New Singaporean A*STAR Scholars

The A*STAR Graduate Academy is pleased to congratulate the following A*STAR scholars on becoming Singapore citizens over the past one year.

Read what our scholars have to say on this important step in their journey with A*STAR.

Alfred Sun 

  • National Science Scholarship (PhD), Class of 2006
  • Pursuing a PhD in Cancer Biology at Stanford University.
  • Graduated from Duke Univerity with a degree in Biochemistry under the National Science Scholarship (BS).

"I spent the first 15 years of my life in China, and for the next 10 years onwards, I have called Singapore my home. Thanks to ASTAR, I have had the opportunity to study in the top universities in the world pursuing my dream of being a researcher. I am very excited about the impressive growth of Singapore’s R&D, particularly in life sciences. Together with other fellow scholars, I am confident that we can contribute to this field and Singapore’s economy in the long run."


Alice Lo

  • National Science Scholarship (PhD), Class of 2006
  • Pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
  • Graduated from University College London with a degree in Pharmacology under the National Science Scholarship (BS).

“Singapore has provided me with opportunities that I cannot obtain elsewhere: a memorable secondary school and junior college life, a chance to pursue my tertiary education in my dream schools, and the opportunities to explore the boundary of science and to make an impact on other people’s life. All these are not possible without the support of Singapore and A*STAR.

When I looked at the raising flag in the National Stadium this National day, I felt a great sense of belonging to this island nation, a place that I call my home since coming here in 1997.”

Anwesha Dey 

  • National Science Scholarship (PhD), Class of 2001
  • PhD University of Maryland in Biochemistry.
  • Returned to Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology (IMCB) in 2005.

"It’s a great time to be in Singapore now! I’ve been exposed to a world of opportunities both in Singapore and overseas and am really happy to be here as part of the ASTAR family. I hope we continue our quest for excellence and even higher standards for Singapore. I look forward to a very bright future for Singapore and the ASTAR family.”

Lauw Hady Wirawan 

  • A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Local), Class of 2004
  • Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science and Information Technology at the Nanyang Technological University.

“Having first arrived to attend secondary school in Singapore almost twelve years ago, I have since spent close to half my life here.” ….. “Watching the 2006 National Day Parade on television as a new citizen, I do feel truly Singaporean, one who has a past, a present, and a future here.”

Lee Yew Kok 

  • A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Local), Class of 2004
  • Pursuing a PhD in Cancer Biology at the National University of Singapore.

“At the young age of 13, I came to Singapore for studies. I have lived my life in Singapore longer than in Malaysia. Although I am a foreigner, I mingled very well with other Singaporean students, thus have built strong friendship with them.” ….. “I do not feel much change, except when I am faced with this repeating question: “Are you Singaporean?”, now I can proudly answer: “Yes!”

Liang Jing 

  • National Science Scholarship (BS), Class of 2002
  • Pursuing a degree in Bioengineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

" Having grown to love this place, becoming a Singaporean was simply a natural progression of events, whether in A*Star or not. And as a Singaporean, I know I will continue to contribute to the defense and development of Singapore."

Tan Wui Siew 

  • National Science Scholarship (BS), Class of 2002
  • Pursuing a degree in Bioengineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

 

  • " Having grown to love this place, becoming a Singaporean was simply a natural progression of events, whether in A*Star or not. And as a Singaporean, I know I will continue to contribute to the defense and development

Ying-Hung Nicole Tsang  

  • A*STAR Graduate Scholarship (Overseas), Class of 2006
  • Pursuing a PhD in NFKB Apoptosis and Breast Cancer under the A*STAR-University of Illinois Partnership PhD Programme.
  • Graduated from Imperial College London with a degree in Biochemistry under the National Science Scholarship (BS)

“Having lived in Singapore all through my formative years, the conversion to a Singapore citizen was no longer an ‘obligation’ towards A*STAR, instead it seemed like the most natural thing to do.” …. “I have always felt like a Singaporean. I speak like a Singaporean, I probably have the ability to walk along Orchard Road blind-folded, I simply love the local food, my closest friends are here, and most important of all, I feel most at home right here.”

Zhou Feng 

  • National Science Scholarship (PhD), Class of 2005
  • Pursuing a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology at Yale University.

Graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Biology under the National Science Scholarship (BS).
“I would like to contribute my own small part to the booming of the life sciences industry in Singapore after I complete my advanced degree and the application for the citizenship reflects this objective.”