the biomedical/bioengineering/biological engineering programmes offered by the top 5 American universities (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of San Diego) in biomedical/bioengineering/biological engineering fields. The new curriculum aims to meet the needs of the biomedical industry in Singapore and better prepare our graduates for immediate employment in the

healthcare industry, especially in medical devices, regulatory affairs and hospitals.

We concentrate on applying knowledge to innovations in healthcare with a focus on entrepreneurship. In module such as Design Project and Management, we introduce a Medical Device Design tailored to look specifically into design aspects in medical devices. We also introduced labs sessions such as bioimaging (CT and MRI), so that students can have hands on experience. Our commitment to our students ensures that we continuously evolve by providing a balanced programme in depth and breath through free electives, which will better prepare our graduates for the rigorous demands of today’s bioengineering industry.

*The degree programme in BIE is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Board (EAB) of the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES).

08 | About Bioengineering

OVERVIEWOF THE

CURRICULUM

The BIE curriculum blends modern biological principles with advanced engineering methods in electronics, materials, mechanics, biocomputing and informatics to train high standard engineers for biomedical and biotechnology industries as well as healthcare and clinical services.

FundamentalBiology &

EngineeringElectives/ Final

Year Project

Year2 & 3

Year 1 Year 4

Biological sciences

Engineering mathematics

Physical sciences

Biomolecular Engineering

Computational Methods

Fluid Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Biomedical Electronics

Biocomputing

Industrial Attachment

Bioinstrumentations and Bio-electronics

Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Final Year Project

Biomedical Paroject

Design and Management

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Manufacturing industries

• Pharmaceutical industries

• Career in research institutes

• Opportunity to work in hospitals

• Opportunities to work in organisations that deal with biomedical instrumentation, medical devices, biomaterials, drug discoveries and other related industries

• Trading and finance related jobs in relevant industries

About Bioengineering | 09

ourSTUDENTS

Clubs Activities

The school club definitely provided a platform for me to make new friends and learn new things. I decided to take up this leadership

position to contribute back the club I enjoyed very much. One important skill I learnt is definitely the time management skill. I learnt to juggle between my academic and extracurricular activities. I did not regret joining the club as it enriched my school life.

LOH YI JIANProgramme and Year: CBE/3Club: SCBE ClubTitle/Position: President

As the Chairperson of AVENIR, my committee and I plan for the Graduation Ball of the Year 4 Seniors in SCBE, which aims to give them a

proper farewell as they exchange college life for a place in the workforce. Together with my vice-chairpersons, we would decide on what each individual portfolio in the club would achieve by the end of the semester and work towards that goal. Stepping up to fill the shoes of my ex-Chair has given me a lot of opportunities to grow as a person, as I find myself having to leave my comfort zone to fulfil the duties I have to do as a Chairperson. Without this exposure, I would not have met so many people, nor would I have gotten to know my committee members better.

TAN SHIR YEEProgramme and Year: CBE/2Club: AVENIR (Convocation Committee)Title/Position: Chairperson

10 | Our Students

To me, interacting with people and being a part of their student journey has always been my key passion. As the Chairperson of NUEVE, my

committee plans for the SCBE Orientation Camp – aimed at helping incoming freshmen better assimilate to student life in SCBE and integrate them into the SCBE family.

Managing a committee of 159 members is not easy, and it would definitely be impossible without the strong support from my co-chairpersons and committee members. However, stepping up to the role of chairperson gave me many opportunities for personal development, and many a times I find myself learning and improvising on-the-job. Although balancing student and academic life can be trying at times, the NUEVE experience gave me a strong network of friends, invaluable operational experiences and soft skills. As Wayne Gretsky puts it, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Even if given the chance, I would never trade the opportunity for something else.

BRYAN CHIN SI HAOProgramme and Year: CBE/2Club: NUEVE (Freshman Orientation Committee)Title/Position: Chairperson

Apart from striving for academic success, the life of a student in the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (SCBE) is vibrant and exciting. Students

are encouraged to participate in non-academic activities by joining committees under the big umbrella of SCBE Club. One of the committees within the club that I would never regret joining is Overseas Community Involvement Programme (OCIP).

I first started out as a participant in SCBE OCIP, also otherwise known as Project Transcend Across Boundaries

(T.A.B.) in AY2014/2015. In Project T.A.B 2015, we visited Long Vinh commune in Vietnam to construct a kindergarten for the village and we conducted lessons for the students to pique their interest towards education. Along the way, we had house visits and interacted with the villagers there. Through that project, I gained positive and meaningful experiences which made me more appreciative of the privileges I have in Singapore and realise that simplicity can bring about happiness too.

Moving forward, SCBE has provided me the opportunity to lead the upcoming team of Project T.A.B. 2016, and it is my duty to carry on the spirit of volunteerism by extending our help to the underprivileged communities abroad and pass it on to our freshmen. As a co-chairperson, I am responsible for overseeing that the entire project runs smoothly, from the fundraising efforts to the coordination of programmes as well as the welfare of my fellow members. Having no prior experience in leading a team, this has been a challenging journey. However, this does not deter me from taking up the position as I strongly believe that through this opportunity, I can grow and learn, and hone my leadership skills and acquire essential traits that are essential to my personal growth and development.

KONG WEN CHUANProgramme and Year: CBE/2Club: SCBE OCIP (Overseas Community Involvement Programme)Title/Position: Co-Chairperson

Our Students | 11

My half-year experience in NTU SCBE has been nothing short of amazing. What I like the most about the school is the people; both the faculty and students. They are one of the most motivated and confident groups of individuals I have

ever met, and with them around me, I’ve learnt to grow not just academically, but also personally. They are also very caring and supportive, which made the stress of university education more bearable.

The classes are really fun too! I think Professor William Chen deserves a special mention here. Initially, I was quite scared of

CH1311 Biomolecular Engineering because I did not take biology in junior college. Professor Chen understood this concern and put in a lot of efforts to make the lectures entertaining and relatable with his jokes and analogies. During tutorials, he presented us with extra materials for better understanding. Within a few weeks, I found myself anticipating for his classes, hoping that they would come sooner!

In NTU, there are also many rooms for personal discovery and growth. I joined the SCBE Avenir Club, which organises the annual prom for SCBE graduating students. As a business manager, I have learnt valuable communication and negotiation skills. I have also joined NTU Lindy Hop Club. I am sure Lindy Hop is foreign to most people as it was to me when I first started, but I fell in love with it quickly when I came to realise that the dance is not only about techniques, but also about communication, trust, confidence, and most importantly, loosening up and just have fun!In short, I am really looking forward to Semester 2 in SCBE!

LUANGKHOT NALONGSAKProgramme and Year: CBE/1Acheivements/Awards:

• ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship• SCBE Chair Academic Excellence Award

Being one of the top students from Dunman High School, I graduated with outstanding ‘A Level’ results and enrolled in NTU’s Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering programme

in the year of 2014, while at the same time became a scholar under the CN Yang Scholars Programme. Thereafter, I have demonstrated high academic aptitude as well as my competency as an all-rounded learner. Not only did I practice my sports talent and joined my hall soccer team like what I did in high school times; I also became an active member of NTU’s dance club Salsa En Sync and joined the main committee in the subsequent year as the marketing director. Without being petrified by the diversity of choices available in the university, I truly understand my passion

Students’ Experience

and goals. I completed a semester of research with Associate Professor Xu Rong’s in 2015 under CN Yang’s curriculum, finding it a really exciting and memorable experience. It is something that I could possibly pursue in the future. Aiming to become a professional and skilled engineer of my generation, I also joined the Garage@Crespion team and initiated a brand new garage project named FanBrush with the objective of providing a better living environment for the residents. Being the leader of the ongoing project, I wish to patent the device as soon as the project is completed. Despite the heavy workload of my programme and the various activities that I have participated in, I was proud to be placed in the SCBE’s dean’s list for the academic year 2014/2015. With my determination for success and curiosity for knowledge, I really wish that I can achieve greater things in my next few years in NTU, and also, in the next many years of my life.

MA KOUProgramme and Year: CBE/2Achievements/Awards:

• NTUScience&EngineeringUndergraduateScholarship• SCBE-ShellAward• CNYangScholarsProgramme• Marketingdirector,NTUSalsaEnSync(AY2015-16)

12 | Our Students

Last summer, I was privileged to be given the opportunity to attend University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) held in Hong Kong. The symposium serves as a platform

for participants to share their ideas freely and views as well as expanding their intellectual and cultural horizons through a diverse range of activities, insightful life lessons, and vibrant exchanges.

The sheer amount of energy carried by the 851 delegates was just overwhelming. Everyone brought along their own stories to share and came with the determination to make a change for the better. Other than the engaging sharing sessions by distinguished speakers, I found the learning journey the most enriching.

Being selected to participate in “Refugee Run” was the highlight of USLS as I got to experience a day in the life of a refugee. We were placed in real time simulations, starting from the time we were “forced” to leave our country to passing stringent and discriminating checkpoints to huddling in my tent with uncertainty in my future. I was Hassan, a 30 years old Syrian refugee with a shrapnel injury in my arm. Along the way, I felt helpless and frustration with the uncertainty of not knowing where my brother was and little medical help. While the simulation ends with the shriek of the siren, the living hell does not end for the 60 million refugees in the world. The only thing that sets us apart from them are circumstances. I believe we can all make a small positive difference starting with ourselves

HOE FENG YUProgramme and Year: CBE/2Acheivements/Awards:

• CNYangScholarsProgramme

NTU delegates from SCBE, MSE & HSS during opening

Briefing session before we commence “Refugee Run” simulation.

Our Students | 13

My journey so far in NTU has been an adventure, with wild ups and downs to be sure, but an incredible experience nonetheless. Here in Bioengineering, I am constantly engaged in new learning experiences that broaden my perspectives,

inspired by our professors, and met with new challenges around every corner. Research is a major part of my NTU curriculum and I am honoured to be given opportunities to work under outstanding and encouraging professors, doing impactful research involving a wide range of biomedical fields. Understanding how multidisciplinary research can better people’s lives, and being given the chance to

delve into different biomedical areas of interest, have helped me develop an appreciation for innovation and a passion for working towards improved medical care for patients.

I am also grateful for the opportunity to engage in NTU’s vibrant and international community and undertake leadership positions to serve my schoolmates. Some of my extracurricular activities include fulfilling the responsibilities of chairperson of a dinner and dance (2015), assistant director of a press and publicity committee (2014-2015), group leader in SCBE’s orientation activity (NUEVE 2015) and programmer in the CN Yang freshman orientation camp (2015). Currently, I am serving in the welfare services club and working on a research project in a school lab.

JODIE TAN ZU YIProgramme and Year: BIE/2Acheivements/Awards:

• CNYangScholarsProgramme

Hello there! My name is Michelle Lim and I’m a final year student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Programme. Through my years in school, there were a lot of ups

and downs and each of them moulded me into who I am today. Hence I am thankful for the obstacles in my life and the opportunities that were provided to me. I would like to share with you some of these things I’ve learnt through my past journey in SCBE.

University is a time for learning and by learning I don’t mean just academics learning but learning of the soft skills that one will need in life. Through my studies in SCBE, it allows me to work with different people, different groups under different situations. Through all of these, I gained the necessary knowledge and learned to work and communicate with different people from different backgrounds.

Effective communication in particular is a very important skill that one should learn to cultivate while still in university. Thankfully, in SCBE, we have a series of communication modules that one has to take to help us develop better communication skills.

Last but not least, it’s not all about just academics In NTU SCBE. I was given the opportunity to go to Taiwan for a 5-months school exchange programme. It broadens my perspective of the world. Through my time in Taiwan, I was able to forge longterm friendships, experience being in a class where the professors were teaching in Chinese and also to eat many authentic Taiwan delicacies.

I want to thank SCBE for giving me many opportunities to lead, to learn and to share my knowledge. My time in SCBE has change me to become a better friend and a better student and definitely a better person.

MICHELLE LIMProgramme and Year: CBE/4

14 | Our Students

ourALUMNI

In 2010, I rose to the challenge of setting up an alumni association for my then-fledgling school. Having helped to plan and execute the launch event that was well-attended by 50% of the graduated classes, I went on to serve as President of the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Alumni Association (SCBEAA), a role that I am still serving with pride today. The SCBEAA has since its launch, been instrumental in keeping alumni connected via a variety of events ranging from high tea buffets to movie screenings, and even wine tasting sessions. In 2015, I’ve also worked closely with SCBE and helped to plan and execute the school’s 10-year anniversary event, attended by 100 alumni, in a fun and engaging event at Gardens by the Bay South, titled as ‘Back to School on Halloween Night’.

For my service and contributions to the SCBEAA, Nanyang Technological University presented me with the Nanyang Alumni Service Award in 2015.

I served as a Senior Specialist in Workplace Safety and Health at the Ministry of Manpowerfrom 2010 to 2015, where I was tasked to direct various parts of the Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH) at the national level. During my work at the Ministry, I’ve initiated various new initiatives, including enforcement exercises and adopting technology to simplify various WSH auditing processes. I was also an Invited Speaker in 2014 for the International Symposium for Nanosafety: Social, Environmental and Health Impacts, held in NTU, sharing my work with various renowned researchers, including faculty Associate Professor Timothy Tan.

With my deep understanding in Noise and Vibration Control, I was invited as the only contributing member in an independent capacity to the Singapore Standards review committee on the subject.

I’ve since left the Ministry and has set up my own freelance WSH consultancy and training services, sharing my experiences and knowledge with other professionals in the industry. With my passion to create a sustainable and cleaner future, I am now General Manger for Powermark Battery & Hardware Trading Pte Ltd, a local SME deeply engaged in playing an important role within the clean energy eco-systemm.

I’ve assisted the company to go electronic by launching the company’s e-commerce portal,bring their proprietary brand, FUKUDA Storage Battery & Chargers, to the international audience.

NG ZHIHAN

Degree in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Class of 2009

Current Company: Powermark Battery & Hardware Trading Pte Ltd

Current Position: Title: General Manager

Our Alumni | 15

I graduated from NTU with a double degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Economics. In August 2008, when I stepped into university as a freshman, I told myself, “I will make the most of the next 5 years and live a holistic experience.” Looking back, these five years constituted of some of the most incredible experiences in my life.

I wanted to learn as much as possible. With this mindset, the extensive resources available and with my proactive course-mates, I linked up key concepts, built meaningful relationships and excelled in my studies. I treasured every lecture, tutorial, group discussion and presentation because I came to realise that such knowledge and exposure would be a powerful leverage for me in future. Having an eagerness to learn made learning truly enjoyable and rewarding.

My most memorable project was the notoriously tough “FYDP”. Indeed, we, a group of 7, spent months on it, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in the computer lab. At times, we even stayed overnight. Once, we broke endurance records by working non-stop for 30 hours. Tough? Yes. Rewarding? Definitely. Through this project, we traversed from strangers to friends, friends to best friends. These treasured bonds would not have been possible without the intensive courses in NTU.

I also wanted international experiences. Having lived in Singapore since birth, it is my dream to experience life abroad, even for just a while. Thanks to NTU’s INSTEP, a student exchange programme, and AIESEC, an international student organization, I had the good fortune to travel on two life-changing international exchanges. One as an exchange student to Arizona State University. Upon landing in Arizona and feeling the full blast of 43 °C desert heat, I knew that it would be a new world to discover. True enough, life was slower, food was deliciously American, Mexican and Mediterranean, people were warm and I found joy in speaking to strangers and getting to know them.

Another trip was to Beijing’s Shaliwen Rehabilitation Centre as a volunteer in the school for hearing-impaired children. It was where life was simpler with limited telecom access and predominantly face-to-face human interactions. I finally understood why people said, “go out there and see the world.” International exposure has been eye-opening. Till today, they still are my inspirations.

In a nutshell, my university education in NTU was a process of discovery. Not only did I learn academically about both chemical engineering and economics, I made lifelong friends and even found my life partner. I could create a multitude of experiences for myself and for those around me. Today, even as I begin my next phase of life as quality assurance validation coordinator at GSK, I will always remember the times, the lessons and the friendships forged at NTU. For my juniors who may be reading this, enjoy every moment to the fullest and pursue what you love.

Success comes with passion, effort and a bit of luck. With that, I end with a big thank you to the university that has given me so much.

LEE LI XUAN

Double Degree in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering & Economics

Class of 2013

Current Company: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Current Position: Quality Assurance Validation Coordinator

16 | Our Alumni

Greetings future SCBE-ians!

My name is Zi Yong and as an alumnus from the Bioengineering Class of 2012, I would like to share my views on how education in NTU has helped prepare me for the workplace and why SCBE holds a special place in my heart.

NTU provides a holistic education for her students with the wide-ranging and interesting elective choices available, from language classes to art appreciation and sports; choices aimed at pushing students to step out of their comfort zone and expand their minds. Speaking from experience as the first batch to take up the Biodesign core module in Year 4, SCBE is also constantly reviewing the syllabus to stay relevant and evolve with the needs of the industry. I am grateful that this module provided a snippet of project management skills which has empowered me to lead projects in the company.

Besides focusing on technical development of its students, NTU also looks to develop life skills through communications modules that help to hone presentation and interpersonal skills. I believe these are fundamental skills that I utilize on a daily basis in the workplace.

The huge diversity in NTU’s student population also means that it is a melting pot for cross-cultural interactions. Whether it is the quirky antics you share with the exchange students or the serious exchanges during group assignments, being able to understand a different culture expanded my horizon of the world and has prepared me to work with talents from around the world.

Although academic pursuits took up most of my time in SCBE, it must be surprising that the single most enriching and memorable experience I had in SCBE was being involved in the main committee of the freshmen orientation camp (FOC), Nueve. Being a student leader and serving as a Group Leader and Co-chairperson in bringing fun and helping freshmen assimilate into University life has added colours to my life in SCBE. I have made close friends from spending almost one year together to plan for each of the 2 FOCs but

TEO ZI YONGDegree in Bioengineering

Class of 2012

Current Company: Abbott-Laboratories

Current Position: Operations Professional Development Program Member (aka Management Associate)

most importantly, I learnt to appreciate the people in my team while enjoying the process. This experience is something I hold close to my heart.

A parting phrase to the future SCBE-ians, no matter what you do, remember this: “The process of getting to the end is the most rewarding, the success you achieve is a bonus; made sweeter if you enjoyed the process.

Our Alumni | 17

PROGRAMME ENQUIRIESSchool of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore 637459Tel: +65 6790 4062 | Fax: +65 6794 7553Email: SCBE@ntu.edu.sgWebsite: www.scbe.ntu.edu.sg

ADMISSION ENQUIRIESOffice of Admissions and Financial AidNanyang Technological UniversityStudent Services Centre Level 2, 42 Nanyang AvenueSingapore 639815Email: adm_local@ntu.edu.sg (for local students) adm_intnl@ntu.edu.sg (for international students) Website: www.ntu.edu.sg/admissions

Reg. No. 200604393R