Ei Kyaing Soe at Nanyang Technological University

» When were you awarded the scholarship and how were you selected?

I got the Singapore scholarship, which is sponsored by Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, in 2006. I was the only student from Myanmar chosen out of 17 who sat the examination. The MFA press release says scholars are selected on the basis of academic merit, leadership qualities and their potential to contribute to the development of their home countries. I heard about this scholarship from the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2005.

» How is life in Singapore and what are the other students like?

Students in Singapore take their education very seriously. Singapore’s undergraduates are also involved in outside activities despite spending a lot of their time attending lectures, preparing for tutorials and studying in the library. They put much emphasis on their studies but still most of them have fun. One of the main reasons for their success is time management. We have to make some sacrifices but if we organise our time effectively then we can play hard and get the work done. There is a word that reflects the difference between our society and their society. The word is “kiasu”, which means “fear of losing”. I think this word is based on a Chinese term and it is used to describe the social attitudes of people particularly in South East Asia. It means not losing out in a highly competitive society, to the extent of parents imposing heavy study burdens on their children to make them better than other students. Here, this attitude is common and growing up with it means these students often become ambitious businesspeople with the desire to be on top in both wealth and prestige – regardless of whether the most prestigious careers match their interests or capabilities. It is very different from the society I’ve experienced in Myanmar, which emphasises happiness above all, and it took me a lot of time to adjust to the new surroundings and culture. But I believe that my studies in Singapore will widen my educational learning and goals, improve my interpersonal skills and make me a better person overall.

» How important is the English language for you?

Needless to say, a student who is going to study abroad should know English as all lectures, text books and even signs are in English. As I am also sharing a room with a foreign student, English is much very important to me and is the only language I can rely on to chat with my friends – who come from different parts of the world such as Germany, Kazakhstan, Russia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, so on. In Singapore, it is better if one can also speak Chinese since the majority of Singaporeans are Chinese. The Chinese-speaking problem is noticeable when international students go outside the university campus.

» How important is education?

Education exists in everything we do. We learn things every day through reading, talking and listening. We constantly learn as individuals and this is why education is important. It forms the basis for who we are. Furthermore, education is a catalyst for human development and it can improve individual’s quality of life. We all know that our human society is built by individual’s hands. Education makes it possible for people to be responsible and informed citizens. The more education we have, the better the chance to enhance the society as useful citizens. It is the backbone of the society.

» What are the differences in studying in Myanmar and Singapore?

To me, the basis is the same as both have the ones who give (teachers) and the ones who take (students). Again, it is needless to say that studying in a foreign university is much more challenging. I feel the moment I left to study at a foreign university was when I really ventured out of my safe community into the big wide world. The programmes at NTU are conducted on an Academic Unit System (we call the AU system), which is a hybrid of the American credit unit system and the British system.

» What advice can you give to those who want to study in Singapore?

It is important for everyone considering studying abroad to be prepared for the ups and downs that come with travelling and living away from home. At the same time, I would encourage those who are planning to study abroad not to be put off; the difficulties ahead are the experiences that make us strong, independent, well-rounded individuals. So take the chance and expand your horizon! It may be just a small step but for us it’s the beginning of a new era.

» How important is the budgeting as a student in a foreign country?

It is the most important skill to learn regardless of whether students are getting their allowance from their parents or putting themselves through school with their part-time job. If the students understand how to make a budget they will reduce the risk of overspending or debt accumulation. It is also a great way to show their parents or anyone who is funding their education that they are responsible and are firmly committed.

» What do you see are the differences between the two countries?

In Singapore, a student’s academic schedule fluctuates between tutorials, lectures, seminars, laboratories, and library. The academic system puts a lot of emphasis on independent study. Students are expected to do research and write essay-style papers even from their first year and to perform a great deal of independent study in order to achieve high marks.