19 Aug, 2025 | Events, Feature
The Outreach Portfolio organised its first industry visit of the year to Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Bioprocess Design Centre (BDC). Thermo Fisher Scientific is one of the leading suppliers of products used by researchers and manufacturers worldwide. Thermo Fisher Scientific also runs its own Bioprocess Design Centre in Singapore to provide training and offers the opportunity for scientists and engineers to experience proprietary products. This industry visit aimed to provide scholars with the opportunity to be exposed to state-of-the-art equipment in the BDC and the accompanying Customer Experience Centre (CEC). The scholars also learned about the different biochemical methods and equipment used to analyse and purify biological samples. Our visit began with an introduction to the manufacturing process for biologics, as well as various career prospects and roles available in the biologics industry. Thereafter, the scholars received a guided tour of the laboratories used for product testing. Through the tour, the scholars learned more about current technologies used in the manufacturing industry, such as single-use technology for aseptic manufacturing and important tools for drug processing, such as chromatography columns.
After the laboratory tour, the scholars were then invited to visit the CEC, which displayed some of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s latest products. At the CEC, the scholars gained exposure to cutting-edge proprietary instruments and learned about the latest technologies available in the field of biological research, which could prove useful in their future research endeavours. After a series of enriching tours, the scholars reconvened with the BDC representative for a brief Q&A session to clarify any doubts about what they learned during the tours. The scholars were able to have candid conversations with the scientists, where they gained career advice and heard personal anecdotes about their professional and academic trajectories.
19 Aug, 2025 | Events, Feature
The Outreach Portfolio organized its final industry visit to Duke-NUS Medical School. Widely recognized as a global research hub, Duke-NUS is known for its cutting-edge work in biomedical and translational research. The school offers well-rounded MD and PhD programmes, complemented by its signature research programmes that focus on addressing some of the most pressing challenges in medicine and healthcare. This industry visit aimed to expose scholars to cutting-edge research in stem cell biology and neuroscience while providing insights into advanced laboratory techniques. This experience sought to inspire curiosity, broaden perspectives, and encourage future roles in biomedical research. The visit kicked off an introductory session with the Duke-NUS team, during which they shared the various academic pathways offered at the institution. Specifically, our scholars learned more about the three main programmes: the MD, PhD, and MD-PhD tracks. Additionally, representatives from the Duke-NUS team provided an overview of the different PhD specialisations available.
Our scholars then toured the Cancer and Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) and Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders (NBD) laboratories, guided by PhD students from each lab. At the CSCB lab, our scholars were introduced to advanced instruments, such as the fluorescence confocal microscope for cell screening and the cryostat used in tissue sample preparation. During the visit to the NBD lab, our scholars learned about various animal models utilised in neuroscience research. A PhD student also shared her research: identifying genetic causes of seizures in small mammals like mice. This sharing provided insights into the practical applications of neuroscience studies. After the lab tours, a MD-PhD student shared her experience at Duke-NUS, focusing on the MD component, which takes place in the first two years of the programme. Through this sharing, our scholars gained insight into the daily life of MD-PhD students, including laboratory sessions and clinical rotations. Afterwards, our scholars had the chance to interact with students from the CSCB, NBD, Emerging Infectious Diseases, and MD-PhD programmes, where they got the opportunity to ask questions to deepen their understanding of the various academic paths and career opportunities.
19 Aug, 2025 | Events, Feature
The Outreach Portfolio organised its second visit to SpeQtral. Even as a smaller company, SpeQtral has major achievements working with organisations and governments around the globe to implement secure communication networks via Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). SpeQtral also continuously innovates to improve its products to make them functioning satellites. This industry visit aimed to provide scholars with an opportunity to explore quantum research facilities and the advancements that shape the field. It also bridged the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications by exploring the intersection of quantum science and other disciplines. Firstly, the staff at SpeQtral shared the company’s terrestrial and satellite QKD projects. Scholars were given a brief introduction to the concept of QKD and its importance. Through this, scholars learned the shortcomings of current technologies and how they result in potential data leakages, thereby causing the need for a more secure communication method.
Scholars then toured the labs at SpeQtral. Here, lab scientists explained the various factors that were considered when developing the technology. For example, the size of the satellite had to be minimised to efficiently bring it into orbit as a satellite. Thus, the scientists worked on miniaturising existing technology to reduce the size of the payload. Lastly, scholars interacted with SpeQtral’s co-founder and CEO Chune Yang Lum. During this informal session, scholars gained insight into Singapore’s quantum science industry. Scholars learned about the different types of technology developed in Singapore and the various paths that could be taken after graduation.
5 Apr, 2025 | Events, Feature
Illumine: Reigniting Faded Memories
Homecoming is an annual event organized by the Outreach Portfolio of the CN Yang Scholars’ Club, providing a special occasion for Alumni and Scholars to reconnect over dinner and engaging activities. The event offers current scholars the chance to explore potential career paths and gain valuable insights and motivation for life after graduation. At the same time, the Alumni also had the opportunity to offer guidance and reflect on their university experiences.
We were truly honoured to have the Deputy Director of the CN Yang Scholars Programme, Associate Professor Wong Liang Jie, deliver the opening address at the event.
This year, the theme of Homecoming was inspired by the movie Inside Out, aiming to create a nostalgic and emotionally enriching experience. The goal was to help participants reconnect with their past while celebrating their personal growth over the years. The venue was adorned with vibrant, lively colours, immersing everyone in a visually captivating atmosphere.
In line with the theme, Illumine, each participant received a personalized memory orb, carefully handmade by the Outreach Portfolio.
A standout feature of the event was the mocktail station, offering a selection of specially crafted mocktails in the signature colours of the characters from Inside Out. This refreshing experience perfectly complemented the event’s theme.
Additionally, there were various fun activities available, including a pool table, Board games, and a foosball table.
The event also featured several insightful presentations from the Career & Attachment Office, as well as two of our alumni, who shared their experiences and advice.
Once again, a huge thank you to the 17MC Outreach Portfolio for organising this event!
8 Apr, 2024 | Events, Feature
Reverie: A Dreamlike State
Homecoming is a beloved tradition of the CN Yang Scholars’ Club which takes place at the beginning of the year. The event is designed to strengthen the connections between current scholars and alumni. It provides an opportunity for current scholars to learn more about potential career paths and gain insights into life after graduation. For alumni, it is a chance to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about their time in the CN Yang Scholar’s Programme.
During homecoming, both alumni and current scholars are treated to a delicious dinner. This year’s theme is “Reverie,” meaning ‘a dreamlike state’. To match the theme, we have decorated the photobooth with Polaroid pictures of the alumni during their time in university.
There are also several activities available at the venue, including a pool table, a dart machine, Nintendo Switch games, and a Karaoke machine.
Insightful experiences were also shared at the event, including networking tips from the director of the NTU Career & Attachment Office, and internship opportunities and graduate school experiences from alumni.
All in all, homecoming is a highly anticipated annual event. It celebrates the CN Yang Scholar’s community and fosters strong connections between members, past and present.
Thank you to our 16MC Outreach Portfolio for organising Homecoming 2024!
