Journey through NIE
Studying abroad has long been considered a life-changing experience, especially for students from Southeast Asia, where opportunities to explore advanced research fields are expanding but remain competitive. For Malaysian scholar and research analyst, Ms Wong Sook Wei, choosing to study in Singapore at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NIE NTU, Singapore), was both a strategic decision and an adventure into the unknown—a step that opened doors to her professional and personal growth in unexpected ways.
Why Singapore?
For many students in Brunei and across Southeast Asia, Singapore represents a beacon of opportunity: a place with world-class education, cutting-edge research, and proximity to home. “I had already completed my bachelor’s degree in Singapore,” shares Ms Wong. “I felt comfortable with the lifestyle and environment.” For her, Singapore’s familiarity was complemented by the logistical ease of staying put during the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept borders closed and travel limited. Yet, even without these circumstances, the decision would have been clear. Singapore’s renowned education system and NIE’s research-driven culture held strong appeal.
In Brunei, education is greatly valued, with students often encouraged to pursue higher studies abroad. With growing interest in fields like education and academia, Singapore’s NIE is an appealing choice for Bruneian students looking to advance their academic pursuits without venturing too far from home. For Ms Wong, Singapore was the perfect balance—close enough for comfort and prestigious enough to support her budding academic ambitions.
The Path to Research: From History Enthusiast to Research Analyst
Coming from a history background, Ms Wong was not originally trained in education studies, but her curiosity and adaptability led her to pursue a Master of Arts (MA) by research at NIE. This was not a predictable journey but rather a series of decisions influenced by the job market and her passion for research. “I started my MA straight after finishing my BA. It was a natural progression, given my love for independent research,” she reflects. Little did she know that her time at NIE would prepare her for her current role as a research analyst at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
A Supportive Community for Unconventional Thinkers
Studying at NIE, Ms Wong found herself in an environment that was both challenging and immensely supportive. “As someone with a background in history, I was prepared for a steep learning curve,” she recalls. However, NIE’s inclusive atmosphere, where professors and peers valued diverse perspectives, provided her with the encouragement she needed. “I have nothing but gratitude for how NIE gave me a space to hone my academic interests and independent thought.”
One of the highlights of her journey was her relationship with her supervisor, Associate Professor Kevin Blackburn. Dr Blackburn’s mentorship played a pivotal role in her academic development. “His patience and guidance helped me develop my arguments and ideas,” she says. Through his support, she navigated challenging phases of her research, which ultimately led her to author a journal article—an achievement that had once seemed beyond reach.
Life Beyond Research: Building Lifelong Connections
Though her MA programme was rigorous, Ms Wong found joy and balance in NIE’s warm and vibrant student community. In a world where postgraduate research can be isolating, she was able to build a supportive network through co-curricular activities and student events. “One of my lecturers warned me that research could be lonely, and he was right. But I was lucky—I had friends to laugh, whine, and experience everything in between with,” she recalls fondly.
This sense of belonging extended beyond Singapore’s borders; many of her close friends were international students, representing diverse countries, including Indonesia, New Zealand, and China. Even now, with most of her friends having graduated, they remain connected, proving that NIE offers not only academic rigour but also lasting friendships across continents.
The Impact of NIE’s MA Programme on Her Career
As a research analyst, Ms Wong relies heavily on the skills she cultivated during her MA by research. The programme’s emphasis on independent study and publication work aligns well with her role, where she is often responsible for producing academic papers. “The MA by research at NIE prepared me very well for my job,” she says. Through the programme, she acquired both the technical expertise and the confidence to tackle challenging research projects.
Advice to Future NIE Students
For anyone from Brunei or neighboring countries considering a research-focused graduate programme at NIE, Ms Wong offers practical advice: “If you find a suitable supervisor whose research topic and work ethic matches yours, go for it!” She emphasises the importance of a strong mentor-student relationship, noting that a supportive supervisor can make the difference between struggling through a programme and truly thriving in it.
For students in Brunei who aspire to broaden their horizons and pursue a future in academia or research, NIE’s offerings are compelling. In a world where international qualifications are increasingly valued, Singapore’s NIE stands out as an ideal destination for students who want an enriching academic experience close to home, with rigorous training and abundant networking opportunities.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
Reflecting on her time at NIE, Ms Wong feels nothing but gratitude. The institution offered her a platform to grow as an independent researcher, a chance to meet remarkable individuals, and the guidance she needed to start her professional journey on the right foot. Her path may have been paved with challenges and uncertainties, but it was precisely these experiences that made her story one worth sharing.
Inspiration knows no borders. Whether you’re a student in Malaysia, Brunei, or elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Ms Wong’s journey reminds us that a fulfilling academic and professional life awaits those who are willing to take the leap. Through NIE’s welcoming, high-calibre environment, students are not only able to pursue their dreams but are also equipped to make a meaningful impact wherever they go.
NIE is currently accepting applications for Graduate Programmes by Coursework until 6 January 2025, and Graduate Programmes by Research until 31 January 2025. Scholarships are available. Apply today https://ntu.sg/nieGradProgIntake and join in the journey to bring education to life!
The National Institute of Education (NIE) is an autonomous institute under the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. It has been consistently ranked among the world’s top ten education institutions and Asia’s top three education institutions by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking by subjects.
