Curiosity, resilience and a commitment to continuous learning have shaped Hu Rui’s journey from postgraduate student to Railway Engineer.
This year, Rui graduates with a Master of Science in Rail, Transport and Logistics from TUM Asia. He has received the Best Student Award for his programme and been named Valedictorian of the Class of 2026.
Now working at Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA), Rui supports trackwork design and contributes to the development of Singapore’s rail network.
A Journey Fuelled by Curiosity
Rui’s interest in railways and urban mobility inspired him to pursue postgraduate studies. At TUM Asia, that interest grew into a deeper understanding of how engineering can address real-world transport challenges.
He looked beyond lectures and assignments, following the latest developments in railway engineering and considering how classroom concepts could be applied in practice.
“Curiosity and the willingness to keep learning contributed most to my success. I always tried to understand not only what we learnt in class, but also how it connects to the latest developments in the railway industry.”
Preparing for lectures, asking thoughtful questions and learning from professors and classmates became part of his routine—habits that eventually helped him graduate at the top of his cohort.
Learning Across Two Countries
A defining part of Rui’s journey was the opportunity to study in Singapore and Germany.
After completing his coursework at TUM Asia, he spent almost one and a half years at the Technical University of Munich, where he undertook an internship, completed his master’s thesis and attended an additional semester of classes.
The experience immersed him in European academic and research culture while challenging him to adapt to new ways of learning and communicating. Contributing to technical discussions in English was initially difficult, but careful preparation and active engagement helped him gain confidence and collaborate effectively in multicultural teams.
The experience strengthened his technical knowledge and broadened the global perspective he now brings to his career.
Turning Knowledge into Impact
During his internship as a Student Research Assistant at the Chair and Institute of Road, Railway and Airfield Construction at the Technical University of Munich, Rui worked on railway experiments involving vibration analysis, material performance and Finite Element Method simulations.
Applying classroom concepts to engineering research deepened his appreciation of how engineering can improve railway systems.
“Seeing classroom knowledge applied to real research problems confirmed that I had chosen the right path.”
The experience also influenced his master’s thesis and prepared him for his role at LTA, where he now applies what he has learnt to Singapore’s rail network.
More Than a Personal Achievement
Receiving the Best Student Award and being named Valedictorian came as a surprise to Rui.
“I felt very surprised and grateful. Looking back on my student life, this recognition reminded me of all the challenges, learning moments and support that shaped my journey.”
For Rui, the recognition is about more than academic excellence.
“It is not only a personal achievement, but also a meaningful summary of my time at TUM Asia and the effort I have put into my studies. Most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the professors, family and friends who supported me along the way.”
Although separated by distance for much of his studies, Rui remained close to his family through weekly video calls. He also credits his friends for helping him through the pressures of postgraduate life—whether by sharing a meal or offering encouragement when he needed it most.
Staying Curious
Rui believes academic success goes beyond achieving good grades.
“My advice is to make full use of every opportunity and resource the programme offers. Talk to your professors and classmates, ask questions and don’t be afraid to share your ideas.”
He also encourages students to read beyond their coursework and stay informed about developments in their field.
“Academic success is not only about studying hard for exams. It is about staying curious, being proactive and continuing to learn beyond the classroom.”
From studying across Singapore and Germany to graduating as Valedictorian and Best Student, Rui’s journey shows that success is built through small, consistent choices: to remain curious, embrace challenges and never stop learning.
Interested in building a career in the railway and urban transport industry? Discover how TUM Asia’s Master of Science in Rail and Urban Transport equips students with technical expertise, industry exposure and global opportunities to build meaningful careers in the transport sector.