For some, enrolling in the NUS-ISS graduate programme is a career decision. For others, it becomes a shared experience that fosters growth, perspective, and stronger partnerships.
Across different cohorts, backgrounds, and life stages, three alumni couples shared what it meant to pursue lifelong learning together, and how the journey shaped their careers, built their resilience, and put their relationships to the test.
Esther & Benjamin: Growing side by side through challenge
When Esther Xie and Benjamin Yao enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in System Analysis (GDipSA), they were still in the early phase of their careers. Like many young couples, they were searching for clarity about what they wanted for their future. Esther, with a real estate degree and experience working as a property valuer, could see how much of her work could be automated, but did not know how. Benjamin, at that time, had just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and was already working in cloud infrastructure. He wanted a deeper understanding of how software systems were designed end-to-end. Choosing the full-time graduate programme was a clear commitment they decided to take together.
The months that followed were intense. Long hours of coding, steep learning curves, and tight deadlines became part of their daily life. Yet what stood out most was not the difficulty, but the small act of mutual support they had for each other. Sometimes, it was explaining concepts to each other. Other times, it was a simple reminder to each other why they embarked on the immersive programme together.
They also laughed when asked who was the more disciplined student. “Esther was definitely more consistent,” Benjamin admitted. “She took every assignment and exam very seriously and planned well ahead.” Esther, in turn, gave credit to Benjamin’s extroverted personality and people skills. “He made friends with everyone so quickly, classmates and lecturers alike. That support network helped both of us get through the programme.”
Today, Esther has successfully transitioned into product leadership, equipped with technical foundations and design thinking that allow her to work closely with engineers to build real systems. “I can now bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions,” she said.
Benjamin’s broader systems perspective enables him to understand how upstream decisions affect users and outcomes. “I think more holistically now,” he shared. “It is not just about writing code, but about designing solutions that truly work.”
What they gained was not just a career transition. Both gained the confidence to shape solutions rather than execute tasks, carrying forward not just technical skills but also a stronger sense of partnership and purpose.
Kok Hsien & Tien Li: A partnership that spans decades
For Hong Kok Hsien, enrolling in the NUS-ISS graduate programme began with a recommendation from his wife, Tan Tien Li, who was then his fiancée. While browsing the NUS-ISS website, she discovered the Master of Technology in Software Engineering (MTech SE). “I thought it would be more manageable if we went through the experience together,” he shared. “Not just in terms of logistics, but also in terms of encouragement and understanding the demands of the programme.”
Their time in the programme coincided with several major life milestones. Alongside juggling their studies, they were also managing home renovation plans and preparing for their wedding. Looking back, they joked about the experience. “It felt like we were running multiple projects at the same time,” Kok Hsien said. “All of them required serious, teeth-grinding project management.” What stands out most today is how the journey strengthened their resilience and relationship.
Both credited the programme with broadening their professional outlook. Kok Hsien recalled that his master’s degree qualification became a key advantage in his career. “Employers valued the training I received from institutions like NUS-ISS. It opened doors of opportunity for me,” he shared.
For Tien Li, the experience sparked a deeper passion for learning. After completing her MTech SE, she continued to pursue further academic qualifications. “The programme shaped how I think about growth. Learning does not stop at graduation,” she said. Together, their journey reflects a mindset of continuous development that goes beyond the classroom.
Inderpreet & Simran: Recommending growth to the one who matters most
Inderpreet Singh initially chose the NUS-ISS programme for its strong reputation, hands-on learning, and internship opportunity to gain real industry exposure. What he did not expect was how strongly he would later recommend the programme to the person closest to him, his wife. When Simran moved from India to Singapore, the NUS-ISS learning pathway felt like the right fit for her.
“I wanted to move beyond just technical skills and really understand how good software systems are designed,” Simram shared. “What stood out about the programme was the strong focus on real software engineering practices, not spoon-feeding or pure theory, and the fact that I could do this within one year without taking a long career break,” she added.
When Inderpreet was pursuing his MTech SE, Simran played a quiet but steady role in supporting him. She often stayed up late to keep him company on video calls at the same time when he was trying to adjust to life in Singapore, and the demands of the programme. Three years later, when Simran enrolled in the same programme, the roles naturally reversed. Inderpreet became the one guiding her through expectations, helping with assignments, and taking on more responsibilities at home so she could focus on learning.
Both describe their experience as transformative. Exposure to diverse peers, industry-first teaching, and hands-on projects shifted their thinking from isolated coding tasks towards higher-level architecture and problem-solving.
More than qualifications
Across the three couples, their advice to prospective students considering the graduate programme is grounded and practical. Be clear about your purpose, be ready to commit fully, and embrace the journey if you are prepared to challenge yourself. While each couple’s journey is unique, they share a common belief that the growth gained through the NUS-ISS graduate programmes extend beyond careers and continues to shape their lives.
For more information about NUS-ISS graduate programmes, click here to learn more.