Profiles of Class of 2024 graduates

Class of 2024, Singapore

Pursuing Master of Arts (MA) at King’s College London

As a history graduate, Dinesh recognised that historical narrative is shaped in large part by the sources at this historian’s disposal. However, to realise the potential of these sources for historical inquiry required getting the material to metaphorically ‘speak’. Hence, he was thankful that through the last four years of term assignments, office hours, and Summer Research Projects, he learned how to ask better questions and unpack the material he had as best as he could.

It is this skill of asking questions that Dinesh hopes to impart to the students he will teach as a secondary school history teacher in Singapore. Before embarking on his teaching work, he is now pursuing a World History and Cultures Master of Arts (MA) programme at King’s College London, to extend his existing work on 1950s-1960s Singapore, focusing on the intersection of education and nationalism in this pivotal period. Dinesh won the Prize for Outstanding Capstone Project in History in 2024.

“I think the main benefit of Yale-NUS is the space for conversation that exists among students and faculty.  It is often in these liminal moments that the best ideas are catalysed. The building energy of an ecstatic conversation gives initial form to these ideas, preparing them for further pursuit. That kind of space incubates a pursuit of knowledge that is rooted in relationships and people. I think that Yale-NUS showed me that these two spheres of life are not mutually exclusive, inspiring me to keep up the same spirit wherever I go next.”

Class of 2024, Myanmar

Schwarzman Scholar Class of 2024/2025

Htet Myet is currently pursuing a Master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing under a Schwarzman Scholarship. As a Schwarzman Scholar, he engages with cutting-edge issues in diverse fields from geopolitics to business to technology which are reshaping the world today. During his free time, he travels across China — from historic Xi ‘An to scenic Guilin to rural Yunnan — to better understand its people and the culture.

At Yale-NUS College, Htet Myet majored in global affairs and minored in economics. He also led the Myanmar community in the wider NUS, served in the Student’s Judiciary, and conducted both academic and policy-oriented research on Myanmar and Southeast Asia.

“What I appreciate most out of my Yale-NUS education is the ability to think and the spirit to explore.  I think liberal arts education has prepared me well to see the connections and gaps between different industries, ideas, and cultures and to articulate those complex issues.  Further, numerous opportunities provided by Yale-NUS, from study abroad in Paris to summer internship in the US, have broadened my perspectives and ignited my desire to see the wider world.  That spirit, I believe, is crucial to thrive in today’s fast-changing world.”

Class of 2024, South Korea

Pursuing a PhD degree in Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University

Harry Hwang Sanghyun is pursuing a PhD degree in Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University. He is also the recipient of the Carlson Fellowship, a prestigious fellowship awarded to outstanding applicants in memory of Francis Dewey Carlson. Harry’s research interest is using structural methods to study chromatin remodelers.

During his time at Yale-NUS College, Harry developed his interest and skills in biophysics and biochemistry. Notably, he was awarded Yale College Dean’s Research Fellowship in his third year to study the DNA packaging mechanism in Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Harry won the Prize for Outstanding Capstone Project in Physical Sciences for 2024.

“I will not be the scientist I am today without my education at Yale-NUS College. The Physical Sciences major is inherently interdisciplinary in nature, where chemistry, physics, math, and even some biology intersect. This helped me understand problems from so many different angles. I am deeply grateful for all the dedicated faculty members who always challenged me to think critically, as well as fellow students, from whom I have learned so much about approaching problems.”

Class of 2024, Singapore

Associate at Economics Development Board (EDB) of Singapore

After graduating, Nicole Lim joined EDB’s Associate Programme. During her time at Yale-NUS College, Nicole was in the competitive touch rugby team, and was a dedicated Residential College Office Student Associate. She also participated in multiple internships. Her stint as a Community Building Intern at Bettr Group allowed her to spearhead outreach efforts, collaborate with social service organisations and facilitate impactful programs for marginalised communities. Separately, at her internship with EDB, Nicole specialised in healthcare and wellness strategy, mapping out economic opportunities in line with Singapore’s move towards preventive health.

“I’m immensely grateful for the transformative journey that Yale-NUS has provided me. It’s been a profound opportunity to expand my horizons, both intellectually and culturally, as I’ve engaged with diverse perspectives and ideas. The academic challenges I’ve encountered have pushed me to grow, encouraging me to think critically and creatively. Beyond the classroom, Yale-NUS College has been a nurturing environment, offering me a supportive community and a sense of belonging—a true home away from home. My college years have been nothing short of extraordinary, and I’m forever thankful for the profound impact it has had on my personal and intellectual development.”

Class of 2024, Singapore
iOS Developer at Rakuten Viki

Ning Xinran majored in Mathematical, Computational and Statistical sciences (Computer Science track), hoping to utilise engineering as a tool to create positive change. She is currently working as an iOS developer at Rakuten Viki, a streaming platform focusing on providing Asian entertainment to global audiences.

Xinran is grateful to Yale-NUS College for having been a haven for exploring new interests and pursuing unconventional paths. Outside of academics, she took a gap year to pursue a diploma in illustration, and returned to co-lead the Life Drawing Circle in her final year.

“I am forever thankful to Yale-NUS for inspiring me to reconnect with my childhood dreams and question the beliefs I had about myself. Beyond my personal journey, I am deeply moved by the culture of compassion which permeates the community. I know this legacy will live on in its alumni well beyond its closure in 2025.”