Student Profile |
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Faculty: Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
Major: Psychology, with a minor in Technopreneurship and University Scholars Programme , Year 4
Co-curricular Activities (CCAs):
• University Scholars Club, 2006 – 2007
The University Scholars Club is made up of the student body of the University Scholars Programme (USP) which is a close-knit community due to the small cohort. I was involved in many of the Club’s activities, such as organising the Freshman Orientation Camp and being a member of the marketing committee for our annual fund-raiser.
• NUS Entrepreneurship Society, 2007 – 2008
As Leadership Development Director, I was given the chance to pursue my passion for education by heading a programme called Dream Dare Dive. Dream Dare Dive was a collaborative effort with Victoria Junior College, my alma mater, where I led a group of 25 students through a six-month programme, culminating in a trip to Silicon Valley where we interacted with entrepreneurs, educators and philanthropists. It was satisfying and fulfilling to see the change in attitude of talented but under-motivated participants emerging from the programme with fire in their bellies, ready to take on anything this crazy world throws at them.
• Victoria Chorale, 2006 – Present
Music has always been a big part of my life, and I usually find myself humming a tune both in and out of the shower. Being part of the Victoria Chorale has not only enabled me to continue pursuing my music education, it has also taken me to see the world! I have travelled around the world, even to exotic locales such as Greece and South Korea to sing. Among the awards the Victoria Chorale has won include two Gold medals and the Championship title for the Sacred Music A Capella category at the 2006 World Choir Games in Xiamen, China.
Why did you decide to come to NUS?
In considering whether to venture overseas or stay in Singapore for my university education, the deciding factor was the kind of scholarship I could secure. However, my choices narrowed down quickly when I couldn’t find any overseas scholarships that appealed to me. I didn’t want to accept an offer that compelled me to choose, at 18, a career path which I wasn’t sure I’d be interested in when I graduated from university.
When NUS offered me the Global Merit Scholarship, I jumped at the chance because I was looking for a scholarship without a bond. Not only that, the Scholarship also opened up opportunities to join exciting and unique programmes like the University Scholars Programme and the NUS Overseas Colleges.
Looking back, joining NUS was perhaps the best decision I’ve made. In my four years at NUS, I’ve been given many choices and a wide berth to pursue my interests. I am glad that I have interacted with and learned from the diverse faculty and students in USP, the chance to dabble in entrepreneurship and experience independent living in Silicon Valley, and study psychology – a subject that continues to fascinate me.
Fondest memory at NUS
In my sophomore year, I was in the core committee for organising the USP Dinner and Dance (D&D). It was supposed to be the first big event of the academic year and a celebration of the end of the Freshmen Orientation Projects. However, as the majority of the sophomores (including me) were already heavily involved in other projects, the team did not have the luxury of time to plan for the event.
We had our first meeting days before the school term started and the D&D was supposed to be held in less than 2 months! Fortunately, the team rallied together, called for reinforcements and organised a truly memorable night with the fun hippy theme Imagine All the People. It was one of the most challenging projects I had worked on, but even now, my peers still reminisce about the fun times we had during that event.
Bi Ying on …
Balancing studying, family, friends and work
Being in NUS offers a lot of options in terms of CCAs, activities and academic programmes. My university life has been a really busy one, and I have had my fair share of ups and downs. In fact, I was so tied up with so many exciting activities in my first semester that my grades fell below the minimum requirement to keep my scholarship! It was a big learning experience and I had to figure out how to better manage my time in the following semesters so that I could continue doing what I enjoyed without compromising my grades.
I would tell freshmen who may feel a little overwhelmed by the wide variety of programmes and activities available to just pick those you are most passionate about. Prioritise your time according to how much you are going to enjoy the activities, how much you can learn from them and the friendships you can form.
Today, I continue to pursue my interest in entrepreneurship with start-up Savant Degrees, singing with Victoria Chorale and keeping up with lessons. I would say that juggling is a constant challenge, but I am grateful to have understanding parents who support my busy lifestyle.
Making Friends
Just put yourself out there and you will be able to find a wide group of friends who share your interests and values. I would suggest joining a club or CCA. Also, working on fun projects (like organising a camp or fundraiser) is one of the best ways to form lasting friendships.
Bi Ying’s Favourites
Pastime
In my spare time, I find peace in practising yoga and reading. I also love exploring the Southeast Asian countries close to home. My ultimate dream is to travel to Morocco and see for myself the desert, markets and architecture.
Module
Computer Science and the IT Revolution (Module Code: UIT2201). I took this course in the USP and Prof Leong took a hard-core techie subject and brought it to a level that was accessible to everyone, including a (then) self-confessed non-geek like myself. My favourite part of the module was building a Google Maps mash-up and writing the Javascript code for it. That course really opened my understanding and converted me somewhat – I am now completely obsessed with the exciting new developments in the Internet and IT sector.
Social networking website
I spend a disproportionate amount of time on Facebook.
Eating place on campus
The Deck, also popularly known as the Arts canteen, is usually the most convenient for me and if the queue is short enough, I always go for the laksa yong tau foo!
Movie
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Music
I love singing and have been performing in choir since I was 5 years old. My favourite works are by contemporary composer Eric Whitacre. When I’m not hitting the high notes, I listen to a wide range of music, from jazz to alternative, rock to a capella. Occasionally, I pick up my guitar for a mini-acoustic jam session with a friend.
Thing about NUS
The freedom and flexibility to customise my university experience to allow me to explore things I am passionate about.