Student Stories

What made you study with La Trobe University at PSB Academy back in 2015/2016? 

After graduating with a Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry from a local Polytechnic, I was unsure of my next steps, but I always wanted to get a University Degree before joining the workforce. Hence, I was just trying to apply to different universities, both locally and overseas. It was when I met with a friend of mine, that she introduced me to PSB Academy and La Trobe University’s Bachelor of Biomedical Science programme.

What stood out to me about the La Trobe University programme was the significant amount of time I can save due to the 7 module exemptions from my previous certification, allowing me to complete my Bachelor’s in just slightly over a year. Additionally, the whole programme was taught locally in Singapore, providing me the opportunity to save money on overseas tuition fees.

What is a memory from your Bachelor’s Degree days in PSB Academy that you most fondly remember?

Being part of the first pioneering cohort of Biomedical Science was special. The small class size helped us form close bonds, and the hands-on lab sessions made learning incredibly engaging. Studying at the old Delta campus near Tanjong Pagar, with its nearby hawker centre, added to the fond memories.

Although some questioned the accelerated timeline, I found the curriculum well-structured and intense—very much in line with Singapore’s fast-paced learning style. With my family’s full support, I went on to pursue my Master’s in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at La Trobe’s Melbourne campus after a valuable gap year.

Being awarded with a PhD, what made you decide to pursue your choice of research? Is there a personal story that inspired you?

At PSB Academy, the staff who inspired me were Dr Seah and Kate. Dr Seah had just started his role when we first started the Bachelor of Biomedical Science programme. His teaching style had made learning more enjoyable and approachable especially during that time when the lecture quality was so crucial due to the immense amount of knowledge that we had to absorb in the short period. The lectures were long and so were the core modules that made it even harder for us but with Dr Seah around, it was a breeze and win for us in being able to fully understand the concepts. With Kate, she was always there to support us whenever we had questions and she had been a great help to us.

What advice can you give to students who might be thinking of furthering their education (Master’s or PhD)?

A PhD can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a long and challenging journey that spans about four years. Beyond lectures and readings, it requires deep involvement in hands-on lab work and independent research. It’s a path that builds not just academic knowledge, but also versatility and resilience.

Before committing, I highly recommend completing an Honours year or a research-based Master’s. That one year of focused research can be eye-opening — helping you decide if the PhD track truly aligns with your interests and goals.

Some of my peers discovered during their research year that they didn’t enjoy the day-to-day of lab work and chose instead to enter the workforce. Others found their passion for research and pursued their PhDs with clarity and confidence.

At the end of the day, it’s about knowing what’s right for you. That one year of research can make all the difference.

Can you share a personal quote or mantra that you live by?

A personal mantra that I live by is that “Life always has a way of surprising those who dare to try.” If one doesn’t dare to put themselves out there, there will never be any room for growth to develop us into better people.