Tan Wei Sin
Full name: Tan Wei Sin
Nationality: Malaysian
Age: 25
Honours degree of Bachelor of Science (2014)
Bachelor of Science (Food Science and Technology) (2013)
Where are you working/studying presently?
I'm a Research & Development Executive at a Bakery Ingredient company. My major task is to develop or improve the formulation of bread and cake premixes through research and test baking. These products may be new or custom made for certain customers or market, or benchmarking against our competitors. Also, I am tasked to ensure a smooth production process by aligning the micro preparation processes in the laboratory and test bakery to the production scale in plant, which involves lots of trial runs and troubleshooting. The role also includes collaboration with other departments on projects, providing support on technical inquiries and launching of a product.
Why did you decide to study at Monash University Malaysia?
Monash is an internationally recognised university, and it offered the course of my choice. The campus is also located near my residence and the area is relatively safe.
What/who influenced your decision in choosing Monash?
Mainly it is the degree choices and modules that influenced me to choose Monash. I found it to be the right institution, considering other factors, to sharpen my knowledge in the area of study I was interested in.
Please describe your study experience at Monash University Malaysia.
The teaching staff, especially Professor Gary, and all my lab mates guided me through my research year - and that was particularly helpful with my learning and development. All the lecturers were also keen to share their knowledge and I found my peers to be helpful and kind.
Were there any obstacles faced while studying here? How did you overcome these?
Sometimes it can be difficult to fully understand the ideas and also to locate the appropriate resources for my research but my helpful peers and lecturers who were not hesitant to share their knowledge helped me overcome my difficulties. Also, with the helpfulness of the Monash online database, it is quite easy to find the journals and information that are required for my studies.
What qualities did you acquire during your studies at Monash University Malaysia that were beneficial / helpful to you in the working world?
I found myself working equally well in groups and also independently. I also developed critical thinking to challenge the status quo and this helped me a lot in tackling problems requiring creativity and innovativeness.
Do you think that having received a Monash education was beneficial to you when you first entered the working world? How?
My employers recognised Monash as an established institution and to a certain extent, it has given me a competitive edge in my interviews. The knowledge gained from studies also proved handy when I was faced with challenges in my work.
What advice would you offer to current students who wish to attain success in University?
Ask questions, don’t doubt your ability and always challenge yourself! Make use of the resources in school to gain as many skills and knowledge as you can before entering the working world (especially if you are going to work in a laboratory). It might turn out to be handy someday!
Well another advice for those who are going to take science subject is to understand specifically on 'what do you want to do when you grow up' and 'what's your interest' before signing up!