SPMS Outstanding Undergraduate Awards 2024

Each year, the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS) honours up to three graduating students with the SPMS Outstanding Undergraduate Awards. These awards recognise students for exceptional achievements beyond academics. For the Class of 2024, we received a record-breaking 12 nominations for the SPMS Outstanding Undergraduate Awards. The award winners were decided by votes cast by the SPMS community.

The winners for the Class of 2024 are:

• SPMS Outstanding Undergraduate Award 2024 (Overall Winner) – Josephine See Si Yu
• SPMS Outstanding Undergraduate Award 2024 (Outstanding Service) – Soh Chuen Han Kerwin
• SPMS Outstanding Undergraduate Award 2024 (Outstanding Achievement) – Tan Fei

 

Overall Winner – Josephine See Si Yu

Josephine See, a Physics graduate, was honoured for her leadership and all-round contributions to student life and outreach.

She was a critical driving force in the SPMS Ambassadors Programme, serving as chairperson during her final year. In this role, she coordinated other undergraduate students who represented SPMS during numerous school visits, outreach events, and school fairs.

“Josephine has shown strong leadership qualities,” said Ms Nur Fadhilah Bte Mohd Jalil, SPMS's Assistant Manager for Outreach and Engagement. “She excelled in working collaboratively with other ambassadors and SPMS staff, contributing positively to planning and executing events. Even in challenging situations, she consistently maintains a positive attitude, contributing to an affirming and inclusive school atmosphere. For example, even when she was away on an overseas internship, she continued to plan and initiate weekly meetings with other core members of the Ambassadors Club.”

Josephine expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. “I'm honored to get this recognition, as there are many others who have inspired me in astonishing ways too,” she said. “The people here at SPMS are incredibly encouraging and motivate me to strive for more. From someone too shy to even attend freshman orientation, I've come a long way, thanks to the support and encouragement of the SPMS community.”

 

Winner for Outstanding Service - Soh Chuen Han Kerwin

Kerwin Soh, a Physics graduate, was awarded the SPMS Outstanding Undergraduate Award for Outstanding Service. As the 18th SPMS Club President, Kerwin played a pivotal role in enhancing student culture and expanding the roster of activities available to SPMS students.

Gan Jun Ken, the 18th SPMS Club Vice-President (Internal Liaison), highlighted Kerwin's contributions: “Kerwin was a massive contributor to the student life within SPMS. He was at the forefront pushing forward issues faced by students and working with different stakeholders to solve them.”

Kerwin led the planning and organisation of the first Overseas Experience Programme for SPMS, in which a group of 32 SPMS undergraduates travelled to Taiwan for cultural exchange with universities and company visits.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award. It means a great deal to me personally, as it acknowledges the hard work and dedication I have put into the SPMS Club throughout my four years of undergraduate studies,” said Kerwin. “This award is not mine alone; it would not have been possible without the countless individuals who have supported me over the past four years. My experiences in the SPMS Club have provided me with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, reinforcing my passion for student leadership and community engagement.”

 

Winner for Outstanding Achievement - Tan Fei

Tan Fei, a Physics graduate, received the SPMS Outstanding Undergraduate Award for Outstanding Achievement. He was recognised by his peers as a student leader in the Odyssey undergraduate research programme, his participation in the PLANCKS physics competition (where he earned a Bronze Medal in 2020), and his participation in the University Physics Competition (where he earned a Silver Medal in 2021). He was also the local representative for Singapore's chapter of the International Association of Physics Students.

Dr Koh Teck Seng, the first Director of the SPMS Odyssey Programme, praised Tan Fei: “As the chair of the Odyssey committee in 2022, and before that the events head for the Odyssey committee in 2021, Tan Fei was instrumental in many important activities. For instance, he led the organisation of the first PLANCKS Singapore national preliminary competition, the national selection competition to choose the best team for the international competition. He demonstrated leadership through example, and I could always count on him to be thorough in planning and inclusive in gathering views from all parties involved in any event. He is well-liked and respected by his peers.”

Tan Fei expressed his gratitude for the award: “This award means a great deal to me, and motivates me to strive for even greater achievements in the future. I thank the faculty, staff, and my friends for all the support and help throughout my journey.”

Congratulations to all the award winners!