Student Testimonials

Having the opportunity to study in the Renaissance Engineering Programme has been enriching and exciting!

Throughout my studies, I have met many peers who are passionate about learning new concepts. Moreover, the team-based learning pedagogy has been extremely beneficial. It fosters a holistic learning environment that allows me to thrive academically and enhance my soft skills.

REClub organised activities also encourages students to explore hobbies beyond the classroom. As a member of the Maker’s Lab (under the REClub), I have access to 3D printers and machining tools, allowing me to tinker and work on engineering projects. 

Wong Ming En Isaac, Year 2

Mechanical Engineering

 

The Renaissance Engineering Programme (REP) has shaped me both academically and holistically.

In my first year, the rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum exposed me to various engineering disciplines. This not only broadened my perspective on engineering’s interdisciplinary nature, it also helped me make a more informed decision to specialise in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE). Furthermore, the programme's emphasis on team-based learning and projects sharpened my communication and collaboration skills.

Most importantly, REP introduced me to a close-knit community that has become my second home!

Phoebe Tan Yan Zhen, Year 2
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

 

The REP is undeniably challenging but what makes the journey so rewarding is the strong sense of community we have in REP and the opportunity to form close friendships. Forged by the many modules that we take together and the team-based learning pedagogy, our strong friendships extend across different specialisations like Computer Science and Electrical and Electronic Engineering and sub-specialisations.

Furthermore, getting to work closely with passionate and driven individuals from various specialisations not only enhances our learning and understanding of other fields, but also provides opportunities to work in a multifaceted team and to leverage on each other’s strengths and competencies to deliver complex design projects and hackathons. 

Events planned by our REClub also serve to forge inter-batch bonds.  Our cohesion is further enhanced by the many different interest groups such as soccer and HEAL within REP. I personally benefitted from the strong ‘peer mentoring’ culture, learning from my classmates’ sharing of their experiences from their specialisations and internships and from our discussion of academic concepts.

The REP community also includes our seniors that had already graduated and started their careers, but who are always more than ready to render help and advice.

Nick Erwin Chia Zhiyang, Year 5
University of California, Berkeley 
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The Renaissance Engineering Programme (REP) offers a comprehensive journey that broadens your perspective across the multifaceted domains of engineering and business.

Over the course of 4.5 years, I have acquired a vast array of skills through a blend of coursework, as well as student-led and -initiated projects. One of REP's standout features is its nurturing and safe environment, which has played a pivotal role in fostering my development as a student. 

Beyond the academic realm, REP enriches your university experience with a distinctive overseas component, pushing you towards independence and equipping you with global insights that are rare among university students.

Furthermore, REP boasts a vibrant alumni and student network, creating a supportive community where individuals can connect with peers who share similar interests and aspirations.

Wong Wei Qi, Year 5
University of British Columbia 
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

UC Berkeley lives up to its reputation of providing a great education. I got a lot out of the well-rounded curriculum, which the faculty continuously reviews to include the latest developments and adapt to students' evolving needs. The diverse range of courses across various specialized fields has allowed me to deepen my interest in the biomedical industry as a mechanical engineer. 

Being surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the world was incredibly inspiring. The professors' "open door" culture led to many unforgettable conversations, ranging from brainstorming sessions on environmental sustainability in the automotive industry to fascinating discussions about the mathematics of origami. My stay at International House connected me with people from all over the globe, each of them passionate about sharing their culture and are driven by a shared commitment in pursuing education to make a positive impact on the world.

My two semesters at UC Berkeley had a profound impact on my life, not only in expanding my knowledge as an engineering student, but also in helping me reflect on my personal growth and place in the world. As I move on to the last leg of my REP journey before stepping into the world as a young professional, I recognize how vital this experience was to my personal and professional development. 

Darren Suen Wei Jie, Year 4
University of California, Berkeley 
Mechanical Engineering

 

My exchange at Imperial College London was life changing.

Being in the vibrant city of London, I had the opportunity to meet so many inspiring people who were eager to make a difference in the world. They were not afraid to try new things, like starting a student club or running an event, and their drive and passion were truly contagious.

The challenging courses at Imperial also gave me a great foundation for conducting research, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to tackle complex problems in my field.

Living in London opened doors to the research community, allowing me to connect with individuals working on cutting-edge projects. I had numerous thought-provoking conversations that provided insights into the latest developments and trends. These connections were instrumental in helping me immerse myself in the research world and explore potential collaborations. Taking advantage of my proximity to other renowned institutions, I also visited Oxford and Cambridge to meet with more top researchers. These interactions broadened my perspectives and gave me a comprehensive understanding of the academic landscape.

Clement Neo Hong Xiang, Year 5
Imperial College London 
Computer Science

The REP experience has been truly transformative for me, especially the year-long overseas exchange component. The extended duration provided me with ample opportunities to fully immerse myself in a different culture and forge lifelong friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

The two semesters spent at an overseas university also facilitated significant professional growth through close interactions with professors and deep exploration of academic pursuits. I was able to build a strong foundation in my areas of interest during the first semester, which paved the way for more advanced technical studies and practical application opportunities in the second semester.

I believe this experience was a pivotal moment in my personal and professional development. It allowed me to integrate myself into a new environment and community, find my place within it, and eventually contribute meaningfully to the industry. This culminated in an internship in my field of interest, further solidifying the impact of this incredible opportunity.

The year-long exchange not only broadened my horizons academically but also empowered me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and discover my true potential. The memories, skills, and connections I made during this time will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours and remain as cherished aspects of my REP journey.

Yau Ying Lin, Year 5
University of California, Berkeley 
Environmental Engineering

During the summer of 2023, I did an internship with Micron at its HQ in the city of Boise, Idaho. I joined the company’s Smart Manufacturing and AI team and had the most memorable experience being at the forefront of the chip industry during the current AI boom.  

I worked on projects that involved data engineering and analytics, as well as software development, which allowed me to gain experience working in a large software team. These opportunities enabled me to grasp the full lifecycle of data-driven decision-making processes and understand the integration of software development within a global technology enterprise. My manager and team members also played a crucial role in my growth as they placed heavy emphasis on my learning during the internship.  

During the internship, I found myself making great use of the skills that I had developed in my first two years of REP. These skills include not only technical skills like coding but more importantly soft skills such as communication, project management and leadership which helped a lot as I worked with people from all over the world.  

But the thing that was most memorable for me was the friendships I made and the experiences that I had while living alone in a foreign city! I learned a lot about myself and gained a new level of independence and confidence. Adapting to a new environment, managing daily life on my own, and immersing myself in a different culture enriched my internship in ways I hadn't anticipated, making it not only a professional growth opportunity but also an unforgettable life experience. 

 Ng Mu Rong, Year 4
Computer Engineering

 

I had an incredible summer in Seattle, interning as a Software Development Engineer Intern at Amazon.

I joined the Prime Value Communication team and worked with a team full of skilled developers to make products that enhance the visibility of Prime benefits to both Prime and Non-Prime customers.

My primary responsibility involved developing Java-based backend systems using best practices of object-oriented programming. I integrated common AWS services such as DynamoDB and S3 into these systems, contributing to projects that accurately communicate the value of Amazon Prime subscriptions. 

Working at Amazon was an unforgettable experience. Despite our cultural differences, the team made me feel at home within a week. My manager and mentor ensured I felt integrated and the work I was doing was valued. My team showed confidence in me, encouraged me to take charge and engage with key personnel in the company to achieve the desired results. 

The interdisciplinary courses from REP equipped me well for the role, which required both engineering and management skills. At Amazon, my work involved extensive collaboration with backend engineers, product managers, and business teams. This experience enabled me to apply lessons from REP’s interdisciplinary classes.

I am grateful for this experience as I gained significant technical expertise, soft skills, and the opportunity to make new friends from diverse backgrounds.

Dixit Ayushman, Year 4
Computer Science

 

I was part of a project team handling the mass deployment of electric vehicle chargers for electric buses at bus depots. This project will support the expanding population of electric buses, which is in line with LTA’s electrification roadmap.

My internship with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) provided invaluable insights and practical skills crucial for my  professional development. 

During the internship, my mentors and colleagues were very supportive and often took the time to share their expertise. They have since set a high benchmark for effective team management and collaboration. 

My tasks allowed me to experience first-hand the coordination of works between multiple stakeholders, enriching my understanding of project management on a large scale. Attending a variety of technical and managerial meetings offered a unique perspective on how different leaders approach and resolve issues.

Furthermore, the opportunity to visit sites offered practical insights that complemented the theoretical knowledge learnt. This experience, along with a deeper understanding of technical standards, was invaluable in helping me connect academic teachings to real-world applications.

I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to intern at LTA and for the exceptional mentorship I received. Additionally, I am grateful for the solid foundation provided by REP, which enabled me to maximise this learning opportunity.

Nicholas Aw, Year 3
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

In 2023, I had an amazing summer doing my professional attachment in New York City, as a Software Engineer Intern with Robinhood, a financial technologies company. My role was to develop features for the Robinhood Wallet iOS mobile application, which is a self-custodial wallet that allows users to store and manage their own cryptocurrencies.

Throughout the internship, I found that the interdisciplinary classes from the Renaissance Engineering Programme had prepared me well for the role, especially since I was working in the intersection of finance and technology.

Furthermore, this experience led me to realise that my work required a lot of collaboration with other parties, such as backend engineers, product managers and designers, and not just individually writing code. As a result, I found myself putting into practice the lessons I had learnt from REP’s engineering leadership and communication classes, especially since I was working with people from cultures significantly different from what I am used to in Singapore.

Overall, I learnt a lot from the overseas internship, including technical expertise and soft skills, and made lots of new friends from different backgrounds. I would strongly recommend everyone to step out of their comfort zone and experience an overseas internship!

Ivan Teo Zhi Ming, Year 5
Computer Science

 

The Renaissance Engineering Programme is a gateway to opportunities. I took up various internships in both local firms and multinational corporations combining business acumen and technical expertise—knowledge from both my degrees.

In my first year in the programme, I secured a Management Associate intern position and was tasked to work on product management for sustainable PassivHaus technologies in German MNC Technoform Bautec. I also managed smart robotics, IoT and 5G projects in CapitaLand’s technical team, and served as a bridge between engineers and business leaders.

Most recently, I built analytical dashboards featuring supply chain status and developed Robotic Process Automation (RPA) programmes in ST Engineering (Commercial Aerospace). These internships allow me to apply multifarious facets of what I learnt in REP and are proof that learning both business knowledge and technical skills are invaluable assets.

While on exchange in University of California, Berkeley, I joined an externship with General Motors California, which inspired me to pursue further opportunities globally. I am excited to take this a step further by returning to America in the summer for an internship.

Ong Li Xin, Randelle, Year 5
Mechanical Engineering