Escaping Wonderland was a well-timed break from the stress of midterms.
Although there was no particular order enforced for the station games, the movement from station to station was quite smooth for my group. Not having to follow a sequence was a fresh experience that was surprisingly enjoyable. We were given the liberty to choose and freely explore the playzone, which fit nicely into the theme of escaping a new, familiar, yet foreign environment. The winning conditions added excitement to the event, and my group enjoyed figuring out the hints that the gamemasters provided. The deviation from the norm of solely playing station games to win points was one of my favourite aspects of the event.
FOP throwback, anyone?
Through this event, I’m glad that I managed to talk to more people outside my social circle, and I also made new friends in the process, while strengthening existing friendships. I would like to heartily thank the Special Projects portfolio for organising this event. It was truly an enjoyable night that set the bar high for other upcoming events.
Which was more stressful, midterms or defusing a bomb?
Kicking off the first industrial visit of the school year, 10 CN Yang Scholars visited Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School located near Singapore General Hospital to learn more about its unique MD, MD-pHD and pHD curriculum.
What sets Duke-NUS apart from other medical schools is its central “Clinician-First, Clinician-Plus” vision. They believe that graduates are first competent clinicians, and beyond that, build on their other capabilities to become more than just simple clinicians, but clinician-scientists, leaders and innovators. Therefore, Duke-NUS welcomes students from different disciplines and academic backgrounds as they believe that they provide a different perspective and expertise to the study of Medicine. There are graduates with majors in Engineering, Business and even Law!
Fortunately, this aligns with the multi-disciplinary nature of the CN Yang programme which equips scholars with the skills and knowledge from multiple fields. Scholars also had the opportunity to ask key questions during an informative Q and A session with past NTU alumni who are now on the prestigious MD-pHD programme. The seniors encouraged them to engage in more diverse fields of research and explore their interests in those areas to gain greater perspectives in the process of scientific inquiry.
NTU and NUS alumni who are current students in Duke-NUS shared on their experiences in the programme
Scholars also had an exclusive peek into the different laboratories in Duke-NUS where despite the cluttered outlook of the benches, the scientists there are engaging in cutting-edge research at the forefront of science. It is not uncommon to see students and scientists working together hand-in-hand and engaging in intense discussions over their research work. It was indeed an eye-opening experience for us to experience the research culture of laboratories beyond NTU.
We had the chance to handle some samples from the labs!
CNYSP FOP was the first NTU FOP for many of us, and in my opinion, it was a great start to the series of FOP camps. CNYSP FOP was also nice in the sense that the OGs are extremely small compared to that of Big 4 and most faculty camps, and it really gave us a great opportunity to get to know our future classmates better. ? In addition to the standard FOP games, there were some games played during CNYSP FOP that were exceptionally creative and innovative. Some games required us to think critically, such as by giving us riddles or puzzles to solve, and this helped to better forge camaraderie as well as it encouraged discussion between us to help our OG progress. These games were what made CNYSP FOP more memorable.
Strategising a plan of attack?
Something else special about the CNYSP FOP is the highlight event, where for this year, we went to St. Games! It was a wonderful evening of just hanging out and playing games with friends from both my own OG and other OGs! I got to know more people better during our time spent at St. Games as it was really just some time to spend on our own without having any particular quests or tasks to complete. Overall, CNYSP FOP is a unique FOP that was definitely worth going for, and I am looking forward to being part of planning next year’s FOP!
Beach day!
Zhen Xuan:
Looking back to the CN Yang Freshmen Orientation Programme (FOP) 2019, I realize that it was one of the highlights of my university life so far. CN Yang FOP 2019 held so much meaning to me, especially since it was the first encounter I had with my batchmates, and that it marked the start to my university journey.
Prelude to MnT?
CN Yang FOP 2019 gave me the opportunity to meet and bond with my batchmates. I fondly remember the first day of the event, when the check-in to hall was delayed. While we were waiting, many of us got to sit down and introduce ourselves. In hindsight, that gave us the platform to get to know more people outside the orientation groups, and I was able to meet my good friends who I could share my ups and downs with. Furthermore, through the various games and activities, I was able to get to know my orientation group members better.
Lastly, CN Yang FOP 2019 was a fun and enjoyable event. I hope that future batches will also enjoy the event as much as the seniors have, and hopefully the fun traditions can continue to be passed down as well.
Stepping into the unfamiliar culture of Shenzhen and SUSTech was daunting at first. Along the way, we were welcomed by staff and students alike. It was amazing to see – everything from the futuristic technology in the laboratories to the beautiful architecture in the city. The trip opened my eyes to Shenzhen’s and SUSTech’s dedication to making progress, one step at a time.
Ming En:
From the 10 days trip to Southern University Of Science and Technology (SUSTech), I am attached to Professor Liang Yu who guided me in the studying of the Aerofoil as well as the Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Aircraft. It was an eye-opening experience for me as it was my first time studying different Aerofoils, understand the properties of different 4 digits series NACA Aerofoils and having hands on experiment controlling the small scale aircraft to understand how VTOL aircraft works. Professor Liang Yu is very encouraging and he is willing to take his time off to make sure i understand what i need to know as a Year 1 Aerospace Student. I would like to thank NTU and CN Yang Scholars Programme for the opportunity given for an Overseas Learning Research Trip to SUSTech.
Joan:
The visit to SUStech is definitely a memorable experience for me. Not only did I learn more about high-throughput synthesis, but most importantly I had an enjoyable time with people in the lab. Everybody was very willing and helpful in bringing us around and explaining the different facilities. We also had interesting discussions on various ideas and topics.
Shaun:
The picture above shows the images of the blood vessel and collagen from the rat ear. This is done through double photon microscopy, where such equipment is rarely used in my field of study in Singapore. In addition, this picture is taken during one of classes conducted by Prof Wu, the prof I am attached to for this trip. The picture above summarized the wonderful and colourful experience I had work with prof Wu and his post doc Dr Chen in his lab, as I have the privilege to experience thing that I would not have been able to when in Singapore, such as operating the double photon microscope, preparing the lab mice for injection of the polymer dots and many more. All in all, I had a great experience in learning how SUStech lab operates and the field of Polymer dot research.
Eiden:
The SUSTech faculty members and students were very welcoming. They brought us for meals, tours and visits to Artron Centre and DJI. The SUSTech trip was memorable as all of us were able to immerse in the local culture and arts scene, as well as enjoy delicious Chinese cuisines.
Nearly halfway across the world, our visit to Karolinska Institutet was both refreshing and awe-inspiring. We were greeted with lovely hospitality from not only our campus tour guide, but also the staff and students there who were all eager to share with us about the research institute. With its stunning façade and cutting-edge research facilities, our tour at Karolinska Institutet never ceased to amaze. We were exposed to their various forms of research namely flow cytometry techniques, aging research, and twin studies – we even tried our hand at learning a bit of Swedish from one of the students! Undoubtedly, our valuable learning experiences at the institute were a testament to its reputation as a hallmark in global medical research.
Stripes with hoodies gang?
The city itself was no less amazing – with its beautiful, idyllic architecture and iconic city skyline that remains memorable till this day. From the streets of Gamla Stan rich in historical cultures, to the picturesque sunrises we caught at four in the morning, the sights and scenes around Stockholm were yet another marvel to behold. Nonetheless, the calmness of its setting seemed to contrast with the highly driven, work-oriented environment at the institute. In truth, the Swedes have mastered the balance between work and personal life, evident from their comparatively shorter working days, as well as the daily tradition of fika (loosely translates to a coffee break) that is undeniably instrumental in Swedish culture. All in all, my experiences in Sweden and Karolinska Institutet have no doubt been worthwhile, and I am certain that each and every one of us had valuable takeaways from this trip, be it the enriching learning experiences and exposure, or the unforgettable memories and bonds we shared together!
Teddy:
The trip to KI was an eye opening one as we got to see and learn about the lab techniques that we learnt in our bio lectures such as those of fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. While at KI, we were also privileged to learn more about the post graduate programmes they have available for NTU students and got to immerse in their fika culture. We got closer as a batch through sightseeing and playing together after an intense 1st year in university. We are thankful to the CN Yang office and student committee for organising the trip to stretch our horizon and to grow as a batch through out of school experiences.
Scenic places + awesome company
Claudia:
The trip to Sweden was very eye opening and enriching—I was impressed at how Karolinska Institutet managed to incorporate a ‘Traffic Light System’ for students to find suitable supervisors and mentors, something that has yet to be established in most workplaces and labs in Singapore. I got to see many equipment that I have yet to see before and I also got to see first hand how researchers use them. Not to mention, Sweden has breath taking sceneries—we were always caught up in the amazing atmosphere and stunning sunsets. I had a really memorable time trying different Swedish cuisine and getting to learn more about their culture.
Waking up at 3am to chase the sunrise was definitely worth it!
The trip has been one of my most memorable experiences this year! To be able to visit CERN, learn from knowledgeable lecturers, and look at all the different aspects of CERN that work together in the name of science is something that I’m extremely grateful for. Particularly, going down to see the Compact Muon Solenoid of the Large Hadron Collider was really breathtaking in its own way! It’s amazing to see theory in practice, and to see this massive structure that’s been critical in scientific development is pretty cool. It’s one of those experiences that rarely come along, and I’m happy to have had it. 🙂
Lina: There’s something familiar about these poses…
Yi Shiuan:
My 9-day overseas trip to Geneva, Switzerland over the summer break of 2019 was certainly one of the most unforgettable ones I’ve had. This trip was primarily centered around CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research), which is renowned for being one of the world’s prominent research facility with never-ending novel discoveries which push the frontiers of not just particle physics but any field of science imaginable. One of the highlights of our CERN trip was certainly being able to physically visit two detectors of the large hadron collider, ATLAS and CMS. Just being at the site of where groundbreaking discoveries such as the discovery of the Higgs boson were made was such a surreal experience. It made us really experience first hand what a scientific marvel this facility was. But beyond just particle physics, we got to see other departments such as the data centre (where we got to know of how the World Wide Web was founded in CERN), which really highlighted to me how multi-disciplinary CERN as a whole is. The functioning of the whole institute thrives on the expertise of professionals from the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering etc., and the collaborative effort from these fields is what makes CERN so outstanding in its research pursuits.
Beyond just the CERN experience, my trip also involved sightseeing and cultural appreciation of Geneva, which was such a breath-taking experience. Through our museum and factory visits, shopping sprees, mountain climbs and so much more, we got to have a glimpse into the local flavour and the beauty of nature which we are unable to experience in Singapore. Overall, this trip was both a great learning experience and a breath of fresh air in terms of my knowledge as a global citizen. It was certainly an extremely memorable one that I will not easily forget.
Zheng Hao:
This is a picture of the Globe of Science and Innovation. It is 27 m high and 40 m in diameter, and symbolizes the Earth and CERN serving science and innovation. The Globe is a landmark for CERN visitors and it houses the “Universe of Particles” exhibition, which introduces visitors to the world of particle physics and showcases CERN’s research in particle physics, the technology CERN developed, the scientific apparatus they use, and the stories of the people who work at CERN. We had a wonderful time exploring the exhibition and were absolutely impressed by the exhibits.
In the background, to the left of the Globe, stands the flags of the European nations involved in CERN. It reminds us that great science often results from collaboration, not isolation.
The CN Yang Scholars’ Club (CNYSC) is set up and run by the scholars of the CN Yang Scholars Programme. The management committee is elected by the scholars on an annual basis.
