Upon graduating from the Bachelor of Science program in Chemical Engineering, Sayaka received a scholarship from Novartis, Singapore, and kicked off her career there. She shares with the Verbinden team some of the memories she had as a TUM Asia student. 

Hi Sayaka, can you tell us more about yourself? 

Sayaka: Hello! I was in the Bachelor of Science program in Chemical Engineering at TUM Asia. I recently graduated in 2016, and I am currently working at Novartis as a Process Expert.

How did you begin your journey with TUM Asia? 

Sayaka: My lecturer from Singapore Polytechnic encouraged me to apply for this course when I discussed my interests with her. Upon reading the outline for the degree, it felt like something I could do well in. I was uncertain at first because my background was in biotechnology. However, I am glad I took that risk and have no regrets.

“It has been two years since I officially started my job at Novartis, and I am still learning new things every day. It has been very interesting and rewarding getting the chance to interact with people from all over the world.” 

Share with us one or two of your fondest memories as a TUM Asia student! 

Sayaka: My experience at TUM Asia was very fruitful. My favourite experience was going to Munich for my Bachelor’s Thesis and living away from home for five months. Commuting to campus from my home away from home was a unique experience and I remember how I used to practice my German by repeating what the announcer on the trains were saying. I also enjoyed a hiking trip we took with our professor where the view was so rewarding when we finally reached the top! During this period, I was even brave enough to take my younger sister halfway across the world on a trip to London and Dublin, just the two of us!

How was the transition to the career track? 

Sayaka: During my studies in TUM Asia, I was rewarded a scholarship by Novartis which gave me the privilege of securing a job before graduation. It has been two years since I officially started my job at Novartis, and I am still learning new things every day. It has been very interesting and rewarding getting the chance to interact with people from all over the world.

Can you share with us more about your day-to-day role and responsibilities at work? 

Sayaka: My general job scope involves handling deviation investigations, complaint investigations, workflow improvement, and the occasional writing of trending reports and risk assessments.

As TUM Asia turns 15 this year, share your thoughts with us! 

Sayaka: Choosing to join the TUM Asia family was one of the best decisions I have made. Having the opportunity to complete my Bachelor Thesis in Munich exposed me to a whole new culture that helped shape me into the individual I am today. Thank you, TUM Asia, and congratulations to TUM on 150 years of excellence in education!

“Upon reading the outline for the degree, it felt like something I could do well in. I was uncertain at first because my background was in biotechnology. However, I am glad I took that risk and have no regrets.”

— Sayaka Tatekura studied in the Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Chemical Engineering with the Technical University of Munich. He studied in the Singapore branch campus (TUM Asia) and spent five months in Munich, Germany to complete her thesis at the home campus of the university. 

To read the full interview with Sayaka, it was first published in our Verbinden Alumni Newsletter (Spring 2018). View the e-newsletter here >> TUM Asia administrates the TUM Bachelor degrees together with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). GCE ‘A’ Levels, Polytechnic Diploma and international qualification holders may apply for the TUM Bachelor degrees. Find out more about the programmes offered >>

Interested students may apply for the TUM Bachelor of Science programmes from January to March each year by selecting the TUM Bachelor programmes: www.tum-asia.edu.sg/adm