19 Sep, 2025 | Events, Feature
From January to June 2025, the Community Engagement (CE) Portfolio organized a rewarding volunteer initiative called Packing with Red Shield Industries. Partnering with Red Shield Industries, the social enterprise of The Salvation Army, the project took place on alternate Saturdays and wrapped up on 28 June 2025.

Throughout the program, 21 volunteers dedicated their time to sort and categorize donated items, such as clothing, shoes, toys, and kitchenware, at the Red Shield warehouse. This behind-the-scenes work ensured donations were properly organized for resale or redistribution, helping the organization run efficiently. The project not only built a strong sense of teamwork but also highlighted the impact of sustainable consumer practices.
To conclude, the CE Portfolio hosted a gratitude event to thank the volunteers, featuring dinner and a tote bag design activity. This celebration served as a reminder of the powerful change that can be achieved through collective community efforts, leaving everyone inspired and grateful for the experience. Thank you to the CE portfolio and our volunteers!
13 Sep, 2025 | Events, Feature
New Year, New Yang is the last event hosted by the 17MC SnW Portfolio. It served as an avenue to welcome scholars back to school after the long summer break and for freshmen and seniors create meaningful connections.

A key attraction of the event was the catered buffet dinner. There was an array of food available, topped off with a variety of delightful desserts.
The activity stations were also a great hit as many scholars flocked to both the lego and mirror making stations to create their masterpieces. Additionally, the photobooth allowed scholars to leave with their memorabilia of the night with their friends.
Throughout the night, scholars were seen enjoying their time with their friends, from competing at a game on Nintendo Switch, to sitting around and catching up with their friends.
The academic year is off to a great start as the night was filled with lots of laughter and fun, while scholars made precious memories with their friends. We hope this energy will be brought forth to the rest of the academic year!
Thank you to 17MC SnW for organizing such a wonderful closing event, and to 17MC PnP for capturing the night through their lenses!
5 Sep, 2025 | Events, Feature
On 18 July 2025, we gathered at the Copthorne King’s Hotel to honour the graduating Class of 2025. This year’s Convocation, themed Nocturne, was an evening filled with laughter, music, and the warmth of friendships forged over years of shared challenges and triumphs. 
As the graduates and guests enjoyed their dinner, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement thanks to a line-up of fun activities. The Photo Bingo encouraged scholars to mingle and snap pictures with peers who matched prompts, such as “Someone who did their OFYP in Asia” and “Someone you know the best”. Following that, we had a lucky draw that kept everyone on their toes, with exciting prizes won by the graduates. A Best Dressed contest added a splash of glamour to the evening, with the winners turning heads in stylish ensembles.

At the bartending corner, one of our very own scholars took centre stage, shaking and stirring drinks for delighted guests. The photobooth area, stocked with playful props, proved to be a hit — every click capturing a moment of joy and nostalgia.
Entertainment for the night was nothing short of spectacular. Our year 1s kicked things off with a lively set that filled the ballroom with energy. But the true highlight came when the graduating batch took the stage for their jam band performance. Their music was more than just a performance; it was a heartfelt farewell, resonating with memories and the shared journey of the past four years.
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that this was not merely a celebration of achievements, but a tribute to the bonds that will continue to connect them long after they leave the programme.
Once again, a happy graduation to the Class of 2025!

5 Sep, 2025 | Events, Feature
Introduction
From the chambers of prestigious institutions to the corridors of centuries-old museums, our Overseas Learning Trip to France from 27 June 2025 to 8 July 2025 was a breathtaking and intellectually invigorating experience. Sixteen of our scholars, accompanied by our wonderful guide Emma Phonesavanh and our accompanying staff, Professor Zhang Zheng Yang, embarked on a journey through the heart of Paris to explore the member institutions of Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University. The trip was a perfect blend of academic discovery, cultural immersion, and personal bonding—one we will carry with us long after our return. Come with us as we revisit the highlights of our adventure through the City of Light.

Group picture in front of the Panthéon
Day 1: Fontainebleau Forest
To kick start our wonderful trip in Paris, it was time to shift gears and explore the cultural and natural wonders of France. On Day 1, we travelled out of Paris to Fontainebleau, where we hiked an 18km trail through its iconic forest. As difficult as it was to climb up and hobble down twenty small hills, it was nonetheless extremely therapeutic, a welcome start to our journey in France. The tranquillity of nature, coupled with the shared challenge of the hike, made for a memorable and rejuvenating day.

Day 2: Giverny and Versailles
The next day, we visited the picturesque village of Giverny, best known as the home of Claude Monet. Walking through his famous lily gardens was like stepping into one of his Impressionist paintings. We also toured his former home and studio, learning about his artistic process and personal life.

Later in the day, we travelled to the opulent Palace of Versailles. From its gilded halls and manicured gardens to the Hall of Mirrors, every corner of Versailles whispered tales of France’s royal past. The grandeur of the palace made a powerful contrast to the rustic charm of Giverny, giving us a well-rounded view of French history and culture.
Palace of Versailles & Hall of Mirrors
Day 3: Exploring Central Paris
Our final RnR in France was spent exploring the cultural treasures of central Paris. We began with a morning trip to Montmartre and the Basilica Sacré-Cœur. The panoramic view from the top of the hill offered an unmatched perspective of the city. The cobbled streets, local artists, and historical cafés gave the area a timeless charm.
In the afternoon, we visited several museums and monuments:
- The Louvre, where we caught a glimpse of the Mona Lisa and marvelled at countless other masterpieces.
- Musée d’Orsay, a converted train station filled with Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
- The Panthéon, where we visited the crypts of France’s most celebrated figures.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral, even amidst reconstruction, stood as a powerful symbol of endurance and faith.
- Palais Garnier, the magnificent opera house, with its grand staircase and ornate interiors.
- Natural History Museum, especially the palaeontology gallery with its dramatic skeleton displays.
Basilica Sacré-Cœur (left), Mona Lisa in the Louvre (right)
The Panthéon (left), Notre-Dame Cathedral (right)
Day 4
We kicked off our first full university visit day in Paris with great anticipation as we made our way to Chimie ParisTech, one of France’s most renowned schools specialising in the Chemical Sciences. We were warmly welcomed by faculty members who guided us through their cutting-edge laboratories. It was fascinating to witness research in action, especially the demonstrations involving laser cooling of gases and observation of resulting emissions. Discussions about molecular manipulation and the chemical processes behind their ongoing experiments were both enlightening and thought-provoking.
A faculty member introducing the laboratory to our scholars
Later in the day, we moved on to MINES Paris – PSL. We sat in on a presentation about environmental chemistry, specifically how tree bark can be used as a bioindicator to assess air pollution in urban areas. Here, the focus was on engineering and applied sciences. We had the rare opportunity to visit the Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab), a technological playground where students and researchers apply theory to real-world engineering problems. From robotics to mechanical prototyping, the lab showcased France’s commitment to hands-on learning and innovation. The professors and doctoral students explained their design approaches and shared anecdotes of past projects, giving us an intimate look at the practical side of engineering education.
The lab manager introduces our scholars to the FabLab
Day 5
The second day brought us to the Institut Curie, a leading medical research centre well known for its work in oncology. We attended a series of engaging lectures delivered by researchers and PhD students on the ongoing fight against cancer. It was deeply inspiring to learn how foundational scientific principles are being applied to develop breakthrough therapies. Several of us were especially captivated by the lab’s interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, physics, and biology to tackle complex medical challenges.

In the afternoon, we headed to ESPCI Paris, a multidisciplinary institute known for research in physics, chemistry, and biology. One of the standout segments of the day was an engaging presentation by PhD students working on neuroscience and brain mapping. They explained the processes involved in understanding neuron communication using advanced imaging and simulation technologies. We also got to tour their experimental labs and learn about the research being conducted in fluid dynamics and material science.

Day 6
In the afternoon, we visited the Collège de France, an esteemed institution that prides itself on cutting-edge, no-degree teaching. During our visit, we attended a captivating public lecture titled Graeco-Egyptian Voces Magicae: Historizing a Cross-Cultural Phenomenon, which explored the fusion of magical practices and languages across ancient cultures. It was intellectually enriching and offered a glimpse into the interdisciplinary nature of research at the College. We also stopped by the student welfare centre, which highlighted the institution’s commitment to supporting student well-being.

The visit continued with a campus tour that took us to a historic library and a geology museum. The vast collection of rocks and minerals, alongside detailed maps and fossil displays, sparked the curiosity of many budding geologists among us.

Day 7
Day 7 saw us visiting École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris, where we explored both the scientific and humanistic traditions of the institution. We were led through Pavilion Pasteur, a tribute to Louis Pasteur’s pioneering work in microbiology. From original lab equipment to documented findings, it felt like stepping into the pages of scientific history. Professors shared stories of Pasteur’s experiments and their continued influence in modern biomedical research.

In addition to Pavilion Pasteur, we also visited ENSADLAB, the research laboratory of the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs. This gave us a unique perspective on how artistic practice, design, and technology intersect in cutting-edge research environments, further broadening our understanding of the diversity within French higher education.

Day 8
For the last day of our visit, at the Observatoire de Paris, we marvelled at the intricate telescopic equipment and learned about the nanosatellite projects currently underway. We even got a sneak peek into labs where data from outer space is processed and analysed. One highlight was the opportunity to engage in conversation over lunch with the professors and researchers at the school cafeteria. The casual setting allowed for genuine interaction and lively discussions on a wide range of topics from astrophysics to French cuisine!
Lunch at the school cafeteria
The day concluded with a brief tour of the surrounding grounds, giving us a final chance to soak in the grand Parisian architecture. The symmetry, historical detailing, and sheer elegance of the campuses left a lasting impression on us. We capped off the educational leg of our trip with heartfelt thanks to our hosts and guide, Emma, whose warmth and patience made every visit seamless and enjoyable.
Group picture at the Observatory
Day 9: Farewell and Reflection
As our trip concluded, we each took time to reflect on the friendships forged, lessons learnt, and memories made. Some of us woke up early to catch a final sunrise over the Seine, and others made one last stop at a local boulangerie. As we watched the landscape blur past on our way to the airport, we were filled with gratitude for the experiences that broadened our minds and touched our hearts.
Final group picture in Paris
Acknowledgements
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the institutions under Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) University that welcomed us so warmly: Chimie ParisTech, MINES Paris – PSL, Institut Curie, College de France, ENS Paris, Observatoire de Paris, and ESPCI Paris. Your time, knowledge, and hospitality made this trip the incredible learning experience that it was.
To Emma—thank you for your tireless guidance, kind spirit, and for taking such good care of us. This trip would not have been the same without you.
Last but not least, we are immensely thankful to the CN Yang Scholars Programme for this amazing opportunity. The France OLT will remain a cherished chapter in our journey as scholars, learners, and global citizens.
5 Sep, 2025 | Events, Feature
Introduction
From 21 to 30 May 2025, a group of 14 CN Yang Scholars embarked on an overseas learning trip to South Korea, accompanied by Minee from the CN Yang Scholars Programme Office. Over the span of 10 days, we visited three renowned research universities: Sungkyunkwan University and Yonsei University in Seoul, and KAIST in Daejeon.

Our group consists of students from diverse academic backgrounds, including biological sciences, computer science, physics, and engineering. Beyond traditional research disciplines like biology and chemistry, we were also introduced to exciting interdisciplinary fields such as biomedical engineering and culture technology, which blends computer science with media and the arts.
The figure below shows all the research institutes we visited during our Korea OT.

Day 1 – Visit to Sungkyunkwan University
Sungkyunkwan University has two campuses — one in Seoul and another in Suwon. To reach the Department of Chemistry, we took a one-hour bus ride from Seoul to Sungkyunkwan University’s Suwon campus. We were warmly welcomed by the Head of the Department, Professor Hyoyoung Lee, and Professor Hanyong Bae, who had previously hosted the 14th MC CN Yang Scholars during their overseas trip in December 2022.

We were given guided tours of three research labs located in the chemistry building: the CO₂ to Multi-carbon Production Centre, the Reaction Design and Catalysis Lab, and the Theragnostic Advanced Biomolecule Lab.
Among the three labs, some of us were intrigued by the research conducted at the CO₂ to Multi-carbon Production Centre. The lab focused on developing and improving technologies to mitigate climate change, such as capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and producing hydrogen as a green fuel. This topic especially resonated with us, as climate change was covered in our Year 1 CN Yang core module. We were shown novel compounds with enhanced carbon-capturing efficiency, as well as tools used to evaluate electrolysis catalysts, which are key to producing low-cost green hydrogen fuel.
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At the Theragnostic Advanced Biomolecule Lab, the researchers kindly prepared a comprehensive presentation to introduce their research focus. Many of us were surprised to see how closely their work aligned with biomedical research. Some of their projects included drug delivery systems and the use of mouse models to study muscular dystrophy. For some non-biology students, it was also their first time stepping into a comprehensive biological lab, which is complete with a mammalian cell culture room, making the experience both eye-opening and memorable.
After the lab visits, we enjoyed a Korean-style bento lunch (dosirak) in the seminar room kindly offered by the Department of Chemistry. During lunch, we had the chance to interact more informally with the researchers. Some scholars took the opportunity to ask about postgraduate studies in Korean universities. We learned about key differences in programme structure, scholarships, and sources of funding compared to postgraduate pathways in Singapore, which were all valuable insights for those considering further studies abroad.
Day 2 – Visit to Yonsei University
Our visit to Yonsei University’s School of Engineering began with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Associate Dean Professor Jong-Moon Chung, who has an interesting profile—he holds dual appointments in the School of Engineering and College of Medicine at Yonsei University. He introduced us to the university’s history, which was formed through the merger of Yonhi College and Severance Union Medical College in 1957. This unique origin has shaped a strong foundation for interdisciplinary research, particularly between the College of Engineering and Severance Hospital.
The seminar session continued with research presentations by four graduate students from different departments: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Each student shared their biomedical research projects, showcasing how various fields of engineering can contribute to medical innovation. For example, artificial intelligence is being used to assist cardiovascular disease diagnosis, while material science is applied to design hydrogels with specific properties for wound healing. There was a project about developing new therapeutics based on immunological concepts, which surprised us with how biologically focused engineering work can be.
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Following the seminar, we were brought on a one-hour campus tour by a student ambassador from the International Ambassador Team. The ambassador was not only friendly but also deeply knowledgeable about Yonsei’s landmarks. We visited Gwanghyewon (the restored royal hospital that was also Korea’s first modern hospital), the Yonsei-Samsung Library and the iconic Underwood Statue. We were mesmerised by the beautiful buildings, which feature a blend of Western and Korean architectural influences, and the scenic green landscape. One interesting fact we discovered is that the bushes surrounding the Underwood Statue are trimmed to resemble the British flag from a bird’s-eye view. It was easy to see why the campus was chosen as a filming location for popular Korean dramas like True Beauty and Reply 1994.
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We ended the visit with lunch at the School of Engineering’s cafeteria, where we had casual conversations with the graduate students. Some of us also bought souvenirs featuring Yonsei University’s signature royal blue at the Yonsei Co-op Shop (like the U-Shop of NTU). This visit to Yonsei was the final academic programme in Seoul. In the evening, we travelled to Daejeon via KTX bullet train, ready for the next stage of our trip at KAIST.
Day 3 visit – KAIST Campus Asia and Korea Virus Research Institute (KVRI)

On our first day at KAIST, we were warmly welcomed by Professor Seungbum Hong from the Materials Imaging & Integration (MII) Lab. Professor Hong began by introducing the history of KAIST, which, in his words, was “born from a dream”—a vision by the South Korean government to overcome poverty through investment in science and technology. Learning about how much Korea has grown since then helped us better understand how research and innovation can play a big role in developing a country.

Professor Hong left a strong impression on us not only with his insights but also with his warmth and sincerity. He shared his personal academic journey of returning to establish his lab at KAIST after many years in the US, and his current passion for mentoring students and raising scientific awareness among the elderly in Korea. He actively engaged us in conversation, encouraging both his lab students and us to share our dreams and aspirations. The one-hour session passed quickly and felt more like an exchange among peers than a formal talk.
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Following this, we visited KAIST Campus Asia, which has hosted many CN Yang Scholars over the years for short-term or final-year project (FYP) attachments. KAIST is part of the T2KN CAMPUS Asia Plus Consortium, which includes Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan), Tsinghua University (China), KAIST (South Korea), and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore). As part of the exchange, our trip IC gave a brief introduction to the CN Yang Scholars Programme, while the KAIST Campus Asia representatives introduced the various short- and long-term exchange programmes they offer to students from participating universities within the consortium.

We were then brought on a tour by Mr Edward, a student who had previously been assigned as a buddy acting as a guide and mentor to several of our seniors during their participation in the Campus Asia programme. He guided us through the KAIST Vision Hall, which showcased the university’s founding milestones and achievements.
A highlight of the tour was the “Idea Factory” which is a student makerspace filled with tools and resources for building prototypes — similar to our Making & Tinkering Lab, but on a larger scale. The visit concluded with a traditional Korean lunch at the Faculty Club, kindly hosted by KAIST Campus Asia.
In the afternoon, we travelled a short distance to the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) to visit the Korea Virus Research Institute (KVRI). A highlight of this visit was the opportunity to tour their Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facility, where researchers work with high-risk pathogens. It was fascinating to observe scientists wearing full-body personal protective equipment that resembled astronaut suits when conducting work in the BSL-3 facility. Upon exiting, we even had to disinfect the soles of our shoes with ethanol — a small but memorable glimpse into the strict safety procedures required for working in high-containment labs.
Day 3 was definitely a mix of inspiration and excitement—from meeting passionate researchers to seeing some seriously high-tech labs. It left us curious and eager for what’s next on the trip!
Day 4 – KAIST Graduate School of Culture Technology (GSCT)
According to our post-trip survey, the visit to GSCT was by far the most interesting and enjoyable for nearly all trip members. This visit was planned by the trip ICs following a strong recommendation from a CN Yang Scholar senior who visited GSCT during his OT and later chose to conduct his OFYP in a GSCT lab. The research theme of GSCT focuses on Culture Technology, an interdisciplinary field that blends arts, humanities, and social sciences with cutting-edge science, technology, and cultural thinking.

We visited six research groups within GSCT, spending about an hour with each to maximise our exposure to this unique field. Each group prepared engaging presentations showcasing their diverse research projects. We had plenty of time to ask questions and dive deeper into specific topics. Almost everyone could find something relatable or familiar to them among the labs—whether it was musical instruments, video games, spatial design, cinematic experiences, immersive sound design, pop culture, ghost stories, or more. Compared to other visits, the trip members clearly showed greater interest and engagement here. It was also a fruitful visit for those who are more technically inclined, as they witnessed firsthand how data analytics, machine learning, virtual reality, metaverse technology, and signal processing are applied across different research areas.
Many labs also let us experience their prototypes and advanced technologies firsthand, making the visit even more memorable. At the Future Space Lab, we tried virtual reality headsets and immersed ourselves in the metaverse workplace. At the Music and Computing Lab (MACLab), one of the trip members tried the real-time music scripting technology when he played a piece on the piano, and another one who does not know how to play a piano also managed to put up a performance together with the help of an AI pianist. At the AIRIS lab, we experienced immersive aural heritage that mimics the sound environment of a heritage site through innovative recording techniques and Virtual Reality capabilities. At the Brain and Music Lab, some of us tried wearing the electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device, which measures brain activity during music.
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Beyond the research, we also connected with many young international graduate students studying at GSCT, including an NTU alumnus from CCEB. They shared their perspectives on conducting research at KAIST as international students. One trip member even received a personal invitation to attend an art and tech networking event in Seoul with members from MACLab, adding a special highlight to his Korea OT experience.
Day 5 – KAIST Department of Biological Sciences | KAIST Analysis Centre for Research Advancement (KARA)
In the morning, we visited four biology labs located in the Natural Science Building and the KAIST Institute Building. Lab students gave us a quick tour of their equipment and shared brief overviews of their research projects. In two of the labs, we learned how white mice are used in biomedical research—one lab showed us mice models with induced depression, while the other had mice with induced tumours in their legs. We also visited a microbiology lab that had cleverly modified machines and robot arms assembled in-house to automate routine protocols. Lastly, we were introduced to some analytical instruments, including the flow cytometer and the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS), and learned about their working principles.

For lunch, we ate at a nearby student canteen. The dining experience felt quite special—we queued with trays and selected dishes served in small plates according to our preferences, like kimchi, soup, or meat. We then brought our trays to the counter to pay. It was fun getting to try a variety of Korean dishes, all at a student-friendly price.

After lunch, we visited the KAIST Analysis Center for Research Advancement (KARA), a major research facility that supports both KAIST researchers and industry partners. The center houses a range of high-end analytical instruments, especially for advanced microscopy and spectroscopy. Many of the machines we saw were much more powerful than what’s typically available in standard research labs, and it was exciting to get a closer look at the capabilities of such cutting-edge equipment.
Our final day at KAIST gave us a glimpse into the life sciences and research support facilities, rounding off our visit on a quieter but informative note. We were grateful for the warm welcome, thoughtful tour arrangements, and engaging conversations throughout our three-day stay. It was a rare opportunity to explore such a wide range of research areas at one of Asia’s top institutes. Who knows—like some of our seniors before us, we might just find ourselves back here one day.
RnR – Seoul
Our hotel in Seoul, Henn Na Hotel at Myeongdong, was conveniently located near Myeongdong train station, giving us easy access to various tourist spots around the city. Just a five-minute walk away was the lively Myeongdong shopping street, which is a lively area filled with glowing signboards, rows of street food carts, skincare outlets and trendy fashion stores. Whenever our schedule ended early, we would head back to the hotel, then go for a casual walk through the buzzing night streets of Myeongdong.

On our first day in Seoul, we met up with our CN Yang senior, Sungyeon, who is currently taking a break from his studies to serve in the Korean military. After catching up, we strolled along Cartoon Street (Jaemi-ro) and took photos with the buildings and walls decorated in colourful and playful murals.
We continued walking towards Namsan Seoul Tower and decided to hike up through Namsan Park instead of taking the cable car. This decision was encouraged by a very friendly Korean uncle who assured us the hike was “easy.” (Spoiler: it was not!) But the view from the top, especially with the tower standing tall against the skyline, the famous couple locks adorning the fences, and a beautiful sunset, made the effort worth it.

Our second day in Seoul was packed with historical sights. We began at the majestic Gwanghwamun Square, where we visited the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. We also explored the grand Gyeongbok Palace, and wandered through the Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighbourhood filled with traditional Korean houses nestled on hilly lanes.
In the evening, we made our way to Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and most iconic traditional markets in Seoul. We tried out a variety of street food such as hotteok (sweet pancakes with brown sugar filling), bindaetteok (crispy mung bean pancakes), and of course, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). If you’re wondering why so many Korean foods end with tteok—it’s because they’re all variations of rice cakes, a beloved staple in Korean cuisine.

No trip to Korea is complete without shopping, and we definitely made the most of it. We visited popular spots like Seongsu-dong, The Hyundai Seoul, and the lively Hongdae district, where street performers and art pop up at every corner. Some of us stocked up on cosmetics and skincare at Olive Young, others picked up trendy summer clothes perfect for Singapore’s warm weather, and a few came to Korea with one clear mission: to hunt down favourite Korean fragrances — which they did.

If you couldn’t tell already, we were constantly on our feet exploring Seoul — and it was pretty exhausting! But we also had the chance to experience some truly unique events, like live university music festivals featuring our favourite K-pop artists and football matches at stadiums. The crowd’s energy, coordinated fan chants, and overall enthusiasm created an electrifying atmosphere that’s hard to find in Singapore. It was amazing to feel how our hobbies are celebrated and embraced so passionately in Korea — something we rarely get to experience back home.

Beyond the main highlights, we also found time to explore several other famous spots, such as the National Museum of Korea, Seoul Grand Park, Seoul Forest Park, the beautiful Starfield Library inside Coex Mall, and scenic parks along the Han River.
And, of course, the food. With trip members who observe vegetarian or halal diets, we made an effort to discover restaurants that cater to various needs and were pleasantly surprised by how accessible and delicious the options were. We had comforting bowls of gukbap (soup with rice), queued at the famous Myeongdong Gyoza for hearty dumpling ramyeon, shared hot pots of gamjatang (pork bone stew with potato), indulged in jokbal (braised pig trotters), and made multiple stops for fried chicken and Korean barbeque. Along the way, we also went on a bit of café hunting, discovering beautiful cafés where we enjoyed delicious pastries paired with chilled drinks. Each meal gave us more reasons to fall in love with Korean food culture.


RnR – Daejeon
Compared to the bustling, brightly lit streets of Myeongdong, Daejeon felt quieter and more relaxed. The city still had dimly glowing signages at night, but the streets were less crowded, making our evening strolls calm and enjoyable. The streets no longer had the familiar faces of foreign visitors, and it was rare to find Chinese or English-speaking shop staff or translated menus, which was a common sight in Myeongdong. Perhaps this was a glimpse of what everyday life in Korea really looks like for locals.

Daejeon doesn’t have many tourist attractions because it’s a city focused on science, technology, and research—the very reason we chose to visit this city. While Daejeon offers beautiful natural spots like forests and lakes that are great for sightseeing, unfortunately, we didn’t have time to explore those.
After our official visits ended each day, we enjoyed some leisure time wandering along Expo Bridge and shopping at Skyroad and an underground shopping street. A true highlight of our stay was visiting the famous Sungsimdang Bakery, known throughout Korea for its delicious yet affordable bread—definitely a must-visit for anyone coming to Daejeon. In the evenings, we would venture a few streets away from our hotel to hunt for tasty local food, then take relaxing night walks around the city to soak in the calm urban vibe.

Conclusion and Reflections
Without a doubt, we have all created meaningful memories with our peers during this Korea trip. The visits to the universities were both enriching and inspiring, marking a significant chapter in our CN Yang Scholar journey in Year 1. As we wrapped up our 10 days, it became clear that this trip was more than just an academic tour—it was a journey into the heart of a vibrant, multifaceted country. From the dynamic streets of Seoul to the innovative environment of Daejeon, every moment contributed to diverse stories and lasting takeaways that together form a vital part of the CN Yang Experience. Last but not least, a big thank you to every welcoming personnel who warmly hosted us and CNYSO for the financial support!
5 Sep, 2025 | Events, Feature
Day 1: Introduction to KTH, Campus Tour, and the SciLife Lab
On the first day of our visit to KTH, we were welcomed by Professor Björn and Ms Margareta. Prof. Björn began with an introduction to Stockholm and KTH. We were then given a campus tour by two students, Anushka and Victoria. We were first shown the KTH Innovation building, from which we would later return to learn more about the programme.
Later, we were shown the Courtyard, Borggården. The large open space sees many students soaking up the precious sunlight during the Summer. Our next stop was the university’s library. With dedicated quiet spaces, we were able to speak at a normal volume almost everywhere in the building. Our final stop was the Architecture building – one only accessible to Architecture students, so we were lucky that our tour guide, Victoria, was able to provide us with that access. The highlight of the building was the rooftop from which we could take in Stockholm’s beautiful city view, including the City Hall.
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In the afternoon, we visited the SciLife Lab, a collaborative research institute between the three universities in Stockholm: KTH, Stockholm University, and Karolinska Institute. We had the pleasure of listening to three presentations. The first was by Dr Hanzhao Zhang from the AICell Lab on their work to create virtual cells to further research into cell behaviour. Next, Dr Erdinc Sezgin from the CSI: Nano Lab is decoding immune cell signalling using biophysics. Lastly, PhD students Koen Jurgens and Lisa Engelhardt shared how they use Cryo-EM techniques to map antibody binding. Later, we got to visit the lab and see the electron microscope – the size of which surprised me more than anything – that took up almost the whole room and seemed to tower over all of us.
Day 2: Swedish Maritime Robotics Centre, and Centre for Sustainable Aviation

Dr Peter Sigray welcomed us to the Vehicle Engineering Lab. While he showed us many different watercraft, what piqued our interest most was a little robot known as a puffin. The puffin was made to be cheap and to be mass-produced. It gets sent out to a specific coordinate, then the bladder of air within its body deflates and the puffin sinks. Then the puffin retrieves data, like salinity and temperature, about the water.
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Subsequently, we went to the Centre for Sustainable Aviation, where Dr Pernilla Ulfvengren presented on her work in investigating the noise pollution caused by aircraft. It was an interesting discussion, primarily because many of us had not considered the impact noise had on sustainability. She also encouraged us to think of the costs of aviation, and we had a small discussion on the implicit and explicit costs of aviation. It was enriching to use our perspectives from having lived in population-dense Singapore. The centre also had a wall of doctoral theses – from the tradition of nailing one’s thesis to the wall before they defend their dissertation.
Day 3: Cybercampus Sweden, and KTH Reactor Hall R1

On day 3, we were welcomed to KTH Cybercampus by Dr. Emre Süren. There, they shared their work testing vulnerabilities in technology available on the market. The presenters presented how they choose technology to investigate the vulnerabilities of, and how they conduct said investigations. We even got to watch a demonstration of how the vulnerabilities of a device can be exploited. During the demonstration, the presenters showed how the communication between a child’s digital watch and a parent’s phone could be sabotaged. The sabotaged messages were altered to make the parent think the child was safe, despite the original message being of the child asking for help. This was an exceptionally cool experience, as we finally grasped how easy it is to hack into electronic devices and how vulnerable we are to such actions.

Later, Director Leif Handberg brought us into a surprisingly spacious elevator. After travelling nearly 25 metres underground, we arrived at KTH Reactor Hall R1. The hall once held Sweden’s first nuclear reactor. The high ceilings and large hall earned the reactor hall the nickname “Cathedral of Science and Technology”. The reactor was active from 1954 until 1970. When you first walk into the hall, you’ll notice the walls and high ceilings covered in a grid. This grid was preserved from the measurement of the radiation levels in the reactor hall after it was decommissioned. Director Leif shared that the radiation in the hall was found to be less than that above ground. The reactor hall is now used primarily for events like art exhibitions, concerts and music videos due to its interesting acoustics and aesthetics. KTH even hosted an opera in the venue. We had the privilege of exploring the entire hall, including the former researchers’ offices, and listening to the wonderful pipe organ performed by our very own scholar. As avid fans of collecting postcards, we were so wonderfully surprised by Director Handberg’s gesture of giving us limited edition postcards of KTH Reactor Hall.
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Day 4: KTH Food, and KTH Innovation

Professor Francisco Domingo hosted us at KTH Food and shared about the research done at the centre to create sustainable and healthy food systems. Prof Francisco spoke both about finding produce that can be sustained in the long-term and balancing those findings with consumers’ tastes. Catering to the consumer to understand if the food would be a preferred choice is a vital part of their research. Thus, alongside the biotechnology and chemical research, KTH Food also analyses its research from a psychosocial lens. We also discussed the differences in the waste management streams in Sweden and Singapore, and how habits like separating waste types were inculcated in Sweden.

Subsequently, we visited KTH Innovation, where Mr Viktor Olsson shared the support and programmes provided to KTH students who wish to start their startups. We also had the privilege of hearing from Mr Yizhou Zhang from Vasol Tech. Vasol Tech is a startup geared towards creating solar power units that can be easily transported and installed by the average person. Mr Zhang presented the support provided by KTH Innovation to ideate and create his prototype and to look for investors and a co-founder. We later visited the lab where students create their prototypes. Personally, what we found most surprising was the immense effort KTH puts into encouraging its students to innovate. All participating innovators are guided at every step of their start-up journey, which is truly the main reason for KTH Innovation’s success in creating start-ups.

Day 5: KTH Climate Action Centre, and lunch mingle with exchange students
We were welcomed to the KTH Climate Action Centre by Dr Karin Larsdotter, Deputy Director of KTH Climate Action Centre. Dr Karin shared the centre’s goal of global transformation towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Climate Action. The Climate Action Centre does this through multi-disciplinary climate action research, collaboration with policy and business, and engagement with students and citizens. Later, we had a sharing by Francesca Larosa, a Postdoc Research Fellow at KTH. Though her current work involves working on AI for climate action, she spoke about how all the UN Sustainable Development Goals are interconnected to each other and the work that could be done. She also spoke about the necessity of global co-operation in achieving these goals.

Later, we got to speak to some KTH students who would be coming to NTU in the coming academic year for an exchange over lunch. It was a refreshing conversation and a chance for us to compare the differences between the cultures of Singapore and Stockholm. It was also an opportunity for us to engage with our peers, having primarily heard from faculty during the trip. This was an excellent way to end our trip to KTH.

R&R
We touched down at Stockholm Arlanda Airport around 2pm, greeted by cool Nordic air and the quiet efficiency Sweden is known for. A quick 30-minute bus ride later, we arrived at our hotel — Blique by Nobis. After settling in, our group of 14 split up to freshen up before heading out for our first meal in Stockholm. A few of us wandered over to The Fox and Badger, a charming bistro just around the corner. It was there that I had my first taste — quite literally — of just how pricey eating out could be in Sweden. But to be fair, the food didn’t disappoint. Exhausted from the 17-hour journey, we decided not to push our luck. After a quick stop at the nearby supermarket to stock up on essentials (and maybe a few Swedish snacks), we headed back to the hotel for an early night.
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The next day, after our first visit to KTH had ended, Aubert mentioned that he had bought tickets to an orchestra concert at the Konserthuset Stockholm, and later that night, we had the opportunity to listen to a magnificent performance by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. The other group opted for a different viewing experience, instead choosing to watch a hockey match at Avicii Arena. They spent the night cheering alongside the passionate Austrian fans whose voices filled the whole stadium, and witnessed the opposing Canadian team ultimately clinch the win. The night walk back to our hotel gave us the chance to take in Stockholm’s peaceful night scene, perhaps one not possible in Singapore, at least not in the hot weather.
Another tourist attraction on our list was the Drottningholm Palace, which served as the Swedish royal family’s summer residence in the seventeenth century and is now one of Stockholm’s three World Heritage sites. Curtis had insisted that only a clear sunny sky could bring out the true beauty of the place, and hence, on the first day of clear skies, we made the hour-long trip outside of the city centre towards the palace. The views were certainly worth the travel, as we were immediately greeted by a view of the grand palace, sitting across a shimmering lake under the bluest sky.
We ventured into the viewable wing of the palace and admired the seemingly endless rooms, their walls adorned with paintings that spanned from floor to ceiling. The outside garden was just as stately and led to a beautiful park. We admired the many geese (while avoiding their many droppings), and with such lovely weather, we simply couldn’t help but linger.
Old towns in Europe are always a must-visit. In Stockholm, that charm lives in Gamla Stan, the old town situated just a 20-minute metro ride from KTH. We kicked off our visit with lunch at a cosy little Italian spot tucked along one of the main streets – a set meal for just 119 SEK that was surprisingly delicious and still lives rent-free in our memories. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect: clear blue skies, soft sunlight, and a light breeze that made wandering all the more pleasant. The architecture felt beautifully preserved, almost untouched by time or technology. We found ourselves ducking into every other shop for souvenirs and weaving through narrow alleys in search of the perfect photo spot.

A quick search on Google reveals the second-best tourist destination in Stockholm, and it is the Vasa Museum. For the sheer number of museums there are in that area, the Vasa Museum surely left an impression. Despite its majestic exterior, the story of the Vasa’s shipwreck was an interesting and slightly funny one. The vessel took roughly two years to build, and during its maiden voyage in 1628, it sailed about 1 kilometre offshore before one strong gust of wind was all it took to topple it. We had a conversation about this with Director Leif Handberg during our visit to the KTH Reactor Hall 1, and he summarised the wreck of the warship as “bad project management”. He surely was not wrong, as an in-depth read about the wreck revealed that the construction of the Vasa lacked a chief officer in charge. The Vasa Museum not only offered the story of the Vasa, but also gave an insight into Sweden’s recovery efforts in the preservation of the shipwreck, including chemical and physical methods.
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The ABBA Museum was also a unique experience. We managed to get a good look at the band that we heard playing on our parents’ radio when we were growing up. The museum took us through ABBA’s journey to stardom and how they constantly evolved. Their longevity speaks for itself: from ruling the disco era in the 70s to running virtual concerts in recent years, they have truly cemented themselves as a timeless musical icon, evident in the fact that some of the trip members were hardcore ABBA fans themselves! The displays were very unique and engaging, and Aubert was brave enough to give a short performance of “Dancing Queen” to a small crowd of museumgoers. There were also karaoke booths for those who were more shy.
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We went on a walk around the harbour before making our way to a Swedish restaurant for some authentic Swedish meatballs. At Meatballs for the People, we had some of the best meatballs (at least I think so), and Timothy went on to try some bear meatballs, which he thought tasted nothing exceptionally different from the normal ones.
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During the weekend, a group of us decided that it was time for a hike! After doing our research, we were on our way to Tyresta National Park, about an hour away from the city centre. Despite the rain, we went ahead with the 11-kilometre trail, thinking that the trail would consist mainly of flat ground. Well, we were wrong. The rockiness and the ups and downs, especially in the rain that showed no signs of stopping, we cut our trail halfway and exited to a nearby horse farm. It was also then that we found that the nearest bus stop back to Stockholm was another 5-kilometre away, but we had no other choice. At least we did complete the 11-kilometre though! After finally making it back to civilisation, we grabbed lunch at a random pasta store and rushed back to the hotel to rest.
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As we were exploring the Tyresta National Park, the other group was having their kind of adventure at Gröna Lund! Located on Djügarden Island facing the sea, the amusement park and its tall rides could be seen from across the shore from the city centre. We eased ourselves into it as we began with the more palatable “Vilda Musen (The Wild Mouse)” ride and eventually worked our way up to the “Insane” ride. Three brave souls (of whom Xavier required much encouragement) attempted this ride. It slowly lifted them up towards the sky, allowing a scenic view of the sea, before dropping them multiple times in their freely rotating seats. They reported that they weren’t sure if they did a full 360 degrees, but regardless, they felt their whole bodies spin. However, our favourite ride, as evident by Ashlyn’s four times riding this, was the “Monster”! It had us spinning multiple times as we flew across the entire theme park, leaving our legs weak in the best way possible.
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On Sunday, we headed to the Sunday flea market near the Konserthuset Stockholm that we visited on day 1. There was a stunning collection of second-hand silverware and vinyl records. Some of us spent on art prints and handcrafted jewellery. We then made our way to the City Hall and took in the view of the Stockholm harbour. After dinner, it was an uphill climb to Mariaberget, an observation deck that overlooks the entire Stockholm. We managed to catch the sunset and took stunning pictures.
We picked a sunny day to go out of Stockholm and explore its archipelago, particularly Vaxholm. The island was a 40-minute ferry ride away, with an open-air upper deck. As the boat sped towards its destination, we could feel the wind in our bones, but some of us still chose to brave the cold as we took in the passing scenery, while some of us chose to enjoy the views from the warm comfort of the lower deck. The island was filled with restaurants and cafes, and we settled upon a quaint cafe nestled beside the river for fika. A large table was the centrepiece, with a whole assortment of mouth-watering cakes covering every square inch. We each picked a few, and with so many good options, our choices barely overlapped! This allowed us to take a small bite from each other’s plates to get a small taste of almost everything the cafe had to offer. Afterwards, we hopped from souvenir shop to souvenir shop across the island, with a few of us leaving empty-handed.

We also went to Fotografiska Museum Stockholm, a photography art museum filled with very intriguing exhibitions. We had our fair share of fun exploring the funnier and wilder exhibition and also shared our solemn moments when the art pieces turned serious. On that day, we finally had the chance to visit Ikea, and honestly, I thought that the meatballs in Singapore Ikea were a bit better than the ones that we had that day.
On our last full day in Sweden, we took the train up north to visit Uppsala, the fourth-largest city in Sweden. As a university town, it was much less densely populated as compared to Stockholm. We braved the rain and went to the Uppsala Castle as our first stop. It housed the Uppsala Art Museum, where we had the opportunity to catch an ongoing exhibition, Corpus Cosmos, showcasing the relationship between Art and the medical studies of the human body.

We then made our way to Uppsala Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic masterpiece, and one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. Of course, we could not miss a visit to Uppsala University and the Botanical Garden, which housed a diverse collection of plants. We ended our day out at Uppsala with a gelato and made our way back to Stockholm.
Conclusion
The OLT to Sweden was surely an eye-opening and unforgettable experience. Five days of visits to KTH introduced us to an academic culture so vastly different from that of Singapore. We learnt about the leading research Sweden was conducting in the Biology and DSAI fields through the presentations at SciLife Lab. At the Centre for Sustainable Aviation and KTH Food, we were shocked by the immense effort the Swedish government puts into sustainability. KTH Innovation’s continuous encouragement for its students to innovate gives them the courage to have their own start-ups. These visits to various departments of KTH broadened our perspectives on education and gave us insights on how to make use of our knowledge to solve global challenges.
On our R&R days, we were grateful to have the chance to appreciate the unique culture of Sweden. For one, the Fika culture – one that involves having a cinnamon roll and coffee as afternoon tea – was something we perhaps will not be able to enjoy as much in Singapore’s busy hustle culture. Visiting historical landmarks like Drottingholm and the City Hall was an escape from the modernised side of Stockholm. We also often indulge in non-touristy behaviours, such as hiking through the forest, sifting through the flea market’s second-hand goods, and just enjoying some nice pastries at a little café in Vaxholm.
We forged such fond memories in these 10 days by navigating through these new experiences together. Without an accompanying staff, we all took the initiative to look after and check up on each other every now and then to ensure the safety of everyone. While we are grateful for this rare opportunity to visit Sweden on a school trip, this trip would not have been this successful without the help of everyone.