Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) scholars Gerard Yeo Shun Jing and Alexander Quah Zhi Wei have leveraged the growth opportunities offered at SIT to thrive in their careers.

For many fresh graduates, the transition from academia to the working world can be daunting. The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) offers a distinct approach to helping students navigate this transition by emphasising experiential and authentic learning, enabling students to hit the ground running when they graduate

A distinctive feature of SIT's degree programmes is the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP). It integrates theory with practice and allows students to develop deep specialist skills in their chosen fields.

SIT scholars Gerard Yeo Shun Jing (left) and Alexander Quah Zhi Wei (right) have reaped the benefits of this programme. Gerard graduated with a degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering and now serves as a Teaching Associate at the Pique Lab. Meanwhile, Alexander, who completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Design specialisation, is now a Graduate Design Engineer at Dyson.

We spoke with them to learn more about how SIT has shaped them to thrive in their respective careers.

What made you want to pursue a degree at SIT?

Gerard: SIT programmes are designed and structured with an applied learning pedagogy. The modules are qualified and refined by industry advisors and collaborators. This gave me confidence that the daily work in class was highly relevant to the industry and that the critical thinking involved would benefit my eventual career. Additionally, the IWSP required an internship with industry partners, providing a perfect opportunity to apply the theory taught to real-world problems.

Alexander: SIT's unique approach allowed me to showcase my portfolio and make a compelling case, emphasising that my value extends beyond my grades.

Could you elaborate on any notable projects you were involved in at SIT?

Gerard: I took on the role of Vice-President for the Institution of Engineers Student Chapter for a year, where I helmed a few projects. Some of the most memorable ones involved collaborations with industry professionals, which honed my communication skills. As a project manager, I was also exposed to the intricacies of event planning and execution, which helped develop my perspectives on an organisational level. In particular, my roles as an emcee and panel moderator were memorable because these experiences boosted my confidence in public speaking. In my current job as a Teaching Associate, these skills come in handy as I prepare for lessons or when I need to engage my students.

Alexander: My team and I developed the “Rehab Bar”, a compact and intelligent rehabilitation device tailored for diverse upper body rehabilitation needs. Our innovation earned us the Gold Medal in the MapleTree Challenge 2022, as well as the Bronze Award and Best Team Presentation Award in the 10th National Assistive & Rehabilitation Technologies (ART) Student Innovation Challenge 2022.

This experience honed our critical thinking skills and provided valuable insights into presenting our ideas from a business perspective. Additionally, it bolstered our confidence in public speaking as we engaged with large audiences to showcase the potential impact of our project.

Gerard (right), pictured with his classmates and professor Addison Wong (centre, in red), from the faculty of Food Chemical and Biotechnology.

Tell us about your current roles. What motivated you to pursue them?

Gerard: I discovered a calling to teach during my penultimate year in SIT. I thoroughly enjoyed helping my classmates with their revisions and witnessing their readiness for tests and examinations brought me great satisfaction. More than that, I believe that a quality education from young can shape a person’s thought process and worldview. I wish to make a difference in the lives of those who require help, and this has led me to pursue this route.

Alexander:  I am presently working at Dyson, where I completed my eight-month IWSP. This work attachment played a pivotal role in my education at SIT, allowing me to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in my Mechanical Design degree to real-world business scenarios. Working alongside Dyson's exceptional Mechanical Design team was an invaluable experience. This motivated my decision to return to Dyson as a full-time employee, where I now contribute to developing cutting-edge haircare technology. 

As a design engineer, there's nothing quite like witnessing the launch of a product we've poured our hearts into! I'm immensely proud of my team's accomplishments, and the thrill of seeing our creation in high demand is truly unmatched. That what brings me the greatest joy in this role!

Gerard, how have you applied the knowledge and skills gained from your education at SIT to your current job?

The most important skill I’ve gained from my education at SIT is critical thinking. Being able to synthesise my thoughts quickly or troubleshoot effectively was an integral part of the curriculum during my university education. This has enabled me to synthesise different angles of approach when teaching different concepts to students at the education centre. Including spontaneous jokes during my lessons has helped me engage my students better, resulting in smoother lessons.

Alexander Quah (left) with his mentor at Dyson.

Interesting! How has SIT shaped your career trajectory, Alexander?

My time at SIT has greatly influenced my professional and personal development. Academically, the demanding coursework and practical projects have sharpened my problem-solving skills, giving me a strong foundation in my area. For instance, completing several design projects in school pushed me to blend my analytical and creative thinking, preparing me well for real-world challenges as I step into the workforce.

In addition, hands-on learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships, have given me priceless industry insights and allowed me to apply what I've learned in the classroom to real-world situations. I have improved my practical skills and deepened my understanding of my profession.

Finally, what advice do you have for individuals considering applying for a scholarship with SIT?

Gerard: Be intentional with your scholarship application! Know why you want to be part of the scholars’ community and recognise that you serve a greater purpose beyond yourself. This will determine the impact of your initiatives and contributions to the institution. This will eventually shape your student life and personal growth as a young adult.

Alexander: I highly recommend that students apply for scholarships as it is a worthwhile endeavour. While the process requires time and effort, the potential rewards far outweigh the costs. Even if you don't secure a particular scholarship, the skills you develop and the experience you gain will still be valuable in the long run.

Visit SIT Scholarship | Singapore Institute of Technology (singaporetech.edu.sg) for more information on the SIT Scholarship.