Hi Tai-ying, can you give our readers a short introduction about yourself?
Tai-ying: I completed my Bachelor’s degree in National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan and took a double major in Chemical Engineering and Quantitative Finance. The reason why I chose a double degree was because I wanted to possess the ability and knowledge of basic engineering as well as acquire the fundamental background of economics and marketing.
What attracted you to Singapore as a study location?
Tai-ying: Firstly, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked highly in both the engineering and science fields. TUM is also well-known for providing an education that is practical for the industry. I chose to pursue a Master of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry at TUM as the programme was reputable in the chemical industry. Besides that, I wanted a programme that is not just theoretical but also application-focused. I made TUM Asia my first choice as the programme included a compulsory Master Thesis writing and internship, which I believe would give me the opportunity to apply my knowledge in the real industry.
How was it like adjusting to a new environment here?
Tai-ying: Honestly, I am still getting used to the language spoken here as Singaporeans mostly speak Singlish and have an ‘accent’ that is new to me. Besides that, I am also getting used to living in a condominium with small-sized apartments as they are not common in Taiwan.
Share with us an interesting observation you have noticed since starting class at TUM Asia.
Tai-ying: During the orientation, I found out that most of my classmates come from all around the world, even from the far north, Russia. It is a new experience for me to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and even different perspectives of scientific knowledge. I am able to learn not only from the professors, but also from my classmates, which really broadened my horizon.
“It is a new experience for me to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and even different perspectives of scientific knowledge. I am able to learn not only from the professors, but also from my classmates.”
Tell us one aspect of the field of Engineering which inspires or interests you.
Tai-ying: The focus of my Bachelor thesis and internship was on computer simulation. I am familiar with software such as Matlab, Aspen and Tensorflow and have experience in basic programming. In future, I hope to focus on data analysis, which I consider as a strength of mine. I am also open to take on new challenges in other aspects of chemical engineering.
What is one thing you hope to gain/take away in the next two years of your studies here?
Tai-ying: As a Master student in TUM Asia, I hope to learn from German companies where I could conduct my internship with and develop my future career in engineering.
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Chen Tai-ying is from the NUS-TUM Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry programme. More information about the programme here >>
This interview was published in the DIGEST Sept – Dec 2018 issue >>
