France Overseas Learning Trip 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. 

Sweden Overseas Learning Trip 2025

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.  

Japan Overseas Learning Trip 2025

5 Sep, 2025 | Events, Feature

Introduction

On 18th – 27th May 2025, 16 of our scholars and Ms Lee embarked on an unforgettable Overseas Learning Trip to Osaka and Kyoto, Japan. From meaningful classroom exchanges to ancient temples and bustling cityscapes, the trip offered our scholars a chance to broaden our horizons and bask in the rich Japanese culture. Take a trip down memory lane with us as we share the highlights from our time in Japan! 

Day 2 

Upon landing in Osaka, we headed to Dotonbori for a hearty dinner and rested up for the exciting week ahead. We started our second day bright and early at Osaka University (OU) Toyonaka campus.

We were welcomed by Mr Uchihira, who served as our guide during our time in OU. He showed us a depiction of a crocodile fossil found in Toyonaka campus. He shared that Dr. Wani, a cartoon crocodile holding every doctoral degree, was the university’s mascot. Professor Matsumoto and Professor Akai gave us our first lecture on Material Intelligence, where we learnt about neuromorphic computation by molecular networks, before we visited the Institute for Advanced Mass Spectrometry Research. Professor Toyoda and his research group introduced their work, which was focused on developing portable mass spectrometers which could be used for on-the-field analysis. We were also presented with small-scale models of the mass spectrometers which were really fascinating to see!

Afterwards, we queued with the Japanese students in the cafeteria, where we tasted restaurant-quality food at very affordable prices. After lunch, we were introduced to the design of supramolecular materials by Professor Takashim, who gave us samples of self-repairing polymers to fiddle with. It was a one-of-a-kind experience playing with materials that could heal themselves after being stretched or cut.

Day 3 

The next day, we were hosted by OU’s Graduate School of Science, Department of Chemistry, where we were welcomed by Professor Kasamatsu. Here, we visited five different laboratories, spanning Radiochemistry, Functional Molecules and Materials, Coordination Chemistry, Surface Chemistry, and lastly Quantum Chemistry. Some research topics that were shared included catalysis using gold nanoparticles and studies on radioactive isotopes and heavy elements.

We learnt that most of the experiments by the Radiochemistry department are conducted in specialised facilities housing expensive equipment and dangerous samples, separate from the labs in the Toyonaka campus, which are mostly computational or involving data processing. 

For lunch, we were led to a different cafeteria, one that specialises in Japanese curry sets. After a delicious meal, we gathered in the international students’ lounge and received an introductory speech and sharing from Professor Kondo (Dean of the Graduate School of Science) and Professor Funahashi about the graduate programmes available at OU.

We were also delighted to hear about the Science Buddy program from the graduate students, where international or exchange students could join the club and engage in cultural exchange and bond with the Japanese students, piquing the interest of some of our scholars considering OU as their potential destination for further studies! We ended our day with a quick sharing by our Trip IC, Cadee, about the CN Yang Scholars Programme, and a short campus tour led by the friendly international students at OU. 

Day 4 

The third day of school visits brought us to a new location – OU’s Suita campus. Greeted by Professor Atsushi Nakagawa, we began our tour with an introduction to the Institute for Protein Research. Following that, we were split into three groups to visit their state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Cryo-EM, which allows extremely small particles, such as viruses, to be observed. We were also introduced to their NMR machines, including a room dedicated to a self-developed solid-state NMR machine!  

The surprises did not end there. We headed to the Research Center for Nuclear Physics, where Professor Takashi Nakano gave us an introduction to the facility, as well as the experiments conducted there. Then, we were led into their control room, before heading down countless flights of stairs and winding corridors to reveal the massive ring cyclotron where the experiments occur. All of us were in awe of the sheer scale of the instrument, fascinated as we gained deeper insight into its operation. 

After a quick lunch, we visited our final stop of the day – the Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, where Professor Tetsuro Hirose gave us a lecture on the importance of long, non-coding RNA. The day ended with visits to their laboratories, where we had the opportunity to see various types of microscopes and witness them in action! 

Day 5 

Day 5 saw us back at the Toyonaka campus, where we were introduced by Professor Furutani and given an introduction to their Biological Science programmes, followed by five presentations from various professors about their research, ranging from plant vascular systems to developmental biology using frog embryos. This was followed by a visit to their laboratories, where we got to see the day-to-day lives of researchers, as well as the experiments that they conduct. Animal researchers working with frogs had their laboratories filled with tanks of frogs in various stages of their life cycles – from tadpoles to fully grown adults!  

Lunch was at the school cafeteria, before we headed back for a seminar by Professor Lance Davidson, a visiting professor from the University of Pittsburgh, who shared with us his experience of researching biomechanics of morphogenesis, providing an in-depth overview of how cytoskeletons and the extra-cellular matrix contribute to tissue mechanics and force generation during morphogenesis. 

Day 6 

On the first day of our official RnR, some of our scholars travelled to the outskirts of Kyoto to embark on a fun day adventure. At the crack of dawn, we made our way to Kurama, a countryside town, where we headed on a mountain trail crossing Mount Kurama to reach Kifune. The view from atop Mount Kurama was simply breathtaking, and being at eye-level with the peak of a neighbouring mountain felt unreal. After crossing Mount Kurama to reach Kifune, some of our scholars decided to have a decadent traditional Japanese set meal at one of the local restaurants in the town. 

Another group of us got off at the wrong stop on the way to Mount Kurama, but ended up at the base of an equally magnificent mountain, Mount Hiei! We rode the Eizan Cable Car, which boasts the steepest vertical climb in Japan, followed by a ropeway that led us to the summit of Mount Hiei. We soaked in the picturesque views of Kyoto while thoroughly enjoying the significantly colder temperatures before trekking to the famous Enryakuji temple. Before heading back down, we had a delicious bowl of vegetarian soba at the temple’s restaurant, as well as a bowl of traditional matcha served with warabimochi.  

As for dinner, several of our scholars reconvened at the famous Gion district, where they chowed down on delicious bowls of ramen and tonkatsu. After which, they made their way to the iconic Pokémon Center in Kyoto, the real-life region which inspired the Johto region in the games. 

Day 7 

On the second day of our official RnR, some of our scholars had booked buses to ferry them from central Kyoto to Amanohashidate, a sandbar in the northern Kyoto Prefecture. Despite the light rain, our scholars had an incredible beach day. In fact, due to the light rain, our scholars got to observe the formation of low-lying clouds!

Amanohashidate was extremely beautiful and scenic, picturesque even. Even wild jellyfish were spotted! After crossing the sandbar, some of our scholars opted to take the chairlift up to the observation deck for an aerial view of the sandbar. It is said that when you bend over and look in between your legs, the sandbar resembles a dragon in the sky, we took our chance to test this out!

Our scholars then went on a boat ride in Ine, where they had a tour of the charming fishing village with its distinct boat houses, complete with a cinematic scene of racing seagulls chasing after the boat. 

Day 8 

On the official RnR, some of our scholars went on a little trip to Arashiyama, the iconic bamboo forest of Kyoto. Our scholars went on a relaxing walk through the bamboo forest, where the rustling of leaves and the swaying of the bamboo transported our worries away, albeit momentarily. On the way to a nearby town from the bamboo forest, our scholars tried skipping rocks across a river. Eventually, our scholars reached the town where they had a scrumptious meal and did some shopping. 

Later in the day, some of our scholars indulged in their hobbies and went for a sake tasting session at Fushimi. At the end of the day, some of our scholars reconvened at the Kyoto train station to have dinner. 

Day 9 

On Day 9, we arrived at our second university for the trip, Kyoto University (KU). We were welcomed by the staff and professors from the Institute for Chemical Research (ICR). The day started with a brief introduction about the history of KU and the ICR by Professor Ohki, in which we learnt that the university has produced 11 Nobel Laureates and numerous other recipients of awards such as the Fields Medal and Gauss Prize. Following that, our Trip IC Yi Hao gave a quick sharing about the CN Yang Scholars Programme.  

We were then greeted by staff from KU’s Admissions Office and Dr Pal Singh, a former MEXT scholar, who shared about the study programmes and scholarships available for international students interested in joining the school. After the series of sharings, we were joined by some international students at the ICR. Our scholars and the students were given the opportunity to network with each other over some coffee and snacks kindly provided by the university staff. 

After the lovely coffee break, our scholars were then invited to visit three different laboratories at the ICR. Professor Uesugi gave us a brief tour of the Chemical Biology labs, which featured a unique layout in which both chemical synthesis and molecular work were conducted within the same laboratory space. After which, Professor Wakamiya showed us the facility where novel materials for organic electronics, such as OLED and solar cells, are synthesized and tested. Lastly, we met Professor Ogata, who introduced the use of bioinformatics in aquatic microbial ecology research. We also had the chance to see the ICR’s very own supercomputer, which contributes to the development of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), which boasts over 100,000 accesses per day.  

At the end, we snapped a quick photo with all the students and staff present to commemorate our incredibly rewarding day at Kyoto University. 

Conclusion 

With that, we were approaching the end of our trip. Some of our scholars woke up at the break of dawn for some last-minute adventures at Fushimi Inari Taisha, others ventured back to Osaka and some preferred spending their last day calm and carefree before the responsibilities of M&T struck.

We watched the sun set on the train back to Kansai International Airport, reminiscing about the already nostalgic trip with our friends. Most of us then proceeded to sleep the entire flight back to Singapore. Upon our arrival in Singapore, we were all still tired yet content with the fun and educational experience to mark the start of the end of our time as Year 1s. 

Acknowledgements 

We would like to express our gratitude to Osaka University’s Graduate School of Science, Forefront Research Center, Institute for Protein Research, Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, and Kyoto University’s Institute for Chemical Research for being such welcoming hosts and making our trip a fruitful and unforgettable one.

We would also like to thank Ms Lee for her companionship and being a motherly figure to us on this trip. (We hope you enjoyed Japan as much as we did Ms Lee!) Lastly, this trip would not have been possible without the kind support of the CNYSO. We are extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity and it will definitely be an experience that we cherish for a long time.