Growing up in Beijing in a military family, Sun Beibei developed the discipline and resilience that would later serve her well on her academic journey. With a doctor father and engineer mother, structure and pragmatism shaped her early years—but so did an insatiable curiosity about the world beyond.
A Detour That Led to Discovery
“I initially dreamed of becoming a designer,” Sun Beibei recalls with a smile. Her passion for drawing led her to pursue industrial design, but six months into her studies, reality didn’t match her expectations. The creative freedom she craved seemed constrained by technical blueprints and model-building.
Fate intervened when she discovered her university’s “Tailored Education Programme” accepting cross-disciplinary students. During winter break, she took a bold step—dedicating herself to self-studying advanced mathematics and linear algebra. Her determination paid off when she ranked second on the entrance exam, securing a spot in the specialised railway transportation track under the prestigious Zhan Tianyou Foundation.
Building Momentum
Once on her new path, Sun Beibei embraced every opportunity. “At the time, I simply thought accumulating more achievements would improve my chances of securing a graduate school spot,” she admits. This practical approach yielded impressive results: four national awards, five patents, and a published SCI paper during her undergraduate years.
Yet it was a simple piece of wisdom from her aunt that truly shifted her perspective: “The world isn’t confined to newspaper headlines; it’s out there for you to explore.”
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected opportunities. During lockdown, Sun Beibei started a small business that generated her first significant income. Rather than saving this hard-earned money, a heart-to-heart conversation with her father inspired her to use it as a “ticket” to see the world. She set her sights on expanding her knowledge beyond railway transportation to broader transport systems—ultimately choosing Singapore as her destination.
Finding Home at TUM Asia
After careful research, Sun Beibei applied to the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and opted for its Singapore campus. A conversation with Admissions Officer Ms. Pan revealed the Rail and Urban Transport (RUT) program’s possibilities. This discussion cemented her decision to broaden her focus from rail systems to comprehensive transport solutions.
“I was the only female student in my programme, and the academic workload initially made me anxious,” Sun Beibei confesses about her early days in Singapore. But what could have been an isolating experience transformed into something beautiful through the warmth of her seniors. They not only helped with coursework but embraced her into their community—introducing her to Singapore’s rich culinary landscape, from “Happy Lamb” hotpot to durian cendol ice, from “Si Jia Ke” home-style dishes to “Ji De Chi” desserts.
Growth Beyond Academics
TUM Asia’s structured curriculum taught Sun Beibei to integrate knowledge effectively. Using mind mapping techniques to organise her studies, she excelled academically, earning the prestigious DAAD Winter Scholarship.
Her growth extended beyond the classroom when she joined the university’s Marketing and Communications department as a social media content creator. “Under the guidance of Gi Gi, I learned how to plan my creative work in advance, manage my time efficiently, and most importantly, cherish the opportunity to help my fellow students.”
Charting the Future
When asked about her future, Sun Beibei’s eyes light up with possibilities. “The rise of AI tools like DeepSeek has made me realise my weaknesses in programming. I want to improve my coding skills and pursue research in smart cities.”
She maintains an open mind about whether to pursue a PhD or enter the workforce. “If I find a research path that bridges academia and industry, I’d love to continue my studies. But if I come across an innovative, feasible project, I might choose to start my own business first.”
Looking back, Sun Beibei attributes her growth to the unwavering support of her family and the TUM Asia community. Their mentorship and companionship have made Singapore feel like a second home. Moving forward, she hopes to pay this kindness forward by helping future students navigate both academic and personal challenges.
“Every step in life counts—none of them are wasted,” she reflects. “As long as we persevere, the small tree will eventually grow into a thriving one. The day when we find our way through challenges will surely come.”
