NTU College of Computing and Data Science

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026 and welcoming our graduates into the CCDS alumni community.

Professor Luke Ong

A Message from the Dean

Professor Luke Ong

Dean, College of Computing and Data Science

“Your connection with CCDS does not end here. You will always be part of our community.”

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Ernest Yong Shao En
Class of 2026 Valedictorian

Ernest Yong Shao En

Class of 2026

"In the age of AI, my suggestion would be to invest in people."

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Meet the Class of 2026

Every graduating class tells a different story. Some are defined by extraordinary achievements. Others by remarkable resilience. More often, they are shaped by curiosity, perseverance and a willingness to embrace opportunities.

This collection celebrates the Class of 2026 at the NTU College of Computing and Data Science. Their journeys are diverse, but they share a common thread: learning to think critically, tackle complex problems and create technology with people in mind.

No two stories are the same. Together, they reflect the kind of graduates – and alumni – the CCDS community is proud to call its own.

Some Lessons Can't Be Timetabled

Ng Yong Jian's university experience was shaped as much by the opportunities he pursued as by the classes he attended.

Building Things That Outlast You: How Bryan Atista Kiely Reimagined Student Leadership

His philosophy was simple – create something useful enough that future students would never notice who built it.

Bridging Algorithms and Action: Joanka Devi Kalynda

She spent her time at CCDS turning technical knowledge into meaningful impact – proving that the best technology starts with people

The Best Computing Happens Between Disciplines

Caleb Yung believes the most meaningful technology begins with understanding people.

Sometimes the Long Way Is the Right Way

Five rejections became the catalyst for Kavipooja Selvakumar to rebuild her confidence, skills and purpose.

The Best Learning Begins with Enjoying It

From molecular biology to robotics, Ganesh Rudra Prasadh discovered that curiosity matters more than having all the answers.

In AI's Fast Lane, Chung Zhi Xuan Never Lost Sight of the Fundamentals

Dual gold medallist Chung Zhi Xuan says the best preparation for AI is learning how to keep learning.

The Craft Behind Great Computing

From robotics to computer engineering, Dion Lim Sin Le learnt that excellence is built through patience, precision and practice.

Building Software Is the Easy Part

Mani Senthilnathan Vignesh discovered that the real challenge is not writing code – it is navigating complexity.

The Best Opportunities Are Earned Long Before They Arrive

Advika Harvande Sandeep discovered that every decision to do good work builds lasting credibility.

Finding Direction, One Decision at a Time

From uncertainty to a DSTA Gold Medal, Bettina Tee learnt that the right path reveals itself through the choices you make.

She Asked Better Questions. The Answers Changed Her Career.

Curiosity about predictive analytics led Cai Xue Er to build the technical foundations for a career in data science.

Knowing Why Makes the Hard Parts Worth It

Wang Yuanrong arrived at NTU with a clear purpose – and discovered that meaningful learning begins with knowing why you're doing it.

Great Research Starts with Bigger Questions

From neural 3D generation to embodied AI, Dr Chen Zhaoxi learnt to solve today's problems by thinking about tomorrow's world.

When the Map Doesn't Exist, You Draw One

Dr Tang Xiaoli knows that creating new knowledge demands more than curiosity – it requires the patience to keep refining ideas until they work.

Learning to Trust the Unknown

Research taught Dr Dong Junhao that progress rarely comes from having all the answers – it comes from continuing even when you don't.

The Real Test of a Good Idea

Dr Xu Shifeng believes elegant theories only become meaningful when they stand up to the test of reality.

Messages from The College Leadership

Congratulatory Messages

Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As you celebrate this milestone, the leadership of the NTU College of Computing and Data Science shares their reflections, encouragement and best wishes for the journey ahead.

 

🔗 Associate Professor Sun Aixin 🔗 Associate Professor Goh Wooi Boon 🔗 Associate Professor Chan Syin 🔗 Professor Cham Tat Jen 🔗 Associate Professor Nicholas Vun

Congratulations on reaching this important milestone. Your hard work, perseverance and dedication have brought you to this moment, and you should be proud of all that you have accomplished.

As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, remember that graduation is only the beginning of lifelong learning. Stay curious and continue building on the strong theoretical foundations you have developed here. They will enable you to adapt with confidence as technology continues to evolve.

Equally important, be willing to get your hands dirty. Learn by doing, seek guidance from colleagues and mentors, and remember that the best work is achieved through collaboration. Great teams learn from one another and grow together.

Wherever your career takes you, stay connected with CCDS. You will always be welcome back, and we hope you will share your experiences to inspire future generations of students.

Congratulations once again, and I wish you every success in the exciting journey ahead.

Associate Professor Sun Aixin

Associate Professor Sun Aixin

Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education)

Congratulations on reaching this important milestone.

Over the past few years, your professors have challenged you with questions in lectures, tutorials and examinations. As you begin the next chapter of your journey, it is now your turn to ask your own questions.

Stay curious. Ask thoughtful questions, explore new perspectives and never stop learning. Curiosity will help you navigate change, uncover opportunities and discover new possibilities throughout your career.

You may not always have the answers, but keep asking questions, stay humble, and continue growing.

Congratulations once again, and I wish you every success in the journey ahead.

Associate Professor Goh Wooi Boon

Associate Professor Goh Wooi Boon

Associate Dean (Undergraduate Teaching & Employability)

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Today is a celebration of everything you have accomplished during your time at CCDS. Beyond the knowledge and skills you have gained, you have built friendships, overcome challenges and grown into confident, resilient individuals.

As you begin this exciting new chapter, I encourage you to pursue your aspirations with courage, make a positive difference wherever you go, and continue supporting those around you.

Although you are graduating, your journey with CCDS does not end here. We look forward to welcoming you into our alumni community and staying connected as you continue to grow personally and professionally.

Congratulations once again, and we wish you every success.

Associate Professor Chan Syin

Associate Professor Chan Syin

Associate Dean (Student Affairs & Alumni Engagement)

Dear PhD Graduands,

The journey towards a PhD is unlike any other. It is no longer about passing examinations or earning grades. Research is about taking a stab at the unknown, where success is never guaranteed and the answers are rarely predictable.

Along the way, you have faced uncertainty, setbacks and moments of self-doubt. Yet you persevered. Today, you graduate not only with a doctorate, but as the world’s foremost expert on the subject of your thesis. You have expanded the boundaries of knowledge and made an original contribution to your field.

We celebrate your achievement with immense pride and every confidence that you will continue advancing research, innovation and discovery throughout your career.

Warmest congratulations.

Professor Cham Tat Jen

Professor Cham Tat Jen

Associate Dean (Graduate Studies)

Congratulations on reaching this important milestone.

As you celebrate today, remember that graduation is not the end of your learning journey – it is the beginning of a new one. Stay curious, embrace new experiences, and continue developing your knowledge and skills throughout your career.

Continuous learning keeps your mind sharp, your skills relevant and your perspectives fresh. In a rapidly changing world, your willingness to learn will remain one of your greatest strengths.

I wish you every success and fulfilment in the exciting journey ahead.

Associate Professor Nicholas Vun

Associate Professor Nicholas Vun

Associate Dean (Postgraduate Coursework)