What connects a renewable energy pioneer, a semiconductor innovator, and a battery technology trailblazer? A shared belief that materials can transform the world — and a journey that begins at the National University of Singapore.
Tobias Haposan from Indonesia dreams of powering a greener future, crafting sustainable energy solutions that could redefine how we live. Sabrina Shen from Taiwan, now shaping cutting-edge technology at TSMC, turned her fascination with materials into breakthroughs in the semiconductor industry. Sang Heon Lee from South Korea has a vision that is no less ambitious: contributing to advancements in battery technology and promoting sustainability in energy systems.
Their aspirations are as bold as they are unique, and NUS’s MSc in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) programme gives them the tools to make those dreams a reality. It equips students with the skills, knowledge, and exposure required to drive groundbreaking advancements across industries — think of everything from developing fast-charging, long-lasting batteries for electric vehicles to designing next-generation quantum computers and converting air, sunlight, and water into renewable fuels.
Since complex tasks require interdisciplinary solutions, the programme blends basic sciences with applied engineering. It fuses core subjects such as condensed matter physics, thermodynamics, and nanotechnology with advanced modules that explore cutting-edge topics like two-dimensional materials, quantum materials, machine learning, biomaterials, and van der Waals heterostructures.
“From my experience, NUS is well-positioned to provide students with significant career opportunities, both within Singapore and internationally,” says Shen. Source: National University of Singapore
The curriculum takes breadth to another level by allowing students to specialise in cutting-edge fields such as Advanced Materials for Energy and Sustainability (AME) or Artificial Intelligence for Functional Materials, depending on their cohort and interests.
Even if certain niche pathways aren’t available, students remain in charge of how much or little exposure they receive to specific topics — this flexibility fuelled Shen’s career success. “I found there were many modules related to semiconductors, batteries (energy storage), and sustainable materials,” she says.
“I participated in the offline interview held by TSMC at NUS, and luckily, thanks to the knowledge delivered through the lectures about semiconductors, I got a fantastic offer. Those courses also provided a great foundation to be a process engineer in the semiconductor industry.”
For Lee, a highlight so far has been the Energy Storage and Conversion for Sustainable Energy Storage Devices course, which has expanded his knowledge of lithium-ion and next-generation battery technologies. “It aligns perfectly with my career aspirations in the energy sector,” he says. “It also helps that the faculty members and professors at NUS have been supportive in helping me achieve my academic and professional goals.”
Professor Konstantin Sergeevich Novoselov is one of the many experts here who is ready to impart invaluable knowledge. His groundbreaking work with graphene has reshaped the landscape of materials science, earning him a Nobel Prize and igniting a global interest in two-dimensional (2D) materials. But his journey has evolved far beyond graphene. Today, as the director of the Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials at NUS, his research has expanded into sustainability, artificial intelligence, and self-healing materials — all of which are integral to the future of materials science.
The College of Design and Engineering is filled with facilities that help students put knowledge into practice. Source: National University of Singapore
To MSc in Materials Science and Engineering students, Professor Novoselov’s studies are opportunities to be part of something transformative. “They work alongside accomplished researchers in fields ranging from quantum transport in 2D materials to functional nanostructures, from the application of AI for materials design to the synthesis of novel, out-of-equilibrium materials,” he explains.
“This hands-on experience allows them to witness the journey from theoretical knowledge to experimental implementation, gaining not only technical skills but also a deeper understanding of the innovation process.”
This is achieved in NUS’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, where students can work on world-class projects using the latest tools in materials analysis and nanofabrication. Spaces like the Applied Materials-NUS Advanced Materials Corporate Lab, NUS T11 Shared Facilities, the Centre for Advanced 2D Materials, the Singapore Synchrotron Light Source, and the CBIS Cryoelectron Microscope Facility allow students to explore complex material behaviours at the atomic scale.
As materials science continues to advance, so too does this array of resources. Even the MSc in Materials Science and Engineering itself undergoes frequent revamping. “We are committed to keeping the curriculum dynamic and responsive to new discoveries and technological advancements,” says Professor Novoselov. “We actively collaborate with industry partners to ensure that students are trained in the latest methods and tools.”
This emphasis on relevance ensures students are in demand as graduates. From R&D positions in semiconductors, energy, and biotechnology to roles as materials scientists, product development engineers, and process engineers, they bring advanced expertise to fields where cutting-edge materials are essential. Their skills also extend to quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and research innovation.
Student Haposan is confident about the future, thanks to comprehensive support from the Centre for Future-ready Graduates. It offers access to TalentConnect, a dedicated job board featuring postings from various companies, and hosts job fairs frequently at the engineering building. “It even provides almost weekly updates of job openings in a well-summarised email,” he shares. “NUS is definitely committed to making sure their students can thrive after graduation.”
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