Interviews with Students

This is perhaps an endless list to enumerate and I am certain that many of the graduates would agree with me. In the span of 3 years, I was able to learn so much; much more encouraging was the fact that I received guidance from well-known professors in the field of engineering and virology. I was able to perform research in the very best of my ability something that I was thoroughly pleased with and published numerous academic papers in well-known journals during the course of my education. In a way, I dearly miss my academic and personal life in Tokyo. But as Thomas Bayly (English Poet) said and I quote”It was a dream of perfect bliss, too beautiful to last” i.e., events in life come to an end but the memories and friendships made last forever. My experience in Tokyo, both professionally and personally has helped me in many ways now. I understand the need to be disciplined, detailed and meticulous about work. In addition, the detailed planning and execution of research work in Tokyo has been able to inspire me to do more in my professional life especially now working with WHO. The experience in Tokyo has been remarkable – something that goes down in my books as the 3 best years of my life. And much of it I owe to the professors, labmates, colleagues from the International Affairs Office of TMU, my 2 fantastic housemates (Nybin and Sibi) and many other friends who provided guidance, support and never ending help. Thank you.

Professionally, my best memories were perhaps those events surrounding the writing and defense of my thesis dissertation. In addition to learning all that I could during the 3 years, the feedback I received during the defenses were truly of high quality which had a significant impact on the overall scientific value of my research work. It was indeed very hard work, sleepless nights burning the midnight oil, reading and understanding the work I was carrying out. But one that was truly inspiring. I hope the soon to be graduates and future graduates see much value in this and pursue their research achievements in a way that inspires themselves and the people that matter to them. In addition, I also had the experience of teaching other students and members of other laboratories in Malaysia and Vietnam my research work. So in addition to learning I was able to transfer knowledge to others, which I found to be very fulfilling. Personally, there are one too many experiences that I consider memorable. I must admit that I miss Japanese food, the well-connected train networks, the beautiful places I visited such as Mount Fuji and the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku. I now live in Geneva, Switzerland which is a nice place but I cannot compare it to Tokyo.

To the current students, these 3 years will be your opportunity to progress in your professional and academic life. There will be challenges but it only makes the experience better and you will come out with your head held high. Do the best you can and learn as much as you can – you have excellent support systems in place with your professors, labmates and those at the International Affairs Office. Look at these challenges as opportunities to excel. To those who have graduated, I am sure you, like me, have profound memories of TMU and Tokyo and in whatever you have decided to do, I hope for the very best for you. To the staff of the International Affairs Office of TMU, thank you for taking the extra step each time, and every time to make our stay in Tokyo what it has been – truly remarkable. To Professor Yang, Professor Sugamata of TMU and Dr Saijo and Dr Shimojima of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, I extend my sincere most gratitude to you for the guidance and support. To the TMG, thank you for the opportunity and support in making the 3 years of my life in Tokyo, the best experience I have till date.