Editor’s Note:
Another class of SIGSers is ready to soar! Our graduates will take what they’ve learned here at SIGS and apply it to a new and exciting chapter of their lives.
In this installment of SIGS Graduate Stories, our international graduates from South Korea, Malaysia, and the US reflect on the highlights of their SIGS journey.
Jung Sinyeong (丁信荣)
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Major/Research Area: Materials Science and Engineering, Master’s
My three years in Shenzhen were filled with countless good memories. From taking part in stimulating research under the guidance of my supervisor and receiving support from my labmates to the wonderful trips with friends, each moment has been a treasure.
My first impression of SIGS was that it was nature-friendly when I saw the ducks and geese wandering around the campus. The warmth and support from my classmates helped me settle into the new environment.
Sinyeong visiting Shenzhen Bay Park with his fellow SIGSers
My research focused on organic luminescent materials, aiming to enhance the efficiency and lifetime of OLED devices. The synthesis of these novel materials and the fabrication of related devices became the core of my academic pursuit.
Sinyeong introduces his laboratory to guests
Research challenges were inevitable, especially when experiments did not meet expectations. Yet, each failure was a stepping stone, prompting me to explore alternative methods and continually push my limits. Through these trials, I cultivated patience and an indomitable spirit of inquiry.
At SIGS, the tranquility of nature, the rigor of academic pursuits, and the warmth of friendship all converged to craft an unforgettable chapter of my life. I truly appreciate my research group, my friends, and SIGS for giving me such wonderful memories.
Sim Xiang Yu (Ben)
Hometown: Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Major/Research Area: Hospital Management, Master’s
Tsinghua’s renown in hospital management education brought me to study here for my master’s degree in 2020. My graduate studies were not without challenges due to the pandemic, but the unwavering enthusiasm of my classmates and the attentive support of my professors motivated me to persevere in my academic pursuits.
Ben poses with his acceptance notice in front of the school’s stone tablet
Because of the pandemic, I took a gap year to pursue an internship in a hospital in Malaysia, which provided me with valuable insights into the healthcare system and nursing practices in Malaysia. Given the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mental well-being, particularly among frontline healthcare workers, such as nurses, the need to understand and support their mental health became increasingly paramount. For my master's thesis, I conducted a cross-cultural comparative study, examining the mental health and resilience of nurses from China and Malaysia. I sought to uncover the underlying reasons behind observed differences, contributing to a deeper understanding of how diverse socio-cultural contexts may shape nurses' mental health experiences amidst challenging circumstances.
Ben poses for a photo on registration day
While my research topic differed from that of my advisor Ni Shiguang, he offered me support and resources. My study required collecting survey data, my professors and peers were essential in expanding my pool of survey participants. Due to their efforts, my study reached over 900 participants.
Ben attends the Global AI Expo Shenzhen 2023
My time here has also been marked by a series of significant firsts. I experienced the thrill of my first dragon boating adventure. I also had the chance to travel to different cities in China (Guangzhou, Guilin, Wuhan, Nanchang, Beijing), chatting with locals in these different destinations and gaining inspiration.
Ben visits the seaside in Shenzhen
After I graduate from SIGS, I hope to return to Malaysia and further my career in the healthcare field. Whether it's advocating for inclusive healthcare practices, designing culturally-sensitive insurance policies, or spearheading public health initiatives, I am eager to take what I’ve learned here and contribute to the advancement of healthcare in Malaysia through a cross-cultural lens.
Peter Marsh
Hometown: Omaha, United States
Major/Research Area: Data Science and Information Technology, Master’s
After studying Physics and Chinese as an undergraduate at Grinnell College in the US and working as a financial services representative, I developed an interest in machine learning. I understood Tsinghua to be one of the best schools in the world for data science and artificial intelligence, so I decided to apply for a master’s program and focus my research on the field of neural architecture search (NAS).
Peter delivers speech at 2024 SIGS Commencement Ceremony
My research involves finding the most performant and compact neural network architecture. By decreasing the sizes of neural networks while finding optimal performance, the networks should perform the goal of accurate predictions, using as few resources as possible, whether this be energy costs for computing the predictions or time usage. These neural networks can be applied in several ways, including image recognition and time series data.
Coming to SIGS, I didn't have much research experience in my chosen field. It took a lot of self-learning and late nights studying to catch up. The foundational courses at SIGS were very helpful. I also gained inspiration from my advisor Professor Ercan Kuruoğlu’s research in Bayesian-based modeling. As I dug deeper into my research, I applied this method to my research in Bayesian architecture for neural networks. I am proud of the fact that I was able to go from being a beginner in the field to contributing to my chosen research area in three years.
Peter poses for a photo on Tsinghua campus in Beijing
In addition to my passion for research, I am also a tech enthusiast. One of my favorite activities was wandering around the Huaqiangbei Electronics Market browsing the wares. Another of my favorite moments was late nights discussing recent advances in machine learning with friends, such as the future of large language models, discussing the various neural network size reduction techniques, and more. Various lectures I attended also left an impact on me. Although they did not necessarily have direct consequences for my research, the lectures helped me broaden my knowledge of possible research methods and opened potential new avenues of research.
At SIGS, I discovered a passion for research, especially its creative side. For this reason, I will be continuing my research in NAS as a doctoral student here.
Ng Sin Jin
Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Major/Research Area: Marine Engineering/Earth Resources and Environment, Master’s
I completed my bachelor's degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, majoring in environmental engineering. My undergraduate studies nurtured my passion for addressing environmental challenges and led me to pursue a master's in Earth Resources and Environment at SIGS.
My research focuses on the flow of phosphorus, a critical resource for crop growth closely linked to global food security, via international trade and its implications for environmental equity. My work explores strategies for more efficient use of this vital resource to extend its global availability. This area combines environmental science, economics, and international trade policy and addresses several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Beyond my day-to-day research, I engaged in several impactful environment-related activities. Notably, I participated in the International Workshop on Mangrove Conservation and Collaboration organized by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. This program allowed me to collaborate with local and international volunteers and professionals dedicated to mangrove research and conservation. I learned more about the international mangrove center to be built in Shenzhen, gained valuable insights into the status of mangroves globally, and learned about how vital ecosystems are being protected worldwide.
Sin Jin poses for a photo at the UNICEF Cambodia Country Office
Sin Jin (second row) poses with colleagues from UNICEF Cambodia
I also completed an internship at UNICEF in Cambodia, an opportunity the school facilitated. At UNICEF, I contribute to national environmental initiatives and policy development in Cambodia, focusing particularly on children's environmental health. The internship has equipped me with local and global perspectives on environmental issues and provided practical skills and insights that complemented my academic studies.
Sin Jin poses for a graduation photo at the University Town Library
One of my fondest memories at SIGS is the camaraderie I built with my friends, both within my research team and from other institutions such as Peking University. We often shared meals in the canteen, swam, and jogged along the river, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. Another delightful part of my daily routine was the walk from my dormitory to my office in the Ocean Building, where I would encounter geese and black swans, adding a touch of nature to my academic life.
After graduation, I hope to find work that aligns with my passion for environmental sustainability, ideally within an international organization. Whether I work on local projects or global initiatives, the skills and knowledge I acquired at SIGS will be fundamental in driving impactful and sustainable solutions.
Congratulations, grads! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
Edited by Alena Shish & Yuan Yang
Reviewed by Zhang Chengping & Chen Chaoqun
Layout by Yang Jun
