QUANTUM NEWS
A Quantum Leap: Simon Yung's Transformative Internship Experience at A*STAR, Q.InC
02 Jan 2024
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"Immersing myself in the heart of quantum mechanics research at A*STAR was both an intellectually stimulating and personally enriching experience. It was a journey of growth, discovery, and learning to embrace challenges. The confidence and knowledge I gained during my time at A*STAR will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for my future endeavors in physics," says Simon Yung.
Simon Yung, who completed a bachelor's degree with Honours in Physics from the Australian National University (ANU) in December 2023, shares his unique internship experience at A*STAR Quantum Innovation Centre (Q.InC). For three months, from July to October 2023, Simon was fully immersed in an enriching and challenging environment that complemented his academic journey.
At ANU, Simon was recognised for his academic excellence and awarded the University Medal, a prestigious honour bestowed upon a limited number of students each year. This recognition is particularly for those who showcased exceptional brilliance in their honours thesis. Simon fondly mentions this achievement as a testament to his dedication, the support he received from both ANU and A*STAR, and his supportive family and friends.
Simon applied for the Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA) in 2023, an international award given by A*STAR, that allows international students the unique opportunity to experience the vibrant scientific environment and work with world-renowned researchers at A*STAR’s Research Entities.
During his internship at Q.InC, Simon worked on a fascinating project revolving around the theoretical limits of measuring multiple quantities in a quantum system. In the realm of quantum mechanics, the uncertainty principle imposes a precision trade-off for simultaneously estimating multiple parameters. Simon's research focused on investigating and comparing these theoretical limits, offering intriguing insights into the precision of multi-parameter estimation.
The internship at A*STAR was more than just an academic venture for Simon. It was an opportunity to explore a new country and culture, and to become part of a different research environment. This experience gave him a preview of possible post-study paths and proved instrumental in his overall development. However, the journey was not without its challenges. Moving to a new country, away from his close-knit circle, was a daunting experience. Yet, the supportive and welcoming atmosphere within the research group at A*STAR, made him feel at home, easing his transition and enabling him to tackle his project effectively.
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