From 10 to 20 July 2025, the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) hosted its first integrated Summer School, welcoming over 150 undergraduate students from eight leading universities across China, Korea, and Taiwan.
The 10-day programme offered an immersive experience in Singapore’s biosciences and healthcare ecosystem – exploring cutting-edge topics from AI in drug discovery to the molecular basis of cancer, and the intersection of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern science.
Participating Institutions:
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China)
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (China)
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China)
- China Pharmaceutical University (China)
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (China)
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (China)
- Kyung Hee University (Korea)
- China Medical University (Taiwan)
A Fusion of Learning and Cultural Exchange
Beyond the lecture halls, students experienced a campus tour of NTU and embarked on a field trip to explore Singapore’s TCM heritage – visiting the Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chung Hwa Medical Institute, and Thong Chai Medical Institution.
The programme was designed to connect academic learning with practical applications, introducing international students to Singapore’s One Health framework, digital health innovation, and the local biotech startup landscape.
Meaningful Reflections
The SBS Summer School left a lasting impression on many, including faculty members who accompanied their students. Their heartfelt reflections speak volumes about the programme’s academic impact, cross-cultural exchange, and warm hospitality.
From Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine:
“Though these ten days of our exchange program were brief, they have left an indelible and cherished mark on us, thanks to your thoughtful arrangements and generous sharing of knowledge.”
“The courses and activities were thoughtfully designed to align with our students’ academic backgrounds while leveraging the strengths of SBS, allowing us to glimpse countless bridges between traditional medicine and modern science.”
“Each lesson was like spring rain nourishing young seedlings, fostering in our students a vision and composure that balances research with real-world application.”
“Many students have now set their sights on further studies here, and we look forward to crossing paths again soon.”
From Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine:
“Our students gained tremendously from this experience, broadening their horizons while acquiring valuable knowledge. Thank you for making this such a rewarding journey.”
Looking Ahead
The SBS Summer School 2025 is more than a milestone – it is the beginning of long-term partnerships, shared knowledge, and cross-cultural academic growth.
To all our participants, faculty, and partner universities: thank you for making this first edition such a memorable success. We hope to welcome you back to Singapore and SBS again soon!