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From campus to palace

PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

MR AARON Chiang, 23, may be on a local scholarship, but his university
life is no less varied and interesting than students studying overseas.

A third-year undergraduate in the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Mr Chiang has already met internationally renowned scientists, worked at the Istana and travelled abroad on a state visit.

“I wanted a scholarship that would bring out my potential, hone my leadership skills and open doors to boundless opportunities upon graduation,” says the Nanyang Scholarship holder.

“With the Nanyang Scholarship, I was also able to participate in many prestigious events as a student ambassador, an opportunity that I value deeply.”

He was also attracted by the incentives offered by the CN Yang Scholars Programme. This premier undergraduate programme at NTU is designed for exceptional students with a deep passion in science and technology.

The programme provides research opportunities to undergraduates
from as early as their first year of studies.

They also get a chance to attend conferences and seminars and to
interact with visiting scientists including Nobel laureates. While Mr Chiang was a freshman in 2007, he met Professor CN Yang, the scientist after whom the programme is named. Professor CN Yang won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957.

“My lab partner and I were honoured to have the opportunity
to present some of our research findings to him,” says Mr Chiang, who carried out statistical verification research on a numerical
weather prediction model.

“It was an interesting experience
getting close and personal with one of the most respected scientists in the world,” he adds.

Other renowned scientists he has met in person include Lord Martin Rees, who is professor of cosmology and astrophysics and master of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. Now in his third year and specialising in statistics, Mr Chiang also has had the rare opportunity of working in the Istana as one of the only two inaugural participants
of the Istana Internship Programme.

For eight weeks from May to July last year, he took on different projects and developed a deeper understanding of public administration
issues.

“During the internship, I learnt about the roles and responsibilities of the President, as well as the functions of the Istana as an Organ
of State,” he says.

A memorable highlight was going on a state visit to Turkey, which lasted around one week.

“I was able to understand certain aspects of the operations of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as I worked closely with them on the trip as well,” he says.

“The experience was further enhanced by the fact that I had the chance to meet and interact with the Turkish protocol officers, which was a real eye-opener.”

For his outstanding performance, Mr Chiang received a glowing commendation from the President’s Office, as well as a certificate
from President S R Nathan himself.

Participating in student groups and activities has also enriched this scholar’s university life.

Mr Chiang was the producer of the Hall 11 production last year and was also captain of the hall’s rugby team. He was also the director of the community service division of NTU’s Rotaract Club. Such extra-curricular activities are also valuable in contributing to his personal development.

“These activities honed my interpersonal and decision-making skills and taught me the importance of time management,” he says.

“My exposure to community work also gave me another perspective into life and society and taught me the importance of caring
and sharing.” A former science stream student at Hwa Chong Junior College, he was a faculty head in the Students’ Council and a member
of the rugby team.

He says he chose to study mathematical sciences in university because he feels that it provides a good grounding in analytical and
deductive skills.

Because his scholarship is bondfree, his choices are wide open. But for now, Mr Chiang, who will complete his undergraduate course next
year, hopes to further his studies by pursuing a master’s degree.