Lee Kuan Yew Award
Lee Kuan Yew Award is presented to outstanding graduates from the technology courses.
Yu Jing
Class of 2015, Diploma in Nanotechnology & Materials Science
Now pursuing BEng (Materials Engineering) at Nanyang Technological University, under the Nanyang Scholarship.
With a keen interest in Materials Science, Yu Jing excelled scoring a perfect GPA of 4,with 23 distinctions and 14 'A' grades.
Beyond academics, she was very active in her co-curricular activity. As Vice-President of the Biomedical-Nanotechnolgy Club, she organised events like student camps, and field trips for students. She also assisted in organising the Biomedical Engineering Society's 8th Scientific Meeting and Industry Dinner at the national level.
Yu Jing's Final Year Project on the development of biomimetic tactile sensors was recognised as one of the top five best projects amont participants across all polytechnics in Singapore under the Polytechnic Student Research Programme.
Of her many achievements, there is one area that she has developed the most in. "I have really changed in terms of my personality. I used to be very shy in my interaction with others. But now, I am more confident in presenting myself to others", Yu Jing says.
She plans to complete her studies in Materials Science at a university here and become a scientist. While there may be challenges ahead, Yu Jing remains undaunted by them. "I like to push myself to go beyond my comfort zone. This gives me a great sense of accomplishment," she says.
Darien Kwek Yu De
Class of 2014, Diploma in Nanotechnology & Materials Science
Receipient of Nanyang Scholarship to pursue Materials Engineering at Nanyang Technological University.
Smaller but better, faster and stronger. Nanotechnology, or the science of miniaturisation, coupled with materials science, is an innovative technological breakthrough that has applications in medical, electronics and energy sectors. While much progress has been made, there is still more to explore. This idea of experimentation and discovery into the new science is what attracted Darien Kwek to this field.
When he was in Holy Innocents High School, he attended a talk about the subject. Now 19, Darien recalls: “I was learning about nanotechnology for the first time but was immediately intrigued by how new products can be created by combining different materials. It was so cool!”
Enrolling in the Diploma in Nanotechnology & Materials Science through the Direct Polytechnic Admission exercise, Darien performed well in foundational subjects such as physics and mathematics in the first year of Polytechnic.
But he admits that he had to work harder in his second and third year of studies to fully grasp certain concepts related to material sciences. Still, he enjoyed his lessons because there was always something new to learn. “I was excited to find out more about the subject. When you’re interested, you won’t mind working harder to learn more,” he quips.
Darien brought this thirst for knowledge to his three-month attachment at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering. He relished the opportunity to work among the best scientists in Singapore, experiencing the arduous processes associated with top-class research.
Darien demonstrated his meticulous yet patient nature again during his final year project. He was tasked to develop a novel way to produce quantum dots which are in high demand in the medical industry to aid in detecting tumours in the body. Working tirelessly to change the ratio of the mix of chemicals, he successfully shortened the reaction time from hours to just minutes, potentially making the quantum dots more affordable for commercial use.
Darien’s commitment to science paid off. The A*STAR scholar is graduating with a perfect GPA of 4 matched with 32 distinctions and ‘A’ grades. Outside the laboratory, Darien was also a student leader, class representative, and tutor to weaker students. Reflecting on his time in NYP, Darien says these opportunities developed his confidence and sense of responsibility. “I used to be quite shy in secondary school. But now, I’m more outgoing and able to communicate better,” he says.
After completing his National Service, the Lee Kuan Yew Award winner hopes to further his studies in material sciences and engineering in a local university and continue research work.
“In research, the margin of error is very low, so you have to be very accurate. Some people may find it time-consuming, but I actually enjoy this process of being exact and precise. Besides, when you achieve your goal, you feel so accomplished,” Darien says.
Lovell Ong Ee Kiat
Class of 2012, Diploma in Nanotechnology & Materials Science
Now pursuing Master's in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, under the ST Engineering Scholarship.
He represents the all-rounder NYP graduate: top student in his cohort, Adventure Club president, student writer and Youth Olympic Games touch bearer, yet is humble, affable, and possesses a maturity well beyond his 20 years.
A former student of Jurong Secondary School, Lovell Ong obtained exceptional results for his O-level, but says he had always favoured a polytechnic education over a junior college because he wanted something more “hands-on”. Besides, at that time, NYP was the only institution that offered a course specifically in his area of interest: nanotechnology and materials science. Since the technology conjures up sci-fi visions of teleportation and biomedical warfare, how did a then 15-year- old get interested in it? Lovell answers with a grin, “Actually I saw an advertisement about how a watch could morph into something else. That’s how I became intrigued by nanotechnology.”
Today, this interest has grown. “This is the next cutting edge technology – we work on an atomic or molecular scale, so the possibilities are endless. You don’t know what it can bring you. What we may think is impossible today, may be possible with nanotechnology in 20, 30 years’ time!” Lovell says excitedly. Asked if there is one area he wants to focus on in nanotechnology, Lovell says he hopes it can be something to protect Mother Earth. “There are so many environmental issues these days,” he says. “I hope to bring something new and useful to the market that can help save our planet.”
Lovell’s interest in nanotechnology seems matched only by his love for nature. And as the President of NYP Adventure Club, he was able to fully enjoy the great outdoors. “I remember a climb up a mountain on Taiwan this past March. It was raining and we were all carrying backpacks weighing about 20kg each up the difficult trek. In addition to take care of myself, I also had to look out for the rest of the 20-odd members of the group, some who were pushed to their limits. It was both mentally and physically exhausting,” Lovell says. “But the sense of accomplishment is so much greater when you have been through difficulties. I think these experiences are good for the soul and our well-being. You really learn from them.” His time in the club also taught him a valuable life skill: to lead by example. Lovell expounds, “Respect is earn if you want other to follow you must first do it.”
Devoting 6 to 7 hours weekly to prepare such expedition was a time-consuming commitment, but this meant Lovell was just focused when he came to his studies. “I treasured the time I had for studying more. After all, no one can study for you; it’s up to you to really focused ultimately it’s more important to understand the concept and apply them, rather than the amount of time you have to study, “ Lovell states matter -of-factly.
And this attitude has paid off; Lovell scored perfect GPA of 4 with 26 Distinctions, 7 ‘A’ grades and is the recipient of the Lee Kwan Yew Award. “I feel so happy and lucky to receive this and I’m so thankful to my lecturers, student development officers and friends who helped me get here,” he says unassumingly. More adventure beckon. After National Service, Lovell would like to further his studies in an overseas university. If possible, he also hopes to backpack around the world and try out sports like sky diving, bungee jumping and scuba diving.
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ST Engineering Scholars
In support of Nanyang Polytechnic's education efforts in nurturing the next-generation Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials Specialists, ST Engineering has partnered with NYP to offer scholarships to qualified students who enrol in the Diploma in Nanotechnology & Materials Science. The scholarship covers an allowance of S$3000 per year for 3 years, with no bond attached. Click here for details on the ST Engineering scholarship.
Year 2014 intake - Tan Yi Ping, Priyanka D/O Vivegananthan
Year 2013 intake - Ong Ming Sheng, Selvakumaran S/O Silverajan
Year 2012 intake - Ang Hao Jie, Muhammad Afiq Bin Daud (graduated)
Year 2011 intake - Liang WeiQian, Ryan Lee Ming Yao (graduated)
Year 2010 intake - Tan Men Shu, Wong Zi Wei (graduated)
Year 2009 intake - Lovell Ong, Jonathan Siow (graduated)

Group photo of the scholars with ST Engineering and NYP staff

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Green Wave Environment Competition
A team of three engineering students from Diploma in Nanotechnology and Materials Science (DNMS) and Diploma in Biomedical Engineering (DBE) participated in the Sembcorp Marine’s 12th Green Wave Environment Competition and awarded the Commendation Award plaque, certificates and a cash prize of S$500 in January 2015.
This competition was organised by the Sembawang Shipyard Pte Ltd and co-sponsored by major oil companies like BP Shipping & Shell. The competition aims to inculcate awareness and motivate students to gain a sense of personal and group responsibility for their own environment and in the process, learn how to reason, think critically and act to protect it in a balanced way. The organisers received a total of 287 projects from more than 1,000 students. 10 finalists for the tertiary category were selected for an oral presentation on 30 October 2014.


The three engineering students, namely Muhammad Iszaki, Nadhirah Binte Mohamad Roslan and Stephanie Ng, submitted a project entitled “Renewable and Biodegradable packaging Materials” under the supervision of Dr Li Ying, Dr Cheah Chi Mun, Lee Chuen Kum and Sim Joo Huang. Their project includes designing of bio-degradable composites by modifying the structure and composition tailoring using nano-technology. The chemical and structural properties of the composites were investigated and validated to obtain optimal properties for packaging applications.
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A*STAR Scholars
The A*STAR Science Award (Polytechnic) aims to identify outstanding Singaporean polytechnic students in science and engineering courses, to nurture their interest for research, and to engage and encourage them to pursue STEM education, A*STAR scholarships and R&D careers.
The award is open to Singapore Year 2 students who have keen interest in science, engineering and research. The award covers tuition fees and an annual allowance of $2,000 over a period of two years. Awardees will be required to take up research attachments and/or final year projects at the A*STAR Research Institutes, and invited to participate in other A*STAR activities such as talks and seminars by leading scientists. Renewal of the award in the third academic year is subject to good performance in their Year 2 promotional examinations, positive feedback from Research Attachment mentors and continued interest in science and research.
2014 recipients: Selvakumaran S/O Silverrajan,
James Poon Hong Pin
2013 recipient: Muhammad Afiq Bin Daud
2012 recepient: Darien Kwek Yu De

From left to right: Selvakumaran, James Poon, Muhammad Afiq, and Darien Kwek
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Caylon Creativity Award
Darien Kwek Yu De developed a novel method for producing quantum dots (QDs).
Using microwave-activated heating, the synthesis time was reduced from 9 hours to 10 minutes. Conventional methods also require inert atmospheres and toxic capping agent. This new method removes this need by utilising macadamia oil as a combined capping agent and coordinating solvent. QDs are currently in high demand for various applications including biomaging and optoelectronics. Darien's QDs matched the optical properties of commercial samples throughout all stability tests, as well as costing only a fraction of the former. Darien's was able to decide the direction of the project independently by making informed decisions on the development of the method based on the data achieved. Well done, Darien!
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All Rounder Graduate
Marcus Ng Aik Wei
Academics
NUS Kent Ridge Undergraduate Scholarship
Bronze medal, Diploma in Nanotechnology & Materials Science, 2014
Diploma with Merit in Nanotechnology & Materials Science; GPA 4.0
Leadership (NYP)
Vice-President, NYP Capstone
Public Relations Director, NYP Rotaract Club
Committee Student Advisor, NYP Entrepreneurship Development Club
Team Captain, SEG Debates Team
Honours and Awards
NYP STAR Awards, Community Service & Leadership (Silver), 2013 & 2014
National Youth Achievement Award (Gold), 2013
Best Delegate, Inter-Polytechnic Youth Model ASEAN Conference (YMAC), 2013
Best Speaker, NYP Inter-School Debating Championship, 2013
United Nations Environment Programme - Bayer Young Environmental Envoy, 2012
Best Speaker, NYP Inter-School Debating Championship, 2012
Champion, Inter-Polytechnic Debates Championship, 2011
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BES8SM (Biomedical Engineering Society 8th Scientific Meeting)
BES8SM featured a National Level Student Symposium that provided
a platform for students from Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities to showcase their biomedical engineering projects and to interact with their peers from other institutes.
Ang Kian Kai Gerald, from the Diploma in Nanotechnology & Materials Science won the Polytechnic Best Oral Presentation Silver Award for his project titled "Development of Bioactive/Bioresorbable Nanofiber Membrane Scaffold for Tissue Engineering Application". (2014)
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Chemical Science Competitions
As part of the efforts to promote and support chemical science research project work in secondary and tertiary institutions in Singapore, NUS Dept of Chemistry has launched the Singapore Chemical Science Fair - an annual competition on research projects in specific areas in chemistry and chemical sciences.
Our students participated and won in several of the annual competition. Well done!
Palladium Award, Senior Category
Project title: “Design and Development of Biodegradable Environmentally Friendly Nanocomposites for Packaging Applications” (2011)

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Platinum Award, Senior Category
Project title: “Development and Characterisation of Nanostructured Collagen for Improved Cellular Absorption” (2009)
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Platinum Award, Senior Category
Project title: “Titanium Dioxide Nanosponges as Molecular Sensors: Doping Studies, Device Fabrication and Testing” (2008)
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With a keen interest in Materials Science, Yu Jing excelled scoring a perfect GPA of 4,with 23 distinctions and 14 'A' grades.
Smaller but better, faster and stronger. Nanotechnology, or the science of miniaturisation, coupled with materials science, is an innovative technological breakthrough that has applications in medical, electronics and energy sectors. While much progress has been made, there is still more to explore. This idea of experimentation and discovery into the new science is what attracted Darien Kwek to this field.
He represents the all-rounder NYP graduate: top student in his cohort, Adventure Club president, student writer and Youth Olympic Games touch bearer, yet is humble, affable, and possesses a maturity well beyond his 20 years. 


The Advanced Materials cluster is located in Block R Level 2 in Nanyang Polytechnic.