Tech Whiz with a Heart for Service

Aerospace Engineering (AEG) graduate Kieran Wong’s fascination with aviation started when he was just seven. The wide-eyed boy was enthralled by the sights and sounds of fighter jets taking off daily near his home in Punggol and would never miss the chance to take a window seat on flights just to watch the aircraft take off from the runway.

However, what really ignited Kieran’s passion was when his father signed up for a monthly subscription to Airliner World, a magazine for aviation enthusiasts. Reading about the fascinating technologies in the aviation industry in his teenage years piqued his interest and eventually led him to enrol in Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) AEG course through the Early Admissions Exercise. 

“I enjoy troubleshooting – it thrills me when I get the electronic circuit to work!” enthuses Kieran. “I also like to discover how things work, which led me to pursue engineering.”

At NP, Kieran seized every opportunity to participate in overseas programmes, including the Overseas Immersion Programme to Hanoi, Vietnam and the Overseas Merit Fellowship, a prestigious two-week talent development programme held in Brisbane, Australia. Relishing these experiences and seeing the importance of acquiring cross-cultural competencies to succeed beyond our shores, he took up a Minor in Global Readiness. 

His stellar academic performance throughout his three years at NP won him multiple awards.  When asked about his mantra for success, the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Polytechnic scholar quipped, “Always give your best in everything and enjoy what you do – this will keep you going!” 

True to his words, Kieran’s inclination towards community service led him to spearhead over 20 community service projects for FoodAID Club where he served as Vice President.  The active student leader ran the Food Rescue Project aimed at reducing food waste, and the annual school-wide food donation drive to distribute essential food items to communities in need, just to name a few.

“Besides enjoying what I do, the best thing about organising these projects is that I get to create opportunities for others to discover the joy of serving those in need,” Kieran shares with a wide grin. “I’m always stoked when members keep returning to volunteer!”

Kieran’s heart for service reflects his admiration towards his educator parents for their dedication to teaching and nurturing their students. Apart from being grateful to them for their unstinting support, he reveals that they have inspired him to also join the public service. 

Guided by the mission to use technology to better lives, Kieran has set his heart on pursuing a degree in engineering. Thereafter, he aspires to embark on a career in technology development in the public sector.

Transformed to Lead

From an unassuming introvert to a dynamic leader, Nar Kang Jing’s remarkable transformation at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) is an intriguing narrative.

The Engineering Science graduate with outstanding academic and Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) achievements reflects, “Back in secondary school, I was just the average guy who kept a rather low profile.” 

After entering NP, Kang Jing made a conscious decision to continually challenge and reinvent himself. “I was surrounded by high-achiever friends who inspired me to step out of my comfort zone. So, I decided to take the initiative to join many CCA Clubs and embrace every leadership opportunity. All these experiences pushed me to grow as a person,” he explains. 

His commitment to hone his leadership skills and serve the school community led him to take on the role of President of the Engineering Interest Group and Welfare Head of the Engineering Science Academic Club. During his term, he organised events such as hackathons, workshops and dialogue sessions aimed at deepening students’ interest in the engineering field.
 
Notably, Kang Jing played a pivotal role in planning ideateCOMM 2023, a nationwide social hackathon focused on improving elderly healthcare in Singapore. “I saw first-hand the challenges faced by elderly patients at Ren Ci Community Hospital and that opened my eyes to the importance of empathy in engineering solutions for society,” he relates. 

This sense of empathy gave the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) scholar new insights into how technology applications should make a difference in real life. This conviction grew further during his internships at DSTA, where he worked on flight simulation and software development projects that had a direct impact on improving efficiency and convenience for staff.

“The biggest change in me over the last three years is that I’ve become more ‘xtra’!” he sums up with a grin, referencing NP’s “Be Part of xtra” tagline. “By this, I mean that I am always asking what more can be done to make things better.”

This sense of curiosity has seeded in Kang Jing the aspiration to establish his own tech start-up in future – something he hopes to achieve after he graduates from the Computer Science programme at the National University of Singapore.   

He credits NP’s conducive environment for his transformative growth. “Supportive lecturers and seniors, access to top-notch facilities like TechSpace@8, along with the close friendships I made – all these helped to shape who I am today. Every year at NP was an entirely new chapter for me, making my time here the most exciting of my life,” he affirms.

Ally of Tech, Defender of Mankind

When Alec Ong’s A-level results fell short of his expectations, he viewed it as both a humbling and pivotal moment – one that would steer him toward a field that merged his two passions: Business and Technology. Coincidentally, Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) was offering a Diploma in Data Science, perfectly aligning with his interests and resonating with his analytical mind and entrepreneurial spirit. 
 
“I’m a firm believer in cultivating passion around one’s interests,” says Alec, echoing the sentiment that doing what he loves means he will never work a day in his life. “I’m just fortunate that all my passions revolve around Data Science.”
 
“Data opens realms that not many people can see,” explains Alec, encapsulating his fascination with the boundless possibilities that data offers. Data analysis can unveil insights, trends and opportunities, enabling informed decisions in any endeavour or field. Yet, he recognised that many individuals ¬– from students to the elderly – were not fully harnessing digital tools and applications. 
 
At NP, while excelling academically and leading in his cohort, the well-liked student had a mission. He sought to demystify technology, making digital tools fun and engaging, and providing a gateway for a wider community to enter the digital realm. He achieved all this through active participation in NP’s co-curricular activities as well as both voluntary and paid coaching roles.
 
As Vice President of ICT Society, Alec led initiatives to bring technology closer to the elderly. “A highlight was Silver Click, an event where students taught seniors how to use trendy and essential apps like Shopback and MeWATCH”, shares Alec, who is glad that the experience brought joy to the elderly and opened new channels for connectivity in their lives.
 
During school breaks, Alec took up various jobs, including working as an AI Trainer for INTEL’s Sustainable Living Lab. Blending his mission and passion, he mentored secondary school and junior college students, utilising his data science skills to help them develop impactful sustainable solutions. “The main goal is always to have fun – it’s the best way to break any barriers!” the seasoned coach expresses. “By helping the students to enjoy using data in their projects, it spurs them to get good at it.”  
 
Alec envisions a future where technology is not only accessible but enjoyable for everyone. His ultimate goal? 

“I want to become a datapreneur who creates jobs for people and ensures humanity remains relevant alongside AI. After all, my name – derived from ‘Alexander’ – means ‘Defender of Mankind’”, he concludes with a cheeky smile.
 
In the meantime, the graduate will be pursuing a double degree in Information Systems and Business Management with a Major in Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Singapore Management University. He has also been offered a place in the Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme. 

Aspiring Architect who Believes in ‘Being Human’

“‘Be human’ is my guiding philosophy in life as well as in design,” shares aspiring architect Ryan Tan. This people-centred principle took root early, during his secondary school days at the School of Science & Technology. 

While engaging in peer-support and community service activities there, he was introduced to the concept of ‘servant leadership’. However, it was only after enrolling in Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) Design course that the amiable and well-liked student fully understood and applied this concept. It is now core to his commitment to enrich people’s lives through thoughtful design and compassionate leadership.  

“Architecture taught me a fundamental principle: always design with your audience in mind. This also shapes the way I work with people. Whether I’m designing spaces for a community or collaborating in a team, it’s a must to empathise with people,” explains Ryan. 

“Beyond aesthetics, architecture is about problem-solving and empathy because you’re creating environments that can serve people in a positive way,” he elaborates. 

During the Community Design & Build module, Ryan was inspired by the potential of design to uplift communities – especially rural and underserved communities. His minor in Social Leadership also bolstered the desire to merge his leadership aspirations and architectural skills for positive social impact. 

Ryan’s leadership path is defined by profound connections with his community, whether he is steering teams to win competitions or fostering a supportive culture for incoming students. “Being a leader is not about getting people to do what I want,” he reflects. “It’s about supporting and serving them and building a foundation of connection so we can achieve our goals together.”

Keen to maximise his time at NP and hone servant leadership, Ryan joined and led numerous Co-Curricular Activity Clubs. These include the Designers of Tomorrow Club, School of Design & Environment’s (DE) Society and DE’s outreach team DElegates. In addition, he committed to various voluntary initiatives, such as leading a 3D Pen workshop with seniors at Brahm Centre @ Macpherson and planning activities for latchkey children at The Salvation Army Youth Development Centre.

On why he packed his calendar with activities, he admits with a laugh, “Because it’s fun! It’s also my way of destressing from my studies,” says the NP Scholarship award recipient for three consecutive years. 
 
Ryan plans to study Architecture at the National University of Singapore. Inspired by one of his lecturers, he also hopes to teach part-time while working as an architect. “Perhaps at NP,” he shares with a fond grin. “After all, this is where I realised I could merge my passions with my aspirations.”

Writing an Inclusive Future for All

Gracelyn Lim’s journey through the Mass Communication course at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) began with a deep-seated love for writing and community service, fostered since her secondary school days. “I’ve always loved writing. It’s a door that opens different worlds to me,” she explains with a sparkle in her eyes. 
 
As editor of online campus magazine, HYPE, and editorial assistant intern at The Smart Local, Gracelyn embraced new experiences as she flexed her journalistic chops. Some of the diverse and uncommon topics she researched and reported on included reconceptualising the five love languages in a digital world and delving into the world of a Chinese spirit medium. 

At the same time, she involved herself in community service through FoodAID, a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) club which not only broadened her understanding of social issues like food insecurity in Singapore, but also strengthened her commitment to public service. At FoodAID, she was nudged out of her comfort zone when she transitioned from participant to leader and utilised her skills to organise events and do what she enjoyed best – connecting with and helping the people around her. 
 
Although the graduate initially imagined a career in journalism or social work, her time in NP led her to uncover her true calling – policy writing. 
 
The turning point came when she represented NP as part of The Christieara Programme (TCP) in dialogue sessions with policymakers and ministers, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Even though she was hesitant at first, Gracelyn describes these experiences as “life changing”.  

“A single policy is so multifaceted – it impacts an entire nation. It’s about considering different stakeholders and beneficiaries; envisioning the future while providing assurances in the present. As a policy maker, I can help make a difference for everyone,” she shares.  
 
The aspiring changemaker attributes her dedication and drive to her parents, who always encourage her to go above and beyond in every endeavour. She adds, “They’re both incredibly hardworking, always reminding me to put 110% in not just my studies, but in everything I do. They’ll also say, ‘If you’re going to help someone, help them all the way!’”

This powerful approach to life has been especially helpful to Gracelyn during difficult times, such as the first year at NP when COVID and its restrictions impacted both home and school life. “Perseverance is my secret weapon, guiding me through education and life,” affirms Gracelyn who was on the Director’s List and received the Most Outstanding Performance Award throughout her three years at NP, against all odds.

Gracelyn has set her sights on pursuing a public policy degree at a local university.

Carving a Path as a Cyber Hero

Having to deal with an academically challenging course, Sherlena Ngui took it in her stride and even went a step further to uplift others along the way. 

After all, she knew first-hand what it was like to grapple with the stress of having to learn and apply new technical and analytical skills quickly. The former student from the Institute of Technical Education’s Higher Nitec in Cyber & Network Security course recalls that she had limited computing knowledge when she first enrolled into the programme. 

“I had to work extra hard. But what really helped was that, when I struggled with my modules, my friends took time out from their studies to help me. They made sure no one was left behind,” she reminisces. “So, when I got into NP’s Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics, I wanted to do the same to support my peers so that we could all excel together in this demanding field.”

Sherlena is guided by a ‘golden rule’ in life, which is to treat others with the same concern and kindness that she desires. This approach shaped her leadership in the ICT Society, where she helped to create a positive and welcoming environment for new students. For her efforts, she won the Gold Award in the Student Volunteer Recognition Programme from the Association of Information Security Professionals.

Throughout her academic journey, Sherlena was actively involved in promoting cybersecurity within and outside NP. As Secretary of NP’s NullSec cybersecurity special interest group, she organised events such as Capture the Flag, Hack n’ Flag and Lag & Crash for the NP student community and beyond. These experiences spurred her to master her craft and reinforced her interest in Digital Forensics. 

“Safety is everything. And it takes more than just technical skills to tackle the complexities of cyber threats. In our field, we need to think creatively, work as a team and bring different perspectives together,” she asserts.  

During her internship at the Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies, Sherlena relished the opportunity to work alongside cybersecurity engineers. Besides gleaning insights into data governance and policy enforcement, she gained a deeper appreciation for the role of compliance teams that strengthen organisational resilience against cyber threats. 

“It was a fulfilling experience as I got to develop web applications for security engineers to enhance efficiency and proof-of-concept solutions against cyber threats. These projects remind me of the scenes in some of my favourite crime shows!” Sherlena shares. 

Sherlena has received offers from three local universities to further her studies in Information Security or Computer Science. Her dream is to make meaningful contributions to the field of cybersecurity while inspiring the next generation of digital defenders.

Growing Through Adversity

In the face of adversity, it is often our response that defines us. For Jovin Han, her academic journey in NP is a testament to the power of resilience. 

Finding out in her O-level year that her parents were divorcing was a huge blow to Jovin. Struggling with feelings of sadness and anxiety, her studies took a hit and she almost gave up. Thanks to her grandfather’s encouragement, she pulled through and secured a place in Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) Diploma in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. 

Starting her freshman year in a single-parent household meant finances were tight. To help defray her family’s expenses, Jovin took on two part-time jobs. The long hours of waitressing at banquets over weekends often left her exhausted. “I will always be grateful to friends who supported me during this time, encouraging me to persevere and helping me move past my setbacks,” she reveals. 

Volunteering was also a way for Jovin to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. She gave back to the community by participating in co-curricular activities organised by NP’s FoodAID Club and Society of Animal Rangers (SOAR). “Community service was a channel for me to keep my mood positive despite the challenging times. I feel most fulfilled when I see the smiles of the beneficiaries,” she recalls. 

Through her involvement with the FoodAID Club and Youth Corps Singapore, Jovin grew more attuned to environmental sustainability efforts, an area she has always had a personal interest in but never explored. When the opportunity came for Jovin and her like-minded peers to take part in an eco-themed competition organised by ISS Singapore and NP, their innovative solution of a self-cleaning recycling bin clinched second place. This win cemented in her the desire to pursue a career in the scientific field. 

“Scientific research can contribute to many of the environmental issues that we face today,” the recipient of the A*STAR Science Award for two years in a row asserts. “I hope to become a food scientist to research solutions to help the food manufacturing industry become more sustainable in their operations.”

Having received a place to study Chemistry with a second major in Food Science at Nanyang Technological University, Jovin reflects, “Sometimes the most painful moments in life are a blessing in disguise. If I had not gone through these, I would not know how to make the best of the opportunities I had and be where I am today.” 

Banking on a Greener Future

As an only child, Keryel Khng Kai Le found a constant companion in nature. “I love the beach, spending hours catching crabs and daydreaming of having my own biodiverse island one day,” he reflects. 

Witnessing the decline in marine life from ecosystem degradation spurred Kai Le to consider a career in impact investing: “Through impact investing, I can drive profitable and positive change, allowing me to protect the nature that I so cherish.”
 
During his time at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Kai Le explored the symbiotic relationship between finance and sustainability in several modules. The Banking & Finance graduate excelled academically with a perfect cumulative GPA, eight module prizes and two Most Outstanding Student awards. 

“New experiences excite me. Apart from my interest in impact investing, I opted to pursue a minor in entrepreneurship to align with my creative aspirations,” he shares candidly, letting on that his time at NP was also marked by extensive involvement in co-curricular activities, competitions and community service.
 
One highlight in Kai Le’s poly life was the PolyFinTech100 API Hackathon. “It was the first time I realised that my ideas could have real-world traction,” he notes. His team emerged as Category Champions with their prized idea – ‘FishBowl’ – a blockchain-enabled platform that made investment more accessible to youth investors. 

As a solo participant in the same competition the following year, he explored an idea close to his heart: preserving hawker culture. KAI, an AI and Blockchain solution, would accurately value and tokenise these heritage businesses and partner them with the National Environment Agency’s Hawker Succession Scheme. His vision and perseverance saw him win first runner-up. “I’m proud that I believed in myself and ideated a creative solution to tackle a real-world problem,” he reveals. 
 
Kai Le’s innovative streak continued during his internship at CGSI Securities. He pitched a spot carbon credits financial product to his supervisor, paving the way for CGSI Securities to enter the lucrative carbon markets. The intrepid graduate recollects, “I had been mulling over the idea, wondering if I could pitch it as an intern. I took that leap because I believed it could make a difference in mitigating carbon emissions and addressing climate change”.   
  
Looking ahead, Kai Le has set his sights on renewable infrastructure private equity in the realm of impact investing: “My motto is ‘Do well by doing good’ and I aim to achieve this by financing projects that generate profit while making lasting positive impact on the environment and biodiversity”. 

With offers from three universities, Kai Le’s future looks as clear as the waters he dreams of protecting. 

Curiosity Led Him to Discover His True Calling

It truly pays to be curious. And that’s what helps the inquisitive Khoo Zhen Hua discover his true calling at the end of his three-year journey with Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP). 

As a secondary school student ‘primed’ for the junior college (JC) path, Zhen Hua himself was not expecting to choose the polytechnic route. Although JC would have been a safe bet for him, he was curious about the polytechnic pathway.  Besides, he felt that his interest was in biology and medicine.  That made him take a leap of faith to apply for NP’s Diploma in Biomedical Science via the Early Admissions Exercise.
At NP, Zhen Hua was quick to seize every learning opportunity. From going on overseas trips to taking on co-curricular activities and multiple internships, he was quenching a thirst to experience new things. 

A fateful trip to Davao in the Philippines broadened his horizons and inspired him to contribute to society. It was during this Youth Expedition Project trip that he realised how privileged Singaporeans were, thanks to the stability and success of our nation. Since then, he has often reflected on the importance of ensuring that Singapore remains strong on the world map. 

“It’s important that we don’t rest on our laurels. We should continue to work hard to sustain the efforts of our predecessors who made Singapore what it is today,” Zhen Hua reflects.   

Zhen Hua did not have to look too far to figure out how he could contribute to the nation. At an NP-initiated leadership development programme, he found out about the Public Sector Apprenticeship programme, which opened the doors for him to intern at the Ministry of Trade & Industry. As a trade intern at the ASEAN trade desk, he got a firsthand look into how critical decisions made at a national level can have a deep impact on Singapore.

“This was my first taste of public service and a pivotal moment, as I decided then that I would like to make a difference as a public servant in the future,” Zhen Hua shares passionately. 

As a recipient of the A*STAR Science Award, Zhen Hua also had the opportunity to intern at the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology. The real-world experience of working on a cure for chronic wounds in diabetic patients challenged him in ways beyond the curriculum and cemented his passion for healthcare. He has thus purposed in his heart to pursue a rewarding and meaningful career in Singapore's public healthcare sector. 

Inspired to Shape Young Lives

The love for children and the desire to nurture them to their fullest potential run in Spring Tan’s family. Inspired by their mother, who taught as a preschool teacher before her current role as an assistant teacher in an international school, both Spring and her sister decided to follow in her footsteps.

“My mother always has a positive and caring attitude towards her students, believing that all children have their own unique strengths. Watching her exude this zeal fuelled me to pursue early childhood so that I can impact young lives and have that same fulfilment in my career,” Spring shares with a beaming smile. 

Certain of her interest, Spring applied to Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education through the Early Admissions Exercise – and has never looked back since. 

A self-confessed people person, Spring found it hard to find her footing when she started her freshman year amid the evolving pandemic management measures. When measures eased up at the end of the first semester, she was quick to embrace the different opportunities NP offered. 

Drawn to activities that involved children, she volunteered as an academic coach at the Cheng San Family Service Centre to support children struggling in school. She also read to children with learning difficulties as part of the ALPS Reading Odyssey programme by the SHINE Children and Youth Services. In addition, Spring sought to promote volunteerism among her fellow schoolmates from the School of Humanities & Social Sciences through her role as the Vice President of the School’s Compassionate Youths in Action Club.   

“Organising a learning journey to the Children's Museum Singapore to give secondary school students insights into early childhood education was one of the highlights of poly life for me,” Spring, who led in the design of the programme, reminisces. “It was heartwarming to have students approach me after the event to share that the experience has opened their eyes to how meaningful the early childhood industry is.”  

Spring admitted that her enthusiasm for her course also rubbed off on her older sister, who was pursuing a different field of study before making the switch. While her sister is still undergoing training to become a preschool teacher while working as an assistant preschool teacher, the passion shared between their mother and them can hardly be contained at home.  

“It’s amazing to have a family of educators who believe that children have untapped potential. We often seek each other’s advice on dealing with challenging behaviour and even readily share our teaching resources,” Spring shares with a laugh. 

Spring has secured a preschool teacher position at E-Bridge Preschool and looks forward to gaining practical experience before furthering her studies.