FYI
What's happening in and around NTU
by Derek Rodriguez
Scene + heard
“This makeathon has been a powerful reminder that innovation, empathy and teamwork can create a real impact, and it continues to spark my curiosity about how we can keep building solutions that improve everyday life.”
– Year 2 Electrical & Electronic Engineering student Nervin Siew (second from left), whose team won an NTU engineering competition with a smart necklace that alerts caregivers when dementia patients need help
NTU grads still in demand
NTU graduates are going places, even in a tougher job market. According to the latest graduate employment survey, nine in 10 landed jobs within six months of graduation. They’re also earning more than the previous cohort, with a mean gross monthly pay of $4,812. Across Singapore universities, NTU’s double degree grads in business and computer engineering or science topped the charts at $6,950. Career support doesn’t stop at graduation – NTU continues to back its students for a year after, with personalised coaching, curated job alerts and more.
There's a new game in town
Could spikeball be the new pickleball? Some exchange students think so. Over the past two semesters, students from Germany and Canada have been hosting casual learn-to-play sessions at NTU for the fast-growing sport, bringing together people from different countries and cultures in the process. Interested? Keep an eye out for the next session!
The critter chronicles
Photo: Celeste Tay
Spotted near Hall 8, this juvenile ant mantis disguises itself as an ant to avoid predators.
Photo: Tang Pei Wen
There were many sightings of the collared kingfisher across campus. Look out for it if you hear its distinctive laughing call.
For one week in February, 35 student volunteers spent their mornings and evenings identifying wildlife on campus, led by Nature Guiding, Earthlink NTU’s storytelling arm. Past surveys have even uncovered new species at NTU. This time, participants documented over 120 species of wildlife, while learning to use tools like the iNaturalist app, which helps identify plants and animals and contributes data for science and conservation.
In conversation with Singapore's Prime Minister
Photo: NTU Students' Union
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is also Minister for Finance, took the hot seat at this year’s Ministerial Forum, engaging students in a wide-ranging conversation on issues shaping Singapore’s future – from the impact of artificial intelligence and the cost of living to job security and our place in a changing world.
In a social media post after the event, he said the students’ “curiosity, energy and willingness to engage” gave him “confidence about our future”.
Organised annually by the NTU Students’ Union, the forum brings together Singapore’s leaders and students from tertiary institutions for candid dialogue on national issues.
That's the way the cookie crumbles
You know that “Accept all cookies” button that pops up on new websites? Don’t fall for it.
NTU communication studies students behind Clicks ‘N’ Crumbs, a safe-browsing campaign, say you should reject non-essential cookies to limit how much data is collected about you.
Here’s another tip from them: Check if your email has been part of a data breach at haveibeenpwned.com. If it has, change the passwords linked to that account.
Singapore's best MBA
The payoff is clear. You’ll level up with an MBA from NTU, home to the top MBA programme in Singapore and ranked second in Asia-Pacific in the latest Financial Times Global MBA Ranking. NTU’s MBA graduates saw their average salaries rise by 136% to nearly US$195,000 within three years of graduation.
What science says about being happy
April is Stress Awareness Month, and a timely reminder to take care of your wellbeing.
We asked Asst Prof Lisa Walsh, who researches happiness, whether there’s a scientifically backed way to stay happy.
Her answer? Lasting happiness comes from consistent habits, not quick hacks, that add meaning to your day. Stay connected with friends, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and practise mindfulness, gratitude and kindness.
“The goal is to build higher average wellbeing, faster recovery from stress, and more meaning, connection and satisfaction over time.”
Besides sticking to healthy habits, novelty matters too. “So in your bid to be happy, don’t do the same thing over and over again. Switch it up and try something new,” advises Asst Prof Walsh.
This story was published in the Mar-Apr 2026 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
