Student Stories

What is your highest educational qualification and what were you doing before joining PSB Academy?

I finished my O-levels in 2020, did a certificate in information technology from SIM and was working part-time before I decided to pursue the Foundation Diploma in Life Sciences at PSB Academy. 

How did you hear about PSB Academy, and why did you choose to study here?

I first learned about PSB Academy from my cousin, who completed her Master's in biotechnology and bioinformatics at PSBA. She spoke very highly of the institution, particularly the quality of teaching and the hands-on approach in the sciences. Hearing about her positive experiences with the lecturers and how PSBA provided real-world application of what she learned deeply influenced my decision. I wanted a strong foundation in Life Sciences, and her recommendation confirmed PSBA was the right place for me to pursue my passion.

hat are your career goals for the future and why did you decide to take the course you're studying now?

My goal is to start my own skincare line or business as a chemist, or maybe even go into medical school. I’ve always known I wanted to be in this field, and that’s why I didn’t hesitate to enrol directly into the Foundation Diploma in Life Sciences programme at PSBA. 

What are some skills you've picked up from your course that you think will be useful in real life or your future job?

Some skills that I've picked up include: 

• Patience – Working through complex experiments and waiting for results has taught me to remain calm and persistent, which is crucial in any scientific field.
• Brainstorming – We often need to come up with creative solutions to challenges in the lab.
• Organised – Especially when dealing with multiple tasks or projects, I’ve learnt to stay on top of things and manage my time better.
• Analytical – From interpreting data to understanding chemical reactions, this critical thinking will be invaluable whether I’m working in a lab or managing my own skincare business in future.
• Independence – The foundation diploma in life science has pushed me to be more independent, not just in my studies but in making decisions and taking responsibility for my own learning.

Do you think studying at a private institution like PSB Academy has given you an edge or put you at a disadvantage? Can you share any experiences that made you feel that way?

Definitely an advantage as the study period is shorter and while it's tough, I'll have more time after graduation to focus on finding a job or an internship. PSBA also provides great hands-on experiences and has excellent lecturers. 

Were there any lecturers at PSB Academy who inspired you? If so, who and why?

There are a few lecturers that really helped me a lot - Dr Vismitha, Dr Renugah have been incredibly supportive.  I’m currently studying full-time but I'm balancing work too and they've been very patient with me. They really inspire me to become a better version of myself, be it in my studies or in life. Their teaching styles make chemistry and biology fun to learn, and their consultations have also helped me a lot to understand the modules better. 

What's the most unforgettable moment you've had at PSB Academy?

Making new friends from different backgrounds and forming study groups with them. We help each other out, whether it’s teaching or learning from one another!

What advice would you give to students who are about to graduate from secondary school and are considering their future career paths?

Take your time after your N or O-levels. You don’t have to rush into further studies because it might not be what you really want to do. Keep your options open, visit open houses, and research which course suits you best. If you ever feel like switching courses, don’t be afraid to do so. In the end, it’s what you want that matters. Go for it, but don’t rush the process!