What do you miss about university life?
Discussing physics and chatting over a cup of ‘kopi o kosong’ after lunch with my professors was something that I really enjoyed. They always have words of wisdom to share, and you will realise that your advisors play a pivotal role in shaping your character and attitude towards work and life. In my case, George and Berge taught me to be a sharp and critical thinker while having fun in the process! I never felt that PhD was painful or a chore, and it remains one of the fondest memories that I have. I miss sharing jokes and stories over a pint of beer after work with them! I also treasure the times spent with Maggie from physics administration and my friends who made this journey a smooth and rewarding one.

Share with us the role you play in supporting the organisation you are presently working in.
I am currently a scientist at the Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX), Singapore. Our team researches on emerging technologies including the opportunities and threats that may arise. Personally, I am working on quantum algorithms and other computational science projects.

How do you think the physics education you have received at NUS played a useful and relevant role in your career development?
Other than the technical skills (coding, theoretical physics, math, etc.) I think that a physics education really trains our resilience. I was also lucky to be taught by brilliant yet humble professors, who made me realise that there is always more to learn and that it’s okay to be wrong. NUS strongly supports our participation in international conferences, which led me to a short research attachment with the Center for Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems in Daejeon, South Korea. I also had an opportunity to visit Peyresq, France, for a small but focused conference where I was again inspired by the physicists I met who work and play hard. With the right people, a physics education in NUS broadens the mind and builds character, which are important in any path we choose in the future.

What do you look forward next in your career growth?
I look forward to new scientific discoveries with my current colleagues to strengthen Singapore’s homeland security!