National University of Singapore
Feature | Higher Education

Developing Leaders
of Tomorrow

National University of Singapore
Among one of the top universities in the world, National University of Singapore (NUS) aims to groom and develop top calibre leaders of the next generation.

NUS Scholars are students who have achieved academic excellence, exemplify leadership qualities, and are generally all-rounders who are role models to those around them.

Two such scholars are 21-year-old Lee Rui Xue and 24-year-old Marcus Tan Aik Wei. Both are recipients of the NUS Merit Scholarship, which covers undergraduate tuition fees and provides an annual living allowance. In addition, Marcus is part of the University Scholars Programme, an academic programme which offers a multidisciplinary curriculum and focuses on strengthening skills such as writing and critical thinking, and analytical and quantitative reasoning.

Lee Rui Xue

Lee Rui Xue
NUS Merit Scholarship
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences

“Professors are always willing to go the extra mile to conduct additional remedial classes or consultations for us.”

“The science in medical documentaries, biology and living things have always intrigued me since I was young,” Rui Xue shares, and that is what keeps her focused on her undergraduate studies. She is currently in the Life Sciences programme which will earn her a Bachelor of Science. “In university, it is the student’s responsibility to be disciplined and diligent. We must keep up with our studies and source for various programmes that would be beneficial for our own development. Thankfully, professors are always willing to go the extra mile to conduct additional remedial classes or consultations for us. One even organised weekly exercise sessions to help us relieve our stress! My course mates are also very helpful and they are always ready to share their knowledge,” she quips.

Marcus shares, “I have always wanted to study at NUS since I was in primary school. Students here engage in dynamic conversations and the environment on campus is very vibrant.” He is currently reading Economics at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), and will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts. “Even though there are many networking and socializing activities, as an undergraduate, it is up to you to manage your time and be independent,” Marcus advises.

Marcus shares, “I have always wanted to study at NUS since I was in primary school. Students here engage in dynamic conversations and the environment on campus is very vibrant.” He is currently reading Economics at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), and will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts. “Even though there are many networking and socializing activities, as an undergraduate, it is up to you to manage your time and be independent,” Marcus advises.

To assist students in being disciplined and staying on track, the Centre for Future-ready Graduates offers a module called “CFG 1010: Roots and Wings - Personal and Interpersonal Effectiveness 1.0” where students are taught communication and soft skills that are vital to succeeding in the real world. “One of the things we learn is how to remain focused on our goals and not to be distracted by the many stimuli in the world – such as social media.” Marcus explains. “This module teaches students different techniques on how to be more mindful and how to deal with negative thoughts and emotions. Students are also taught the importance of having a growth mindset as well as empathy towards others,” Rui Xue continues.

Marcus Ng Aik Wei

Marcus Ng Aik Wei
NUS Merit Scholarship and University
Scholars Programme
Bachelor of Arts in Economics

“It was such an eye-opener as I learned how to interact across cultural boundaries and differences.”

Marcus shares how much he has benefitted from this when he applied these skills during his exchange programmes. “I went on a two-week exposure trip to India in December 2016. For ten days, we would have daily private lectures by the professors at Mody University, followed by a field-trip where we were immersed in the culture and economic vibrancy of the city. It was such an eye-opener as I learned how to interact across cultural boundaries and differences. The lessons I took away were invaluable and impossible to obtain unless you were there in person,” Marcus reflects.

In the same month, Marcus also participated in a debating competition at Shantou University in China. “It was open to all students and not just Debating Club members. I was so humbled by the passion and desire of the Chinese students to learn the English language that we take for granted here in Singapore sometimes,” Marcus elaborates. “It was certainly very different to experience it in real life than to simply read about it or watch it online.” These various overseas experiences energised Marcus and enabled him to look at issues with fresh new perspectives.

Rui Xue adds that the facilities and provisions at NUS are focused on providing undergraduates with the best growth and development opportunities possible. “As science students, we are required to use journal articles to support our findings. These articles tend to be chargeable, making it inaccessible to many students. However, as an NUS undergraduate, I can obtain these resources through the NUS online library portal for free.”

Before rounding up the interview, both of them shared their goals for the future. “I would like to work in a research institute as a laboratory technician before pursuing a Master’s degree and subsequently becoming a polytechnic lecturer. This would allow me to share my knowledge and experience with the students,” Rui Xue says.

Marcus on the other hand is focusing on more holistic growth. “I want to keep improving and reinventing myself. Education is all about lifelong learning; under the USP, I am constantly learning new things and I believe that will set me up for whatever future career choice I make,” he concludes.