Student Interview

Interview with JONATHAN LOH XIN ZHENG Recent graduate Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering Nanyang Polytechnic

Tell us more about Mechatronics Engineering? How is it relevant to our daily life?

To put it simply, Mechatronics Engineering is a combination of Mechanical and Electronics Engineering.

In fact, if you look around you, you will find that many modern devices contain both electronics and mechanical parts. Computer devices such as hard disk drives & printers, and consumer electronics goods such as DVD players and treadmills are just some examples of Mechatronics in action.

Why do you choose Mechatronics Engineering?

Robots! When I visited the Open House in NYP, I was immediately attracted to this course as it allows me to realise my childhood dream of creating robots.

Robots fascinate me. Perhaps I watched too much cartoons of Transformers and Gundam when I was young (laughs). I remember wondering how those robots are assembled and wish that I can try my hands on making one myself.

What was your most memorable experience during your course of study?

Definitely the WorldSkills Competition 2005. It was an honour to represent Singapore. [The WorldSkills Competition (WSC) is a biennial international competition where youths under 23 years of age from various parts of the world converge to pit their skills against one another in various categories. http://www.worldskills.com/]

I was ecstatic when my team mate and I won Gold in Mechatronics category at the WorldSkills Singapore. We went to Helsinki, Finland, to represent Singapore in the international competition and had the opportunity to benchmark our skills against international participants. We clinched 4th position and received the Medallion for Excellence.

In preparation for this competition, not only did I go through advanced training in mechatronics, I was also equipped with time and stress management skills, which are invaluable life skills that will help me even in the working world.

Sounds like you led an active campus life. Can you tell us more about your CCAs?

Yes, besides robots, Kendo is my other passion. I am actively involved in the NYP Kendo Club. Kendo is the art of Japanese fencing. I was intrigued by this sport as it is the only form of marital arts that uses equipment – a solid bamboo sword. I enjoy practising Kendo very much. Like other martial arts, it requires discipline and a dedication to training. It helps me keep fit and instils in me the value of discipline, dedication & respect for others.

Every week, I meet up with four fellow students to coach them in mathematics subjects as part of the mentorship programme of School of Engineering (SEG) Club.

Any advice for O level leavers joining the poly?

Add colour to your poly life by taking part in CCAs. Personally, I have gained a lot of intangible benefits, such as interpersonal skills & time management skills, through participation in club activities. Not forgetting - good times spent with great friends! Those memories would be what I treasure most!

Study engineering at the polytechnic