The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has been making strides in the scientific and technological landscape of Singapore. Through mission-oriented research, A*STAR not only propels scientific discovery but also fosters technological innovation that plays a vital role in Singapore’s economic growth and job creation.

In line with this mission, A*STAR also plays a vital role in nurturing promising scientific talents through prestigious scholarships like the National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD). Dr Ho Ying Swan and Dr Aniq Ahsan are two recipients of this scholarship who exemplify the agency’s commitment to fostering exceptional individuals who are shaping the future of scientific research.

Ying Swan is a Principal Scientist in the Analytical Science and Technology division at A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI). Her expertise lies in supporting the characterisation of new biotherapeutics, focusing on product and process analysis. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London.

Meanwhile, Aniq leads research teams in the Sustainability & Life Cycle Engineering Division (SLED) of A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech). In addition, he serves as a Technical Advisor and Modelling Lead at the National Climate Change Secretariatwithin the Prime Minister’s Office. Aniq obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford.

Let’s hear more about their thriving careers within A*STAR and explore the impact of the work that they do.

Ying Swan, what inspired you to pursue a career in Chemistry and scientific research?

My journey towards a career in scientific research has been guided by several mentors. The first was my Chemistry teacher in JC. His passion for teaching and knack for making abstract concepts both easy to understand and enjoyable to learn nurtured my interest in the subject.

The fire in me was further stoked by my father’s friend who introduced me to Process Chemistry. Learning about how its inventions have tangibly improved lives, I was inspired to follow in his footsteps and pursued a master’s and then a PhD in the field.

Finally, during my time as a post-doctoral fellow, I had the good fortune of being mentored by Professor Miranda Yap, the founding Executive Director of BTI, A*STAR. A seasoned Chemical Engineer and a champion of young scientists, her guidance and encouragement motivated me to push boundaries and venture into uncharted territories.

Aniq, could you tell us what led you to a career in Science?

I was always interested in Maths and Physics in secondary school and JC. However, as much as I enjoyed the theoretical aspects of Physics and Maths, I knew I wanted to do something that could more directly impact people’s lives –which is why I did my undergraduate in Physics at Oxford.

While there, I did a few internships in energy systems modelling. I then decided to research on public transport modelling and bus bunching. It was only after that that I knew that my interest is in both Engineering and Science, leading to my DPhil (PhD) at Oxford in Engineering Science.

Could you elaborate on your experiences undertaking the National Science Scholarship?

Ying Swan: I already had aspirations to pursue a postgraduate degree, toward a career in scientific research and the scholarship offered me the perfect opportunity to achieve my dreams. In addition to the financial support for my postgraduate studies, I was also paired with an A*STAR mentor to guide me over the course of my PhD - Professor Miranda Yap, who became an important link to the latest research and developments occurring in Singapore. Her constant encouragement for me to push boundaries and enter new territories was the key factor that led me to establish and subsequently, expand the metabolomics platform at BTI.

Aniq: I knew that I wanted to become a Scientist as I had done some research in JC. The A*STAR National Science Scholarship (BS-PhD) was the only scholarship that was able to fund my studies from undergraduate to PhD. And the effective bond length would be the same as any other overseas undergraduate scholarship. Things were financially unstable in my family, so the scholarship offered the stability my family and I needed.

The scholarship has presented you with numerous career opportunities. Could you elaborate on your experiences and roles within A*STAR?

Ying Swan: One of my roles as a Scientist at BTI includes leading the Metabolomics group, where we delve into the application of analytical science and technologies to tackle emerging challenges in the biomanufacturing sector.

In collaboration with local companies, hospitals, universities, and other public-sector researchers, our objective is to enhance the understanding of new and complex drug products, such as cell and gene therapies, and how they can be most effectively used to treat diseases.

Another vital aspect of my work is identifying the key factors during the manufacturing process that impact the quality of these therapies. Developing appropriate control strategies is essential to ensure the safety and consistency of these products for patient use.

What I find most rewarding is the knowledge that, in some way, my work contributes to the betterment of human health and quality of life.

Aniq: I am responsible for writing research proposals to secure grants for research and development. I also lead or am part of multiple research teams. My typical day involves talking to policymakers to understand their needs and proposing potential solutions to their problems. I then code to improve my simulation models. I also have occasional “sprint” sessions with some of my colleagues where we set aside a few hours and have a meeting to solve a deep technical problem together. Knowing that I am doing my part to combat one of the biggest existential threats to humanity, climate change, is deeply fulfilling.

There’s no doubt that the work you do is incredibly impactful! What would you say to someone who aspires to join A*STAR?

Ying Swan: There are a variety of different career tracks in A*STAR that staff can take, depending on their interests. If you are looking to become a researcher, remember that the most important attributes for this career track are a passion for science, curiosity, perseverance, and an open mind.

Aniq: Try out research. Do some internships at universities, A*STAR, or even in companies. Be sure that you do want to do this before taking up a scholarship. If you are unsure, you can always join at a later stage in life: before your undergraduate, before your PhD, or even after it.