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SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE AWARD (SINGA) awardee

LEVERAGING AI IN HEALTHCARE TO DECODE OBESITY

SIPGA and SINGA Awardee, Researcher Yeshe Kway’s PhD focused on leveraging Artificial Intelligence to deepen his understanding of obesity and its metabolic implications. Driven by the commitment to foster advancements in clinical research and practices, he is focused on leveraging sophisticated statistical methods, including Artificial Intelligence, for image-based biomarker identification to advance diagnostic and treatment strategies. Through this endeavour, he aims to make a meaningful impact on healthcare.

He recently culminated his PhD journey by submitting his thesis, titled “Metabolic Imaging of Obesity – Advances in abdominal adipose tissue partitioning and risk stratification,” at the National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

How did you discover A*STAR and what motivated you to choose Singapore?

During my undergraduate studies in Germany, I learnt about A*STAR through a transformative 6-month internship at the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS) as part of Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA). With the support from my Professor in Germany, I gained first-hand experience within A*STAR's research environment which significantly influenced my decision to further pursue my scientific journey with A*STAR.

Having grown up in Germany with a German mother and a Singaporean father, I felt a profound desire to reconnect with my father's cultural roots. This personal aspiration alongside Singapore's renowned scientific and innovative research landscape cemented my choice to pursue my PhD in Singapore.

Would you like to share some key highlights, experiences, best moment, during your journey with A*STAR?

Throughout my journey with A*STAR, the key highlights revolve around the multifaceted support that has significantly enriched my academic experience.

The scholarship has provided invaluable opportunities to attend international and local conferences, allowing me to actively engage and connect with professionals from diverse fields and countries.

These experiences stand out as pivotal moments, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and meaningful connections.

How did the scholarship enhance your academic experience?

Beyond the collaborative and enriching academic experience, the award offered a crucial financial support that relieved me of external pressures, enabling a singular focus on my research. Altogether, the scholarship allowed me to pursue my PhD with determination and focus, ultimately contributing to my success and growth as a scholar.

Do you have any tips for students who would like to consider a PhD at A*STAR?

I highly recommend SIPGA scholarship, it provides a fantastic opportunity for initial exposure to A*STAR and Singapore for international undergraduate students. Undertaking a 6-month internship not only allows undergraduate students to explore potential labs but also facilitates interaction with potential supervisors and helps students gauge research interests. Furthermore, it allows engagement with international PhD students, enabling direct interactions with individuals who can share their experiences and insights into pursuing a PhD at A*STAR.

How do you like to spend time outside of lab?

I find solace and balance by engaging in tennis and maintaining connections with friends and family overseas. Tennis offers me a physical and mental break, allowing me to recharge and tackle problems with renewed vigour. Similarly, staying in touch with loved ones provides emotional support and a sense of grounding, essential for navigating the ups and downs of academic life. These activities are not just pastimes but helped me approach work-related challenges with a fresh perspective and increased resilience.

Meet our SINGA Awardees

Shaping a Healthier Future for Singapore and the World