Slowly, but Surely
“I chose to read the BSc (Project and Facilities Management) degree at NUS, as it covers a wide spectrum of the Built Environment, a sector that is vibrant with exciting career opportunities.”
Yap Zheng Yi, Year 4 Student
BSc (Project and Facilities Management), NUS
Own time, own target
Zheng Yi is older than most of the students in his cohort. Unperturbed, he shared how he went through a slightly longer route to get to university. Hailed from the Normal Technical N(T) track while in secondary school, he went on to the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). He graduated from ITE with a Nitec in Electrical Technology (with Merit), and with that he applied to Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Three years later, he graduated with a Diploma in Hotel & Facilities Management (with Merit), with which he successfully applied to NUS to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Project and Facilities Management [BSc (PFM)].
Having taken the route less travelled, Zheng Yi saw himself progressing step by step – he achieved the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Merit Award in 2015, in recognition of his academic achievements and involvement in polytechnic events and activities. That gave him confidence and pushed him to go further on his academic pursuit. On his choice of a bachelor’s degree, Zheng Yi explains: “I chose to read the BSc (PFM) degree at NUS, as it covers a wide spectrum of the Built Environment, a sector that is vibrant with exciting career opportunities.”
Flexible, applicable learning
“What I really like about the BSc (PFM) is the flexibility to be able to choose modules from different baskets. So, I selected the modules I was interested in. This allowed me to deepen my knowledge of the Built Environment, thanks to the Quantity Surveying and Project Management Law modules I had signed up for,” says Zheng Yi.
He shared that several of his lecturers were very motivational; they did not just teach, but had also guided him along. Says Zheng Yi, “Dr Stephen Tay makes learning interesting. He encourages us to ask questions when we have doubts. Such encouragement helps me to understand concepts more easily. Another lecturer A/Prof Gabriel Kor is like a ‘big brother’ to many of us. He checks in on us and links us up with opportunities he deems fit.”
During the final year of his studies, Zheng Yi got the opportunity to intern at JTC Corporation’s Facilities & Estate Division. There, he was able to put knowledge to good practice. Benefitting from applied learning, he explains: “I assisted the team in combating encroachment offences within the industrial estate. Leveraging technology, I developed a sensor using Arduino software and basic electronic components that can alert the recipients when an encroachment is detected. The trial and pilot study broadened my knowledge in electronics, programming and the challenges that came along with the adoption of technology in actual work environment.”
Zheng Yi feels that he can look forward to better career prospects when he joins the working world, armed with his BSc (PFM) degree.