NTU Students’ Union (NTUSU) President Darren Chin chats with Vice Provost (Student Experience) Assoc Prof Andy Khong about friendships, shared spaces and why connection matters just as much as coursework

by Lester Hio

Photo: Lester Hio

DARREN: Hi, Assoc Prof Khong, thanks for chatting with me! You’ve just become the Vice Provost for Student Experience overseeing student engagement, vibrancy and wellbeing. What does a memorable NTU student experience look like to you?

ASSOC PROF KHONG: Hi, Darren. Looking back on my student days at NTU, what I remember most are the friends I made. Of course, I also remember when I had to work very hard. But overcoming difficult times is always easier with friends by your side.

DARREN: Yes, the friends I’ve met through clubs and activities have really shaped my NTU life. When I first entered university, I thought it would just be about studying, going back to hall, and repeating the cycle.

But I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to join different clubs, like the NTU Students’ Union. Through these experiences, I grew as a person, picked up important soft skills, and became more confident interacting with others. Which also opened new doors for me.

ASSOC PROF KHONG: Exactly. An NTU experience goes beyond academics. It’s about the people you meet, the relationships you forge and how you grow along the way.

DARREN: NTU is a big campus, and not everyone feels connected right away. How can students feel a stronger sense of belonging, whether they stay in hall or commute to campus?

ASSOC PROF KHONG: NTU is a big campus, no doubt! That’s why we’ve put a lot of effort into curating spaces – like this café – where people can gather, have conversations and connect.

We also have many platforms for like-minded students to come together. For example, NTU’s schools have set up maker spaces for students to innovate and solve challenges together.

We’re exploring similar project-based spaces for students in non-science and engineering fields – like the social sciences, humanities and the arts – to gather and work on things.

Beyond physical spaces, student organisations like the students’ union or special interest groups, give students opportunities to run activities that make an impact, both within NTU and beyond.

DARREN: Building on that, how do these spaces and initiatives come together to create a campus that feels lively and full of energy?

ASSOC PROF KHONG: A vibrant campus comes from co-creation, when students like you work with your peers and the rest of the University.

Many student-run events, such as NTU Fest and orientations, focus on freshmen because that’s when students are most open to trying new things.

Success is important, but it’s a narrow definition of the university experience. Instead, we should ask: how do we add value to society and to the people around us?

– Assoc Prof Khong

DARREN: In my experience, these events create a ripple effect beyond the immediate participants. Take NTUSU’s recruitment of student ambassadors for the upcoming Open House. While the roles are paid, the sentiment we get is that students don’t sign up for the payment, but because they genuinely enjoy sharing their fond NTU experiences with prospective students.

ASSOC PROF KHONG: We want that energy to go beyond the first year. We try to create an environment where students find not just meaning, but purpose throughout their time here.

The curriculum is rigorous, so term time can feel intense. That’s why I see the vacation breaks as occasions to pause and reflect. I often ask my students to think about what they’ve learnt over the semester – whether in terms of soft skills or subject knowledge – and how they can use that to make an impact and influence the community.

Ultimately, we want to strike a balance between academic learning and having the space to pursue your interests.

DARREN: Students these days are concerned about wellbeing. Beyond formal support services, how can everyday campus life contribute to it?

ASSOC PROF KHONG: A lot of good work has already been done, especially in providing professional counselling and wellbeing workshops.

I think the next step is a ground-up approach. Life moves fast, and sometimes, it’s nice to take time to check in on someone and show you care.

DARREN: I agree. We can be more compassionate and empathetic towards one another, starting within our own circles.

ASSOC PROF KHONG: Yes, we can start small and create a positive impact that spreads.

DARREN: Finally, if there’s one thing you hope NTU students will do more of, what would it be?

ASSOC PROF KHONG: Albert Einstein once said: “Try not to become a man of success, but rather, try to become a man of value.”

Success is important, but it’s a narrow definition of the university experience. Instead, we should ask: how do we add value to society and to the people around us?

I hope every NTU student will lead or be part of an initiative that moves society forward. If something interests you, step up, start something, or join a group and make a difference.

That’s the true meaning of education – applying what you learn in the classroom to bring meaning to the community.

The upcoming Care, Serve, Learn initiative is a good start. I hope students will continue to volunteer even after completing the course.

DARREN: Thank you, Assoc Prof Khong!

This story was published in the Jan-Feb 2026 issue of HEY!.

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