MSc (ISE) student – Shan Chunyu – Industrial Systems Engineering and Management

MSc (ISE) student - Shan Chunyu

Shan Chunyu was primarily drawn to the Data Analytics (DA) specialization offered by the Master of Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) program. During her career planning phase after her bachelor's degree, Chunyu realised that she had a strong passion for both data analytics and supply chain management. With the current boom in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models, Chunyu firmly believes that the deep integration of data science and supply chain is the future of the industry. In her opinion, the ISE program perfectly aligned with that vision. Additionally, the opportunity to participate in a credit-bearing internship was a major deciding factor for her, as it provided the chance to gain hands-on experience and bridge the gap between theory and industry application.

The ISE program provided a great balance of breadth and depth. Not limited to fundamental Industrial Engineering courses, it offered a diverse range of highly practical Data Analytics classes tailored to current industry trends. Exploring cutting-edge topics like forecasting methods, deep learning, and reinforcement learning was incredibly helpful; it gave Chunyu a solid grasp of the current AI landscape and its real-world applications. Beyond the comprehensive curriculum, the community was exceptional. Chunyu was grateful to meet incredibly supportive professors and peers who provided meaningful guidance for both her academic journey and career search.

Chunyu is currently working at Apple as a Global Supply and Sourcing Manager (GSSM) based in Shanghai. This role gives her the opportunity to apply both the hard analytical skills and the soft skills she has acquired during her master's studies to manage highly complex supply chain operations. The real-world industry is far more intricate than textbook scenarios. However, with the dynamic nature of her work, Chunyu is able to constantly navigate multiple complex tasks, prioritize them effectively, and maximize her efficiency to deliver high-quality results. The rigorous and fast-paced environment of her university life perfectly equipped her with the resilience and time-management skills needed to thrive in this profession.

Since moving back to Shanghai, Chunyu has been finding herself reminiscing about her life in Singapore from time to time. She misses the kind professors and the friends she has made, the facilities on campus such as the Central Library, and the vibrant studious vibes at UTown. Chunyu wants to pay it forward as well — for fellow alumni who needs help with job referrals, she is very keen to provide a helping hand.

Looking ahead to the next three years, Chunyu's goal is to deeply integrate her data analytics background with her daily supply chain operations. She aspires to leverage AI and data-driven insights to optimize complex supply networks and drive more resilient business strategies in her current position. Chunyu's ultimate career aspiration is to grow into a strategic leader and expert in this field, becoming someone who not only excels in global sourcing but also pioneers the use of advanced tech to solve traditional manufacturing and operational challenges.