Christmas evokes feelings of cheer and in tis' season to be jolly, we spoke to Lecturer & Consultant, Software Systems Practice, Dr. Liu Fan as she shares with us her happy place beyond her professional background.
1. Please tell us about your professional background
I was formerly a lecturer of the School of Informatics & IT in Temasek Polytechnic. During my four years with the organisation, I helped to develop and create teaching materials and curriculum for Diploma in Big Data Analytics provided for both full-time and part-time students. Prior to this, I was a data scientist at GovTech, handling big data analysis for the Smart Nation Platform where I developed and applied Machine Learning algorithms to analyse large amount of telecom data.
2. Could you share more about the modules/courses which you teach at NUS-ISS?
I am teaching the programming language course for Graduate Diploma in Systems Analysis. I also contribute to the teaching of NUS-ISS Stackable Certificate Programming courses in Data Science and Smart Systems & Platforms.
3. Why did you choose to teach at NUS-ISS?
NUS-ISS is a leader in both graduate education and professional development programmes and that was the attraction for me.
4. What do you enjoy most about your work?
I truly enjoy helping students develop problem solving skills. You might think that you are helping them, yet on a personal level, I am on the benefiting end. Every effort to share and guide them to connect the dots, keeps me on edge and allows me to learn continuously – simply by growing together with the students.
5. How do you keep up with the industry?
Three ways. Firstly, through attending industry seminars and talks. Secondly, by keeping in touch with my friends and ex-colleagues who are working in the industry to know the latest trend. Last but definitely not least, ceaselessly studying and sharpening my skills by attending professional training and obtaining certifications in my specific domain.
6. What are your favorite activities when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family and kids. I like to spend quality time with them, such as preparing delicious meals for them and playing with them - which parent doesn't?
A strong contender of my time outside of work, is watching movies, especially adventure and romantic films. My favourite movie is 'Roman Holiday' which stars my celebrity idol, Audrey Hepburn.
Travelling is also my happy place and the destination that has my heart thus far, is Bali, Island of the Gods. The beautiful view of evergreen rice paddy fields, glistening shorelines and magnificent mountains are etched in my mind as so did the unforgettable local food. The icing on top of the cake - wonderful people I met including my enthusiastic driver and entertaining tour guide that enlivens those memories. The reason I love travelling is that it opens my mind. By being exposed to new places, people and cultures, I constantly develop a wider view of the world.
Here is a photo of me at one of Bali's cultural and heritage site:
7. Tell us something about yourself that very few people know.
I learnt to play the guzheng or some may know it as, zither for many years. The Guzheng is a Chinese plucked string instrument and has more than 2,500-year history. My favourite song is 'High Mountains and Flowing Waters' （高山流水）. It is used to express cherished friendship in Chinese culture and was one of the most difficult songs to play! I am considering picking the guzheng back up as a hobby as my youngest child grows more independent having celebrated his third birthday recently.