NTU EEE graduand | Class of 2020 : Ms Ding Jiawen

NTU EEE Graduand Ding Jiawen is elected class valedictorian for the class of 2020. It was a proud moment for her as she fondly looks back on her time at NTU EEE.

Jiawen’s four-year journey was one of self-exploration and growth, to truly discover what she wants to do and then learn how to do it. She appreciates the fact that NTU EEE offers the students things far beyond the curriculum. In addition, she feels that NTU EEE is a big family with members from different backgrounds. The people, both peers, and professors are always there supporting and encouraging her. It is the feeling of family that accompanied and carried her on the tough yet fruitful 4-year journey that encouraged and pushed her to go beyond her expectations.

Her time at NTU EEE is peppered with international exposure. Jiawen had the opportunity to study overseas at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea for her summer exchange and Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland for her semester exchange. These opportunities were journeys filled with self-development and helped to enrich her entire university experience. Jiawen appreciated that NTU EEE has an industrial attachment embedded in its curriculum. This provides a brilliant internship opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge into practice. This first taste of the industry also helped better plan her future career.

Academically, Jianwen is an accomplished student, achieving an Undergraduate Research Experience on Campus (URECA) project in her second year. She was also awarded a Dean’s List by NTU and Academic Excellence Award by Korea University during her summer exchange. Moreover, as an EEE student, Jiawen had the opportunity to represent NTU in Singapore National Contract Bridge Competition. She also had the opportunity to practice her leadership skills, serving as the Young Professional Leadership Development Chair in the IEEE Photonics Society Singapore Chapter, she helped to organize various workshops and seminars.

When asked about being named Valedictorian for Class of 2020, she said “It’s a huge honour to be elected as Valedictorian. I am very thankful to those who have supported and encouraged me. I hope to be a good representative of the class and I am looking forward to our convocation. I sincerely hope the COVID-19 situation will turn good soon and I am more than excited to deliver the valedictory speech at that time.”

Some of the best memories is spending time with her EEE classmates. Most of the notable moments for Jiawen were at EEE Family Day and EEE Day. There were cool performances, fun games, and delicious snacks. Jiawen would meet friends and relax at the event, just focus on chilling and talking about things outside of academic life. It was a fun experience to help at game stations as a member of the EEE Club.

Jiawen is especially indebted to her favourite professor, Prof. Shum Ping who supervised her Final Year Project. He offered invaluable guidance and support both in and beyond the project. She believes his input and supervision assisted her in accomplishing a successful FYP and gained new knowledge. Outside the project, he encourages Jiawen to take on leadership roles in CCAs. “He is caring and advises me on my career and personal development. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to him for all his efforts and guidance” she reminisces.