Page 47 - Scholarship Guide Feb 2019

KELVIN CHEN 45

What sparked your interest in applying for
the AVA Undergraduate Scholarship?
Ever since secondary school, I have been very pas-
sionate in biology, as I saw the usefulness and ap-
plicability to our daily lives, especially when it comes
to our daily diet. Eventually, as I learned more about
biology, I was able to appreciate other aspects of
food, beyond just how nutrition and diet can affect
our health. For example, I was intrigued by how micro-
biological factors can be beneficial to human health
and be used to produce certain food products, but,
at the same time, it can also cause food spoilage
and even be detrimental to the human health. This
sparked my interest in food science and made me
determined to pursue a degree in biological sciences
and a second major in food sciences with Nanyang
Technological University.
In terms of career, I always knew that I wanted a
meaningful and fulfilling role, as I personally believe
this will keep me motivated and passionate in the
long-term. I was very sure that I wanted to pursue a
career with Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) as
it meant that I could utilise my knowledge in biology
and food sciences, both of which I am extremely pas-
sionate about. Secondly, the nature of work in AVA
is more application-based and less repetitive as the
needs of the food industry are ever-changing. Person- Share with us your internship
ally, I find this nature of work more captivating as it experience with AVA.
constantly challenges me to deal with various prob- I participated in two internships with AVA, which ex-
lems, and to apply my knowledge in different scenari- posed me to a multitude of roles performed by AVA,
os to address challenges. from conducting food inspections to carrying out lab
Lastly, I believe that a career with AVA will be very tests. During my first internship stint, I had the oppor-
fulfilling as I can use my knowledge to help protect tunity to observe the work done by AVA’s laboratories,
consumers and contribute towards ensuring that eve- which included investigating alleged adulterated food
ry Singaporean will have a steady and stable supply of and detecting contaminants in food. Under the guid-
food for many generations to come. ance of AVA scientists, I was able to hone my labo-
ratory testing skills and see in action how specialist
and reference services are provided to ensure Singa-
pore’s food safety. In addition, the internship experi-
ence has also allowed me to better appreciate the
scientific concepts taught at university and behind
the tests conducted in the laboratories.

“The nature of work What do you look forward to in your career with
AVA? What are your hopes for the future?
in AVA is more I am motivated to contribute and make a difference
in safeguarding public health, and devise innova-
application-based tive solutions to enhance Singapore’s food security,
ensuring that we have not only sufficient, but also
and less repetitive quality food.
Through my career with AVA, I look forward to
as the needs of the gaining greater insights and a global perspective
food industry are ever- of the food industry. I look forward to learning other
countries’ best practices and to devise our own in-
changing. Personally, novative solutions to tackle food security challenges
I find this nature of work unique to Singapore. Chen Yizhan, Kelvin
more captivating as it What advice do you have for those AVA Undergraduate
Scholarship
considering a scholarship with AVA?
constantly challenges I believe that the key factor when considering a schol- Age: 23
arship is that the mission of the organisation should
me to deal with various resonate with the individual’s sense of fulfilment. If Now:
problems, and to apply you find purpose in serving the general public and B.Sc in Biological Sciences
with 2nd major in Food
have a passion in tackling food-related challenges,
my knowledge in do not hesitate to apply for the AVA scholarship. Most Science and Technology,
Nanyang Technological
importantly, do not let the thought of interviews faze
different scenarios to you or hold you back. It will seem less daunting if University, Singapore
address challenges.” you enter the interview room with a “never lose, only From:
learn” attitude and try your best! Good luck!
Anderson Junior College