In 2021, two of our Alumni students did us proud by receiving scholarships to pursue their further studies overseas. Ang Zyn Yee, who graduated in 2017, was one of two recipients of the President’s Scholarship, while Cong Yuqing, from the class of 2018, was one of five students who were awarded the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations Scholarship. While we weren’t able to invite them back to share their experiences due to prevailing Covid-19 measures, we managed to contact them for an email interview to share their thoughts and experiences.

1. What inspired you to choose the path you’ve taken for your studies and career?

I wanted a career with meaning and purpose, challenging yet filled with opportunities, where I would grow as a person and leader, and defend the people/country I love.

As a government scholar, the very fortunate thing about university is that I can explore the fields that truly interest me. At Brown University, I’m planning on concentrating on Computer Science and Economics. Computer science feels like problem solving; it’s challenging but fun. Understanding CS also gives me a technical foundation so I can play a role in the digital transformation of the organization I’m a part of. Economics gives me a framework and lens through which to understand the world and government policies. Both subjects are rooted in logic and Maths, subjects which I’m more comfortable with. However, the great thing about a liberal arts education in the United States is that I have opportunities to dabble in subjects outside of my concentration — at Brown, I’ve also taken courses in political strategy, public policy, and Chinese so far.

Zyn Yee

I am currently studying Computer Science in Tsinghua University and one of the main reasons why I chose this major is due to a research project I did in JC. The project about enhancing intelligent glucose sensors sparked my interest in Artificial Intelligence, which made me want to specialise in it in the future. I hope to go into academia in the future to be a university professor. I chose this path as I was inspired by my mother, who is a professor herself, when I witnessed how a professor can make a difference in every student’s life and conduct scientific research to make groundbreaking findings.

In addition, I also have a fond interest in Chinese culture, which led me to choose Tsinghua. With the opportunity of receiving the SFCCA scholarship, I hope to learn more about my cultural roots and give back to the Chinese community in Singapore through the association.

Yuqing

2. What were some challenges you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?

Completing OCS and commissioning with my batchmates was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do. OCS was designed to push us to our limits, and there was an emphasis on not only mastering the core skills and competencies of a naval officer, but becoming a better leader as well. I was extremely fortunate to have a supportive team of batchmates to go through the course with, and every sleepless night, assessment, and punishment we went through together only served to bring us closer.

Zyn Yee

At the beginning, I was very doubtful of myself as I was not sure if my choice of major was right for me. Even up till the end of the ‘A’ levels, I was still hesitating on my major choice. However, throughout my JC life, I tried to take up a variety of activities, such as research projects, to explore different fields. When I looked back on those experiences, I managed to arrive at something that I was truly passionate for in the end.
Another challenge is the language difference I experienced in Tsinghua University. A large majority of lessons in Tsinghua were completely taught in Chinese, and that was a huge jump from our Singapore education system. Speaking fluent Chinese is one thing but having to learn scientific terms and ancient Chinese poems is on a whole new level. However, with consistent practice and interacting with native speakers the past semester, I realised that studying in Chinese was not as daunting as I expected it to be. Through this experience, I learnt that by stepping out of my comfort zone can allow me to gain many new skills and insights.

Yuqing

3. Could you tell us about a memorable experience from your secondary school life?

There’s too many! Sibu, Guangxi-Guizhou, being a member of the Netball team… I also really enjoyed being a part of Nanyang’s 100th anniversary celebrations. I was incredibly lucky to be in the right place at the right time, and got the opportunity to not only participate in the musical, but also be a member of the organising team for the 100th anniversary celebrations in school. I had so much fun being a cast member in the musical (I played a man haha!) and I will never forget the feeling of singing 毕业照 onstage with my fellow cast members, with it deeply resonating with my feelings about graduating that year. My days in Nanyang were the best days of my teenage life, and I look back on my time in school very fondly.

Zyn Yee

There were way too many memorable experiences I had in Nanyang, but the most memorable one was the Nanyang Chinese Dance (NYCD) dance night in 2018. As Sec 4s that year, we had to take up the responsibility of settling admin matters, costumes, and organise dance practices every week. In this process, our batch forged much stronger bonds and everyone would look forward to coming to school just to go for dance practice. I am also very grateful towards our instructor, Mdm Chen Lili, as she really taught us many things way beyond dance itself. It was also extremely gratifying to witness our months of hard work crystalise into a 2-hour concert that we could share with our family and friends.

Yuqing

4. What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

I hope to be content with life, and to leave a positive impact wherever I go!

Zyn Yee

In the future, I hope to make use of the knowledge and skills in Computer Science I have to create something that can serve the community around me. Using machine learning, my JC research project allowed for painless extraneous blood tests for diabetic patients. Just like how this project could help diabetic patients, I hope to leverage on my knowledge in AI to create something that will benefit the society in my future career.

On a side note, I look forward to travelling around the world in the years to come as I really enjoy exploring new environments and cultures. I’m also excited to continue dancing in Tsinghua and grow as a dancer!

Yuqing

5. As we celebrate the school’s 105th anniversary, do you have any thoughts or advice that you would like to share with your juniors and the school community?

Cherish your time in Nanyang and take a step out of your comfort zone!!!! Those were the best years of my life :”)

Zyn Yee

I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards the school and all the teachers who have taught me along the way. Everyone in Nanyang was so nice and accepting, and it really made me feel like Nanyang was my second home. To all the juniors, enjoy your time in Nanyang because these memories will definitely last a lifetime. Lastly, happy 105th anniversary Nanyang!

Yuqing

We wish our Alumni all the best as they continue to pursue their passions abroad, and we hope to invite you back soon to inspire more of your juniors!