When I first joined the Biomedical Science programme at IMU, I never expected that my journey would lead to receiving the Datuk Dr Arumugam Tharmaratnam Excellence in Biomedical Research Award. I began my degree simply with interest in science and curiosity about how the human body works. Over the years, that curiosity slowly grew into a passion for research.

My first real exposure to research came during my final-year project, under the supervision of Prof Dr Chye Soi Moi, A/Prof Dr Koh Rhun Yian, and Dr Ng Pei Ying. It was during this project that I truly learned what research involves, including planning, analysing data, handling challenges, and learning from mistakes. It was a demanding process, but I enjoyed the experience of discovery and problem-solving.

Presenting my project at the 34th Intervarsity Biomedical Science Symposium and receiving the Top Oral Presenter Award gave me a sense of accomplishment and strengthened my interest in pursuing research further.

During my Phase 1 internship, I worked in a diagnostic laboratory, where I gained hands-on experience in clinical work. While it was a valuable learning experience, I realised that my passion was more aligned with biomedical research. For Phase 2, I decided to pursue a research internship for my industry placement, which allowed me to further develop my technical and analytical skills. Around that time, I attended an IMU alumni sharing session and learned about the Taiwan International Internship Program (TIIP) at Academia Sinica. Encouraged by my friends and family, I decided to apply, and that decision marked a turning point in my journey.

At Academia Sinica, I joined my supervisor’s lab, which focuses on imaging studies, including areas that were completely new to me. I had never worked with imaging techniques or MRI before, so it took me quite some time to understand the concepts and methodologies involved. There were moments of confusion and frustration, but with the support and patience of my supervisor and lab mates, I gradually learned to apply imaging approaches to study biological systems. It was a steep learning curve, but it became one of the most rewarding parts of my experience.

After completing the internship, my supervisor offered me a direct PhD position at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, which was an incredible milestone. It was something I had never imagined achieving when I first began my degree, and it reflected how much I had grown through the opportunities IMU University and Academia Sinica had given me.

Beyond academics, I was also actively involved in campus life, serving as President of the IMU Society of Biomedical Science and Vice President of the Hua Xia Chinese Cultural Society. Those experiences taught me leadership, teamwork, and how to manage responsibilities while still focusing on my studies.

Receiving the Datuk Dr Arumugam Tharmaratnam Excellence in Biomedical Research Award was a truly humbling experience. I never expected to be recognised in this way, and I see it not just as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of the support and guidance I’ve received throughout my journey. Every challenge, including failed experiments and learning new research techniques, taught me something important, and I am grateful for the people who encouraged me to keep going.

Looking back, I am truly grateful for every experience, including the challenges, the small wins, and the people who guided me along the way. Receiving this award reminded me that every small effort adds up, and that persistence and passion really do make a difference. Most importantly, this award reminded me to stay humble and keep learning. I am incredibly thankful to my lecturers, mentors, and friends who have been part of this journey.

Written by Sia Wei Tong