Liang BoyuanNational Science Scholarship (PhD)

Motivated by his experiences at A*STAR, Boyuan decided to take a bold step for his PhD studies. He reached out to Professor Masayoshi Tomizuka, a leading expert in control theory and mechatronics, to be his supervisor. Impressed by Boyuan’s strong foundation in mathematics and his practical experience at A*STAR, Professor Tomizuka agreed.

With Dr Wu Yan’s encouragement, Boyuan applied for and was awarded the National Science Scholarship (PhD) with A*STAR. Before long, Boyuan was on a flight to join Professor Tomizuka’s lab at the University of California, Berkeley.

During the first two years, Boyuan continued to build on his strengths in algorithms and machine learning. However, he gradually realised that in robotics, “It’s actually the hardware — the design of the hardware that actually makes the last-mile breakthrough.” This insight pivoted Boyuan's focus on hardware design, as he began to see it as essential to achieving real-world impact through robotics.

As a mentor, recognising Boyuan’s potential, Professor Tomizuka remarked, “He’s at the frontline of mechatronics. Whether it could be in industrial or manufacturing, I think he can make a real impact.”

This isn’t Boyuan's first time living abroad for his studies. Prior to his PhD, Boyuan had already spent six years in Singapore for his undergraduate degree. So, when it came to settling into life in California, he had a trick up his sleeve.

"Find a good roommate," Boyuan laughs, acknowledging how much of a difference it can make. Living abroad can be lonely, but Boyuan has found that simple pleasures, like taking long drives can help him unwind and appreciate the journey.

One of Boyuan's most cherished experiences from his time abroad are the bi-weekly team meetings, where Professor Tomizuka and his students would gather and share a meal afterwards. These gatherings provided a unique opportunity to bond with peers, exchange ideas, and learn from each other's progress. But beyond academic discussions, these sessions offered a chance to hear personal stories from Professor Tomizuka, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the team.

For Boyuan, the guidance he found at A*STAR and in Professor Tomizuka's lab has been key to shaping his journey. It equipped him with the knowledge necessary for a career in robotics and introduced him to mentors like Dr Wu Yan and Professor Tomizuka, who played vital roles in his growth. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring researchers to pursue their passions, even when they lead in unexpected directions.