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In a rapidly evolving world where data drives innovation and shapes industries, the intersection of technology and healthcare has become one of the most impactful fields of the 21st century. For professionals like Isabel Tan, this convergence presents an irresistible opportunity to apply her engineering skills to something far more personal and profound — improving human health.

Discovering a Passion for Data-Driven Insights

Isabel’s journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, where she developed strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. After completing her degree, she applied these skills in the field of engineering, focusing on industrial digitalisation initiatives. Over the years, Isabel worked at prominent multinational companies, where she was involved in projects that leveraged data to optimise industrial processes.

Through her work in these industrial digitalisation initiatives, Isabel’s appreciation for data-driven approaches grew, and she became increasingly motivated to deepen her expertise in this area. This drive eventually led her to pursue the National University of Singapore (NUS) Master of Science (MSc) (Biomedical Informatics) programme, marking a significant shift in her career towards the complex and impactful world of healthcare informatics.

The Decision to Pursue Biomedical Informatics

Why biomedical informatics though? In Isabel’s case, it was her aspiration to apply her skills in a field that directly — and positively — impacts human lives.

“The NUS MSc (Biomedical Informatics) programme appealed to me as it provides an exciting opportunity to further hone my analytical and technical capabilities, and apply them within the healthcare and life sciences domains,” Isabel explained. “These are areas I find deeply meaningful and impactful.”

Navigating a Master’s Programme while Working Full-Time

Enrolling in the MSc (Biomedical Informatics) programme was a pivotal moment for Isabel. Although full-time learners are given up to two years to complete the degree, while part-time learners can take between two to four years to finish their studies, Isabel completed both semesters over a single year — a testament to her commitment to advancing her expertise, and a showcase of her employer’s support for her professional development.

“My company's support for my professional development has been valuable, deepening my expertise and demonstrating their commitment to developing talent within the organisation,” she told us. “They allowed me to pursue a postgraduate degree full-time, while also working for them full-time. This flexibility has been crucial, enabling me to expand my knowledge and skills, without having to choose between work and further education.”

Among the courses she took, two stood out to Isabel — “Clinical Decision Support Systems” (CDSS), and “Implementing Public Health Programmes and Policies”. “Both courses helped me to develop tangible improvements and skills,” she noted.

“The Clinical Decision Support Systems course provided valuable insights into leveraging technology to optimise workflows and enhance outcomes,” she explained. “Meanwhile, the public health implementation course went beyond just policy goals, exploring the nuanced challenges of translating visions into sustainable, impactful initiatives.”

Isabel’s experience at NUS was further enriched by the inspiring professors who guided her through the programme. “Assoc Prof Ngiam Kee Yuan, Asst Prof Feng Mengling, and Adj Asst Prof Amit Kansal are truly inspiring and memorable teachers,” she shared. “They have a genuine interest in understanding their students, and consistently engaged with us on an individual level.”

Career Growth and Personal Development

Completing the MSc (Biomedical Informatics) programme was not just an academic achievement for Isabel, it was a transformative experience that broadened her perspectives and enhanced her skillsets. Isabel shares that the programme’s interdisciplinary approach has equipped her with a unique blend of technical expertise and healthcare knowledge, positioning her for success in a field that demands both.

“The MSc (Biomedical Informatics) programme has complemented my existing engineering expertise by providing specialised domain knowledge and advanced analytical capabilities in healthcare and life sciences,” Isabel explained. “This cross-disciplinary training has broadened my perspectives, enhanced my technical toolbox, and fostered valuable interdisciplinary collaboration skills.”

Looking Ahead and Reflecting

As Isabel looks to the future, she is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. “I hope to be in a position where I can apply what I have learned to drive innovation and improvements in healthcare,” she said.

Isabel was also passionate about sharing her experience with others who may be considering a similar path at NUS. She noted: “This programme offers a great pathway for those interested in healthcare and data analytics. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students develop a diverse skillset that bridges technical and clinical domains. In addition, the hands-on experience gained by working directly with clinicians provides invaluable real-world learning opportunities.”

Ready to chart your own course in healthcare and analytics? Visit our programme page to discover what the NUS MSc (Biomedical Informatics) programme can offer you.