In the dynamic landscape of STEM, stories of resilience and passion continue to inspire. Meet Chou Chih-Ling, a TUM Asia Master's student whose academic journey defies conventional boundaries, weaving a narrative of curiosity, adaptability, and unwavering determination.
Roots of Curiosity: A Childhood of Constant Movement
Chih-Ling’s early years were defined by remarkable adaptability. Over just six years of primary school, she navigated three different educational environments—a testament to her resilience. Her journey began in Taipei, then shifted to Shanghai when her father’s career as a Chief Financial Officer prompted a family relocation. She attended an international school from second to fifth grade, then moved to Suzhou and enrolled in a Taiwanese expatriate school. Merely three months later, her family returned to Taipei.
“These constant transitions taught me more than any classroom could,” she reflects. “Adaptability became my most valuable skill.”
The Spark of Scientific Passion
Her international school experiences in Shanghai ignited a deep passion for scientific exploration. During secondary school, she was admitted to a gifted science and mathematics programme, exposing her to complex experiments and research reports. By high school, she had joined a science-focused class and was already working on research projects.
A Pivotal Moment: Redefining Academic Ambitions
Chih-Ling had initially planned to follow a conventional path—pursuing a local master’s degree and then securing a position at a reputable company in her home country. However, everything changed when she was given the opportunity to join an exchange programme in Germany. Encouraged by her parents and recognising that this might be her only chance to experience life abroad, she gradually built the confidence to step out of her comfort zone.
Being immersed in a foreign country where she did not speak the language was both a daunting and transformative experience that significantly contributed to her personal growth. At first, she struggled with cultural differences and felt completely out of place. Yet, over time, these challenges shaped her into a more confident and open-minded individual.
Inspired by peers who pursued master’s and PhD programmes at prestigious overseas universities, Chih-Ling decided to further her studies at TUM—the Technical University of Munich, Germany’s most renowned university since 1868. However, with her characteristic strategic thinking, she chose to study at TUM’s Asia campus in Singapore, which offered both academic excellence and and proximity to her home.
A Structured Path to Excellence
TUM Asia’s curriculum appealed to her methodical nature. The programme boasts a well-structured approach with a compulsory credit-bearing internship that offers remarkable flexibility. Students aren’t confined to Singapore—they can pursue internships in university laboratories or companies across Singapore and Germany.
“The curriculum is designed to bridge academic knowledge with real-world application,” Chih-Ling explains. “It’s not just about learning; it’s about experiencing.”
Navigating Academic Challenges
The intensive course structure at TUM Asia resonates with her learning style. Focusing deeply on one subject before moving to the next, the programme demands—and develops—intellectual rigour. Material Chemistry and Engineering stood out as her most challenging course, blending multiple scientific disciplines and pushing the boundaries of her understanding.
“The classroom is more than a learning space; it’s a collaborative environment,” she notes. Professors encourage active participation, transforming lectures into dynamic discussions.
Looking Ahead
Her advice to future students is pragmatic: prepare linguistically, particularly with technical English terminology, and embrace internship opportunities. For Chih-Ling, these aren’t just academic checkboxes but pathways to real-world understanding.
“I don’t seek a predetermined career path,” she says, “but a journey that allows me to remain passionate and fulfilled.”
Her story is more than an individual narrative—it’s a testament to the evolving role of women in scientific fields. Resilient, curious, and unapologetically ambitious, Chih-Ling represents a new generation of researchers rewriting traditional narratives.
As her journey continues, one thing remains certain: the world of Industrial Chemistry has a bright, innovative future ahead.
Learn more about TUM Asia’s Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry, explore available scholarships, and take the next step towards achieving your academic and career goals.
