From working in the airline industry to earning the Best Thesis Award in the Master of Science in Rail, Transport and Logistics programme, Wang Rui has charted a journey defined by continuous improvement, open-mindedness, and a passion for sustainability.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Wang Rui began her career in the airline sector. But as she dived into data analysis tasks, she started to reflect more deeply on her future. “I developed a ‘keep moving’ mindset and realised how important digital transformation and data-driven decision-making are in today’s business ecosystem,” she shares. When she came across the programme offered by TUM Asia, the balance of technical and management-focused modules immediately stood out. “It offered exactly what I was looking for to grow professionally in the field.”
Her journey at TUM Asia started with a soft skills course, where she gave a presentation and admitted to her professor that she lacked confidence in public speaking. Her simple yet powerful reply “Never limit yourself” stuck with her. “That message had a profound impact. It encouraged me to embrace challenges and push my boundaries.”
As a native Chinese speaker, adapting to academic English in Singapore was initially difficult. “Sometimes I had trouble following lectures. But the professors were incredibly patient. I began taking detailed notes and reviewing them daily.” Conversations with international classmates also helped her improve her language and cultural fluency. “Eventually, I could engage more confidently in discussions, and that made all the difference.”
She was pleasantly surprised by how interactive the programme was. “I remember a negotiation class where we acted out real-world scenarios. We also conducted traffic surveys and visited companies. These practical applications made our learning come alive.”
Courses like Technical Business English and Healthcare Logistics stood out for their emphasis on real-world relevance, while Traffic Impact and Evaluation of Transport for Logistics Processes shifted her perspective toward sustainability. “It helped me think about how daily decisions can contribute to a more sustainable world.”
Her award-winning thesis on sustainable supplier evaluation emerged from this growing interest. “I often stayed up late, not because I had to, but because I wanted to trace the origin of every method. It felt like a romantic journey through the evolution of ideas.” She believes this deep curiosity and persistence were key reasons for receiving the Best Thesis Award.
Today, Wang Rui is working in procurement at a pioneering electric vehicle company, applying her knowledge of negotiation and supplier management. “This programme gave me a solid foundation, analytical thinking, structured communication, and confidence to take ownership.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to grow into a strategic communicator and innovation leader within global supply chains.
Outside her studies, she found joy in Singapore’s multicultural vibrancy and natural parks. “Every day felt like a global adventure. On weekends, I’d explore parks to reconnect with nature.”
She also shares a fun fact: “I once volunteered on an organic farm and ran a social media page to promote sustainable agriculture. I’ve always wanted to rediscover the pure taste of fruits and vegetables from my hometown.”
Her advice for future students? “Step out of your comfort zone. This programme will challenge you, but it’s also where you’ll grow the most.”
What does she wish he’d known? “That learning happens everywhere, inside and outside the classroom. Come with an open heart, and you’ll walk away with so much more than a degree.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your journey has just begun, and like Wang Rui, may you carry forward the lessons, friendships, and resilience you’ve built into every chapter ahead. The future of mobility, logistics, and sustainability is waiting for you to shape it.
