Guiding Growth: The Spirit of Academic Mentorship at CCDS
At CCDS, mentorship is not confined to the classroom. It lives in conversations after lectures, in quiet encouragement during moments of doubt, and in the simple yet powerful act of showing students that they are not walking alone.
The CCDS Academic Mentorship Programme brings this ethos to life – pairing students with faculty who offer guidance not just in coursework, but in navigating university and beyond. “It strengthens faculty–student connections and enriches students’ educational experience well beyond the classroom,” says Prof Cai Wentong, Associate Dean (Faculty).
Through these relationships, students discover that mentorship is both personal and transformative: it builds confidence, shapes resilience, and strengthens community. Across CCDS, six mentors exemplify this spirit in unique and inspiring ways.
Mr Oh Hong Lye
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
For Mr Oh, mentorship means being present; to “lend a listening ear, offer guidance, and share the joy of success.” His most treasured moments are when students reconnect after graduation: surprise visits, wedding invitations, or heartfelt thank-you notes. He describes mentorship as a bridge through the whirlwind years from JC or Poly to professional life, helping students adjust, learn, and grow.
His parting wisdom? “Be open-minded, and don’t be afraid to challenge your own convictions. Life is about the experiences, not just the end point.”
Spirit of mentorship at CCDS: We may not know everything, but we can always listen and help connect.
Prof Sourav S. Bhowmick
Prof Sourav views mentorship as “illuminating the hidden talents and untapped potential within a student.” For him, mentorship is planting seeds whose growth may not be visible for years.
He recalls a student he supported more than two decades ago who reached out recently to express how his guidance had shaped her life. “Mentorship,” he reflects, “is about planting seeds whose true growth we may only see years later.”
Spirit of mentorship at CCDS: Guiding confidence, nurturing potential.
Dr Shen Zhiqi
Dr Shen describes mentorship as “guiding, supporting, and inspiring students on their journey of growth.” He recalls a mentee who doubted her research abilities – with steady encouragement, she gained confidence, presented her work internationally, and rediscovered belief in herself. “The pride and joy on her face at that moment was unforgettable,” he says.
For him, mentorship at CCDS is “the bridge between potential and achievement” – helping students believe in their capabilities, take on challenges, and never feel alone in their journey.
Spirit of mentorship at CCDS: Exploring potential.
Dr Smitha KG
Assistant Dean, Admissions and Outreach
Dr Smitha sees mentorship as “walking alongside students – listening, encouraging, and helping them discover their own strengths.” She finds joy in watching students grow in confidence as they learn to trust themselves.
One mentee, she recalls, would visit every few months to chat about classes and decisions. “By the time he graduated, I saw his journey from self-doubt to self-belief – that’s the kind of transformation that makes mentoring so meaningful.”
Her advice to students: “Be open – share your experiences, ask for help, and celebrate small wins. Growth happens when we learn together.”
Spirit of mentorship at CCDS: Being there, sharing, and growing together.
Dr Li Fang
Dr Li describes being a mentor as “walking with students through both their successes and struggles.” To her, mentorship is about helping students find courage, clarity, and strength.
“Seeing them rise from setbacks and graduate with pride reminds me that mentorship is about touching lives, not just teaching lessons,” she says.
Her message to students is simple but powerful: “Do not fear failure – fear not learning from it.” For her, mentorship at CCDS means guiding minds, shaping character, and helping students discover the inner strength that will carry them far beyond the classroom.
Spirit of mentorship at CCDS: Guiding minds, shaping character, and building inner strength.
Dr Huang Shell Ying
For Dr Huang, mentorship often reveals the quiet power of kindness. She speaks of moments when students have shown empathy toward their peers – offering help, sharing notes, or staying back to explain a concept to a struggling classmate. “It’s in these small acts that you see the spirit of mentorship ripple through the community,” she reflects.
Her approach centres on leading by example: encouraging students to care for one another, stay curious, and cultivate the generosity to share what they know. “Mentorship is not just top-down; it’s a culture we nurture together.”
Spirit of mentorship at CCDS: Leading by example, nurturing empathy and community.
Together, their reflections reveal a shared belief: mentorship is not a duty, but a calling; a relationship built on empathy, encouragement, and trust. It is the quiet, steadfast presence that helps students navigate the fast-changing world of computing and data science; and reminds them that learning, at its best, happens through connection and care.
Have a story to share about mentorship? We’d love to hear it – email us at [email protected] and tell us about the mentors who made a difference in your CCDS journey.
