Pursuing Twin Passions
School of Engineering
As a young boy, Lau Jun Wei spent time with his father watching planes. That childhood interest later became more than a mere hobby: He would spend hours poring over books and watching how-to videos about aircraft. He also has a knack for tinkering – in secondary school, he fixed up a spoilt bicycle and discovered that he had a natural ability for it too. Jun Wei graduates from the Diploma in Aeronautical & Aerospace Technology with a 3.97 GPA and the following academic awards:
- Lee Kuan Yew Award
- EON Reality Gold Medal
- EON Reality Award for Outstanding Project Work
He will be pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University.
1. How did you get hooked on planes?
I was eleven and I flew for the very first time. I just couldn’t get over how such a massive object like an airplane could take to the skies. Since then, I’ve become more and more interested in aviation.
2. What is your favourite memory of NYP?
The moment the engine started in the plane NYP had built from scratch during its unveiling ceremony. I’d lent my expertise as a student mentor to the team building our very own CH750. (We are the first poly to have built a working plane, by the way.) We worked very hard to make sure that the plane started. We were confident that it would, but you know, anything can happen, right?
So, when our principal & CEO turned on the engine to officially launch the plane (there were lots of guests from the aviation industry too!), and we heard the engine loud and clear, we all exhaled together (and really loudly, actually).
3. What is the best thing about NYP?
That would definitely be the people here – the lecturers and friends that I’ve made. I’m so thankful to the lecturers who have given me many opportunities to showcase my skills. They’ve given me so much room to grow and develop. The students here are awesome too! We take care of one another like one big NYP family and that gives me a feeling of belonging.
4. Your family went through a rough patch in your second year. How did you cope?
Yup, it was tough. We went through a patch of financial difficulty. But, I got through those days with the support of my friends. They were always optimistic and that only made me want to carry on and do my best. It’s also during this time when I realised that I could be resilient and adaptable. And that is a priceless lesson.
5. What kind of challenges did you face while in poly, and how did you overcome them?
I can be easily distracted, especially by my friends who will jio me to play video games or just hang out. So, I try to maintain a balance – all work and no play will make me a dull boy, right?
#BecauseWeCan