The Global Connect Fellowship (GCF) at NTU’s School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS) is more than just a research opportunity, it’s an experience that shapes perspectives, sparks collaboration, and builds lifelong connections. Over the course of two to three months, fellows from around the world join our vibrant community, working alongside world-leading faculty on cutting-edge research. Here’s what some of our recent fellows had to say about their journey at SPMS.
“During my Global Connect Fellowship at SPMS, I worked on a review paper about the misinformation ecosystem under the supervision of Associate Professor Cheong Kang Hao and Research Fellow Shiyu Hu. I truly appreciated their guidance, which helped me sharpen my research focus. This experience gave me insights into methods of misinformation spread and post-detection techniques. I’m excited to continue exploring this topic, and I am grateful to be a part of the SPMS community during this fellowship.”
— Anastasiia Bohachenko
“During my summer GCF program, I had the opportunity to conduct research under Professor Kelin’s guidance at SPMS. The experience of being on NTU’s campus was enriching, allowing me to discover the diverse dining options, excellent facilities, and beautiful surroundings the university offers. As an NTU community member, I appreciated having access to various study and research spaces beyond SPMS, including areas throughout the North and South spines and the Hive. Over the course of two months, I gained valuable insights not only into my specific research area but also into Singapore’s rich history and cultural philosophy.
My weekends were filled with exploration of the city center, where I enjoyed the weekly fireworks displays followed by memorable meals at Lau Pa Sat. This Singapore experience has been transformative, broadening my perspective and contributing to my personal growth in meaningful ways.”
— Fedi Ben Othmen
“Global Connect Fellowship has helped me establish a solid foundation for my future research. During the fellowship, I not only connected with peers from all over the world and broadened my cultural knowledge and changed my life prospective, I also had an opportunity to build a strong network in Singapore and NTU in particular. The fellowship gave me clarity on what I would like to do in future and was overall an amazing experience!”
— Oleksii Stepanenko
“My professor and all lab members are truly supportive and always willing to help me. What impressed me most was during my poster presentation — everyone from the office came to cheer me on, attend the closing ceremony, and even take photos together. Despite their busy schedules, they still made time to join, which made me feel warmly welcomed and cared for. I truly enjoyed my stay here and am very grateful to SPMS for this wonderful opportunity.”
— Hai Yen
“My name is Tran Chi Quy, I am from Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam National University. It was an honor to work at SPMS, NTU under the Global Connect Fellowship program. The academic environment at NTU, particularly within SPMS, is highly developed, supported by a strong research ecosystem and an extensive academic network. Initially, I was concerned because the research topic was not only trending and attentive but also a significant challenge for me, as it was completely new to my background.
Fortunately, I had the privilege of working under the guidance of Assoc Prof Justin Song Chien Wen, who is both highly knowledgeable and remarkably supportive. My colleagues in the research group were collaborative and friendly; we frequently engaged in discussions, exchanged ideas, and provided constructive feedback. Thanks to this supportive environment, it took me only a few days to gain a solid understanding of the projects, and together we were able to generate new research directions. I learned a great deal during my two months at SPMS and remain deeply grateful to NTU for the opportunity to work alongside such outstanding researchers. This experience has strongly encouraged me to consider SPMS as a potential destination for my future PhD studies.”
— Tran Chi Quy
“My two-month research time at the lab was really great. I got to work with Assoc Prof Wang Xiao, and his advice really helped me grow. The lab team was super friendly and always there to lend a hand. Even though it was short, I’ve got tons of good memories. The experience was packed with learning and fun moments. I’m really thankful for this cool opportunity and the amazing people I met. It opened my eyes to new ideas and left me excited for more. This journey at the lab will stick with me for a long time.”
— Phan Anh Viet
The Global Connect Fellowship continues to be a gateway for young scholars to immerse themselves in world-class research, build meaningful friendships, and broaden their horizons. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of fellows to SPMS, NTU.