Going for the Gold
Recipients of The Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal (For the Most Outstanding Graduating Student) tell SITizen Buzz about how they have progressed since graduating and receiving top honours
Every year since 2017, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal (For the Most Outstanding Graduating Student) has been conferred on one student from the graduating cohort who has not only achieved outstanding academic results in their chosen field of study, but has also demonstrated leadership qualities, and has made significant contributions beyond academic studies. The award, which comes with a $20,000 cash prize, has been made possible with a gift from The Ngee Ann Kongsi.
Here from the recipients themselves as they share more about their journey after SIT:
Chong Jun Hao
BEng (Hons) Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building Services) (Class of 2020)
“I was overwhelmed when I heard that I received The Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal. It really is the perfect way to graduate after working so hard for the past three years. I’m now a Mechanical Engineer and also doing my part-time Masters’ Degree in Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Building) Services at SIT. I’m ambitious and I aim to start my own business in the construction field and digitise the construction industry.”
Wang Junfeng
B Accountancy (Hons) (Class of 2019)
“Words can’t truly describe my excitement and happiness when I learnt that I received The Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal – it is the highest achievement that I have ever received. I have been working at EY specialising in Audit since I graduated from SIT. If I could share with someone who is just starting university, I would say: ‘Treasure your time in school and make good use of it. Enjoy school while you still can and get yourself ready for the tough challenges ahead. ”
Sabrina Tan Chen Yin
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Class of 2018)
“I was very excited and thankful to be recognised as the most outstanding graduating student in my cohort and am hoping to use the prize to further my studies in the healthcare sector. I currently work in the Acute and Emergency Department in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. The two years I spent in SIT have nurtured me to become a better nurse and advocate for my patients academically, and also taught me to be more outspoken in voicing out my ideas to initiate quality improvement projects in my workplace. I’ve gained more confidence when asked to take up certain leadership roles at work too. Apart from my work, I am also spending my days off by volunteering with the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) and cultivating my personal interest in pottery.”
Lee Jiyou
BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering (Class of 2017)
“After graduating, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Cranfield University, and the prize money from The Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal helped support my expenses for my Master’s Degree overseas. I have been serving as an Engineer in the Republic of Singapore Airforce after that. What I miss about being in SIT is the many opportunities I had as a student leader which enabled me to serve the community beyond the confines of the campus and to impact society. As Vice President of the Community Service Club, I helped organise events including those where we befriended the elderly.”