Dogged determination
Joshua Wong
Jan 15, 2019
Every now and then, you meet someone who is utterly focused in life, like Ms Kiran Kaur.
Her interest in biomedical sciences and their impact on people’s well-being put her on a trajectory in which she has single-mindedly ticked off the skills she needs to achieve her ultimate goal: Research on brain cancer therapy.
After getting her bachelor’s degree, she obtained a Master of Business Administration so that when she heads her own research lab one day, she will understand not only the scientific but also the business aspects of running it.
Currently working on her PhD in neuroscience at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, Ms Kaur hopes to open her own lab by next year.
And she is only 25.
Her drive to succeed got a kickstart when she joined Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) in 2011 to pursue a Foundation Certificate in Biomedical Sciences after completing her O levels.
She says: “A physician can treat a patient, but a scientist can treat a population. So, to make a positive contribution to the scientific arena and to also work towards cures for ailments, I chose to study biomedical sciences.”
She was drawn to MDIS for its vibrant campus, modern facilities and good location. More importantly, it had the right credentials: It is certified by EduTrust, a certification scheme offered by the Committee for Private Education (an agency under SkillsFuture Singapore).
After her Foundational Certificate, Ms Kaur obtained a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Biomedical Sciences in 2015, and then enrolled for an MDIS MBA programme to hone her business acumen, completing her degree in 2017.
“MDIS made me an independent researcher. I learnt how to source for information, obtain data and discuss my findings with my lecturers to strengthen my knowledge,” she says.
Ms Kaur earned a first-class honours degree, and was personally commended by an external examiner on the confidence and knowledge she exhibited in her viva voce (oral interview). She also topped her cohort for the Applied Business Project during her master’s programme.
She is swift to recommend MDIS to others, saying: “If you want quality education with friendly lecturers who are passionate about your success as a student, MDIS is the ideal choice. The courses not only give you subject knowledge to succeed in your field, but also equip you with life skills.
“My lecturers were encouraging, and their constant support was a morale booster, inspiring me to keep working towards my goals.”
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MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE OF SINGAPORE
MDIS Campus: 501 Stirling Road, Singapore 148951
MDIS Dhoby Ghaut: 20 Orchard Road, Singapore 238830
Tel: 6247-9111
E-mail: etc@mdis.edu.sg
Website: www.mdis.edu.sg
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Jan 15, 2019.
