Exploring unique educational journeys that lead beyond Singapore’s borders.
Singaporeans pursuing highly specialized fields often find themselves venturing far from home. This is the case for Tammy Low, 21, and Matthew Yang, 31, who left Singapore to pursue studies in respiratory therapy and film preservation, respectively—fields not yet prominent or widely available in their home country.
Tammy, a fresh graduate from Temasek Polytechnic, dreamed of a career in healthcare. Initially set on pharmaceutical sciences, she discovered during her studies that she craved deeper, more personal interactions with patients. Her turning point came during a job shadowing opportunity at a public hospital, where she observed respiratory therapists working alongside nurses and doctors to guide patients through recovery. This experience solidified her interest in the field, leading her to Ohio State University to study respiratory therapy, a degree not offered in Singapore.
Meanwhile, Matthew’s passion lies in preserving Southeast Asia’s film heritage. Having worked as an archivist at the Asian Film Archive, he saw firsthand the importance of safeguarding moving images that tell a nation’s story. However, recognizing gaps in his knowledge, Matthew enrolled in New York University’s Moving Image Archiving and Preservation program. He is set to graduate in May 2024, hoping to elevate Singapore’s relatively nascent film preservation scene upon his return.
Both Tammy and Matthew share a commitment to contributing to their communities through unique skill sets developed abroad. Whether through ensuring better patient care or preserving cultural heritage, their stories highlight the lengths Singaporeans will go to make a difference in specialized fields unavailable at home.
