faq
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.
- What’s the facility and support in your group?
Please see facility for more details. - What’s the general working culture in your group?
Our group fosters a collegial and informal working environment. We highly encourage afternoon coffee and tea breaks, as they often spark stimulating discussions that lead to innovative ideas. Since research is a marathon, we also recommend taking up a hobby outside of science to help maintain a healthy work-life balance. - Is there a regular group meeting?
Currently our group is small, so group members have regular weekly meetings with their supervisor individually. We will have group meeting when our group becomes larger. - What are the expectations regarding working hours and vacation time?
We do not enforce a strict working schedule, but it is expected to be in the lab during regular office hours (9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays). Staff and students are not expected to work on weekends, but the lab is opened. Vacation time can typically be taken after approval from supervisor. However, if research progress is behind schedule, it may be necessary for staff or students to put in additional hours to meet project requirement. - How’s the living costs in Singapore?
Rent near NUS typically costs around S$1,500 per month for a single room. If you are willing to live further away (30-50 minutes by MRT), you may find rooms for approximately S$1,000. Meals at campus food courts, like Technoedge at NUS, range from S$5 to S$10. Dining at restaurants outside is more expensive, typically ranging from S$20 to S$50 per person. Public transportation is relatively affordable, with fares between S$1 and S$3, which is cheaper than cities like London or New York. A taxi ride from NUS to the airport using Grab costs around S$30.