Came for the research, stayed for the experience

Cherrie Chong
Chemistry
CN Yang Scholars Programme

Cherrie Chong found herself at a crossroads when it was time to choose a university. On the table were offers from NTU and another local institution.

As a thoughtful and analytical person, she set out to make an informed decision. This meant delving deep into the curriculum of each course and consulting her seniors to find out what the culture in each university is like. After careful consideration, the choice became clear.

“I liked how NTU offers so many research opportunities. It gives you more exposure to the areas of research you might want to explore in future,” says Cherrie. “My seniors from Nanyang Junior College also agreed that NTU has a more ‘chill’ vibe than the other university I was considering and doesn’t have a mugging culture.”

The extensive travel opportunities sealed the deal. CN Yang scholars are guaranteed the chance to go abroad, including on learning trips, exchange programmes, and research internships, and for their final-year projects.

Although the freshman has yet to take flight, she’s already helping to book tickets for her peers in the programme. As director of the CN Yang Scholars’ Club Overseas Trip committee, she’s organising learning trips to France, Japan, South Korea and Sweden for her classmates and herself in May 2025. The itineraries include visits to institutions like Université PSL, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Kyoto University, along with educational tours to research facilities.

Experiences like these, combined with NTU’s vibrant hall life, have enabled her to form firm friendships on campus.

“The friends I’ve have made this semester are one of the main reasons I’m convinced I made the right choice in coming to NTU,” she says.

Lessons in the classroom have also prepared her for the heady world of research. Courses in four sciences provide the foundation for exploring multidisciplinary research.

“Physics was tough for me since I didn’t study it in junior college. But it will be handy if I want to focus on something biophysics related, for example,” shares Cherrie.

Another important course she took taught her how to read research papers, extract key information, and compile findings effectively.

“My topic of interest was Alzheimer’s disease. I had to pore through numerous papers to identify the causes and effects of the disease and draft a literature review,” says Cherrie, adding that the process boosted her confidence in tackling research.

These newly acquired skills will be invaluable if she decides to pursue her passion for drug development and manufacturing. With NTU’s robust startup support system – including professional entrepreneurship courses, mentorship from successful business owners, and financial aid – the idea of launching her own product and startup feels well within reach.

And what might she create if the opportunity arises?

“Probably something related to nanomedicine, like nanorobots that can be injected into the bloodstream and controlled externally to deliver drugs to a targeted area. Or affordable hangover pills,” she laughs.

Indeed, Cherrie is someone who balances ambition with a zest for life while keeping her priorities straight.

Read more peer reviews of NTU programmes here.