Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is ranked 12th in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2018, and 1st for the fifth consecutive year under the 2018 QS World University Rankings Top 50 Under 50. The vision to be one of the world’s leading universities was what attracted Andre Neo and Ang Bee Hoon to apply for the Nanyang Scholarship. Currently reading Accountancy and Psychology respectively, they sit down with us to share why they have made NTU their choice institution, the benefits and overseas exposure afforded to them by the scholarship, and campus life as NTU undergraduates.
Firstly, elaborate more on your reasons for choosing the Nanyang Scholarship.
Andre: I chose it because of the opportunities and benefits it provides. Firstly, all my subsidised school fees are covered, which means my parents do not have to bear the costs of my tertiary education. Secondly, Nanyang Scholarship Holders get a travel grant of $5,000, which goes a long way in reducing personal expenditure during an overseas exchange.
Bee Hoon: Among all the scholarships I have researched on, the Nanyang Scholarship offered the best benefits. For example, you will receive exclusive invitations to programmes and talks. I attended the Stanford University Knight- Hennessy Scholars Programme information session which I found eye opening. Not to mention the coverage of tuition fees greatly eased the financial burden of my family as I have three older sisters.
![Ang Bee Hoon](../../img/poly/09ntu/ntu-candidate-1.jpg)
Ang Bee Hoon
Nanyang Scholarship Holder
Psychology, Year 4
Diploma in Psychology Studies
Temasek Polytechnic
Both of you have been in NTU for over three years now. How is your undergraduate experience so far?
Andre: My undergraduate experience has been nothing short of fruitful. In addition to the dynamic accounting courses offered by Nanyang Business School (NBS), I strongly benefited from the NTU-University Scholars Programme (NTU-USP) curriculum – taking interesting courses in the areas of science, philosophy, and research. In my first year, I was given the opportunity to visit Vietnam for a field trip addressing a research project under the NTU-USP’s Travel Overseas Programme for Scholars (TOPS), where I was exposed to the ecotourism industry in rural Sapa and interviewed native tribesmen. I even enjoyed a homestay with the native Hmong tribe in the mountains of Sapa!
Bee Hoon: I have enjoyed a myriad of opportunities that expanded my leadership skills and personal growth. In 2017, I was part of the Big Water Project, serving as vice-president, where we built a primary school in Laos. I was part of the committee for the Freshman Orientation Programme in 2016 as well, and captain of NTU Volleyball team from 2016 – 2017.
![Andre Neo An Jie](../../img/poly/09ntu/ntu-candidate-2.jpg)
Andre Neo An Jie
NTU-University Scholars Programme
Accountancy, Year 3
Diploma in Accountancy
Singapore Polytechnic
How have the overseas exchange programmes provided to scholars been beneficial to you and added to this experience?
Andre: The highlight of my undergraduate journey has to be the four-month exchange I did at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. I was exposed to a vastly different learning style, where professors actively engaged the class in challenging and thought-provoking discussions and seminars. Each day, I emerged from the lectures perceiving the business world through different lenses when the purpose was not to have answers to the questions, but to demonstrate and practice open-mindedness, sound thought processes, and critical thinking.
Bee Hoon: As part of the NTU’s GEM Explorer Programme, I went on a six-month exchange at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. I took such interesting modules that were not offered locally, such as Neuropsychology of Ageing and Dementia and Critical review, a module extensively on doing literature review. These broadened my views as a psychology undergraduate by extending the boundary of my psychology curriculum.
Why would you recommend NTU to diploma graduates?
Andre: NBS is one of the best business schools in Singapore, with dedicated professors and lecturers as well as a dynamic, demanding curriculum that will surely build one up holistically. Choosing NTU for your business education will not be a wasted choice.
Bee Hoon: Unlike other universities, NTU offers a direct path to the social sciences course you want. You would not have to only specialise at a later time. The professors are well trained, and welfare is great at NTU too. I enjoy the campus facilities, such as the new sports hall that was just completed. NTU is a place that will develop you holistically. You will get to enjoy a vibrant hall life. Very soon, I will be taking up hall-dance and I have never done hip-hop before, so I am very excited about it!