China to Singapore: Fan Yumeng (Transport & Logistics)
As our Master of Science students embark on their first semester in the various Master programmes, our DIGEST team took the opportunity to speak with some of our new Master students to find out more on how they have been adjusting to their studies and living in Singapore.
Hi Yumeng, can you give our readers a short introduction about yourself?
Yumeng: Hi, I am Yumeng. I recently graduated from North China University of Technology, Beijing, with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Engineering. After my undergraduate studies, I chose to pursue a Master degree abroad. To be honest, this is the first time I have been to Singapore. What really surprised me was the number of swimming pools available to the public. I personally love swimming and I am glad this activity is easily accessible to me!
What attracted you to Singapore as a study location?
Yumeng: Singapore is known to be a global hub for transport and logistics, and thus there are many opportunities to acquire practical skills in this field. Another factor is the language spoken here. As most Singaporeans can speak both English and Mandarin, it makes it easier for Chinese students to adapt to the new environment.
How was it like adjusting to a new environment here?
Yumeng: It has been good. Initially, I was a little afraid to talk to the other international students because I was not so confident in speaking English. But I am happy to share that this situation is improving!
Share with us an interesting observation you have noticed since starting class at TUM Asia.
Yumeng: I noticed that the professors are very patient and the learning style here is rather interactive. They do not mind when we ask them questions during the class and would take time to address our queries on the spot. This is quite different from our learning style in China as we are expected to raise our questions only at the end of class.
“I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO APPLY MY KNOWLEDGE IN TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS TO HELP REDUCE COMMUTING TIME AND IMPROVE PEOPLE’S LIVING STANDARDS.”
Tell us one aspect of the field of Engineering which inspires or interests you.
Yumeng: There are many developing cities in the world that suffer from the issue of traffic congestion, especially in China. I hope to be able to apply my knowledge in transport and logistics to help reduce commuting time and improve people’s living standards.
What is one thing you hope to gain/take away in the next two years of your studies here?
Yumeng: I hope to gain new ways of thinking so thatI can learn to look out of the box and solve problems more efficiently.
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Fan Yumeng is from the TUM Master of Science in Transport & Logistics programme, which has been running since 2009. The programme has been revamped into the TUM Master of Science in Rail, Transport & Logistics for the AY2019/2020 intake. More information about the programme >>
This interview was published in the DIGEST Sept – Dec 2018 issue >>