Residential Life Staff
Get to know the faces behind the work! Meet our dedicated team who brings you an exceptional hostel experience.
Meet our Residential Life Staff
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Dr. Ivan LOW Cherh Chiet Master |
Ivan is a Senior Lecturer and Education Director in the Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS. He teaches medical and life sciences students and leads curriculum design for adult learning CET courses on topics related to exercise physiology and health. He is a strong proponent of contextualized and experiential learning and has received multiple Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards as well as NUS Honour roll in Teaching Excellence. In addition to his teaching commitments, Ivan is also a primary member of the Human Potential Translational Research Programme and runs a Human Performance and Applied Physiology laboratory in NUS. His main research interests lie in the area of thermoregulation and fluid balance to enhance human performance and cognition. He has a patent for an ear-based core temperature monitoring system and has multiple publications in the field of thermal physiology and brain functions. Ivan is also an avid marathoner who has qualified and competed in the prestigious Boston marathon. |
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A/Prof. Bina RAI Resident Fellow |
Dr Bina Rai is a microbiologist, bioengineer and a community-engaged educator. She is the Associate Head (FYP) and Associate Professor with the Department of Biomedical Engineering, NUS. She views herself as an educational innovator and instructional designer dedicated to bringing joy and play back into the classroom. Dr Rai actively teaches and conducts research on gamification, virtual reality simulations and serious games for education and health. Her collaborators include the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Sports Institute (SSI). As a member of Biomedical Engineering for Good (bGood), Health District @Queenstown, and Centre for Environment and Aging Well (ENgAGE), she conducts co-design workshops and guides the translation of student bespoke solutions for engaged and inclusive communities. Dr Rai has loved sports since she was a little girl and played soccer, badminton and ping pong with her family and friends. During her secondary and post-secondary years, she was a middle-distance runner, netball and soccer player. She enjoys playing games, both digital and non-digital. She embraces a "playful intelligence" mindset and hopes to instill five qualities in her students: imagination, sociability, humor, spontaneity, and wonder. |
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Mr. NG Chee Hong Resident Fellow |
Chee Hong currently oversees Outreach & Alumni Relations at the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, where he engages a diverse age group from pre-u students to senior alumni. In his previous stint as Sports Manager with Office of Student Affairs, he excels in mentoring student sports teams and university athletes, managing sports participation both locally and internationally, and organizing major sports events. He effectively built strong rapport with teams and athletes, not only leading them to achieve significant recognition at annual award ceremonies but also serve the community through outreach projects. As an NUS student, Chee Hong had a diverse student life, serving on the Management Committee of the NUS Students' Sports Club, residing at Kent Ridge Hall, and representing NUS as a varsity athlete in Dragonboat. Although he has stopped competitive paddling, he continues to maintain a healthy lifestyle by working out at the gym and running. He hopes to contribute in the residential setting as a facilitator of purposeful initiatives to forge enduring bonds and also be an effective staff advisor towards the success of student-led events and activities. |
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A/Prof KAN Min-Yen Resident Fellow |
Associate Professor Min-Yen Kan is the Vice Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the NUS School of Computing, where he plays a key role in shaping the academic experience and development of undergraduate students. A computer scientist by training, his research spans natural language processing, information retrieval, digital libraries, artificial intelligence in education, and the ethical and responsible use of technology. Throughout his career, he has been deeply committed to mentoring students and creating opportunities for them to grow academically and personally. Outside of work, Min enjoys a range of pursuits, including inline skating, rock climbing and scuba diving. He also has an eclectic interest in music, ranging from classical works by composers such as Mahler and Bach to drum and bass, trip-hop and lounge music. His diverse interests reflect his curiosity, openness to new experiences and lifelong love of learning. As a Resident Fellow of Valour House, Min oversees the House’s outreach efforts and Technical Support Unit. Through these areas of responsibility, he hopes to strengthen Valour House’s connections, support meaningful student-led initiatives, and ensure that technology effectively enables the House’s programmes and activities. Drawing on his experience in education, mentorship and technology, he seeks to foster an inclusive and supportive residential community where students can build lasting friendships, pursue their interests and grow into confident, responsible leaders. |
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Dr. Rosalind SIAH Resident Fellow |
Dr. Rosalind Siah is a Senior Lecturer at the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies (NUS Nursing), situated within the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. As Program Director (Undergraduate) for Clinical Education, her purview encompasses curriculum development and implementation, rigorous evaluation of curricular effectiveness, management of student assessments, and providing guidance on student affairs on clinical practice. Concurrently, she serves as Program Director (Post-graduate) for the Master of Community Health program, where she coordinates and advances education and expertise in this domain. Her research interests span mental well-being, functional health, caregiving for older adults, and the integration of technology in nursing practice and education. Dr. Siah's dedication to pedagogical excellence is recognized through teaching awards from the university and/or the faculty in 2018, 2023, and 2024. Beyond her academic endeavors, Dr. Siah firmly believes that cultivating a resilient mindset is paramount for navigating the complexities of life and achieving both personal and professional fulfillment. Dr. Siah engages in ontological coaching to enhance self-awareness and cultivates a holistic approach to well-being and incorporates mindfulness into her daily life, finding rejuvenation through mindful walking and exercise. |
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Ms. Swapna TECKWANI Resident Fellow |
Ms. Swapna is an Instructor with the Department of Physiology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS, and now proudly joins as a Resident Fellow at Valour House. With over a decade of experience in education, she creates highly engaging and interactive learning environments that foster experiential learning and inspire a dedication to continuous learning and personal development among medical and life science students. Rooted in inquiry-based learning, she fosters critical thinking and problem-solving among students, and her research collaborations focus on advancing soft skills development, self-regulation, mental wellness, and resilience building. A firm believer in the mind-body connection, Swapna is a dedicated yoga practitioner and advocates for the importance of physical activity in mental well-being. Her hobbies reflect her zest for life-an avid trekker, she has conquered heights up to 15,000 feet, driven by her love for nature and exploration. Swapna also delights in immersing herself in different cultures through food, travel, and novels, always seeking to broaden her perspectives. As a passionate educator and mentor, Swapna is committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive community in Valour House, where students feel supported to pursue their goals while prioritizing well-being and personal growth. |
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Ms. WONG Thai Jin Manager |
Thai Jin has over a decade of experience in emergency preparedness, life safety, and security management. Before joining Valour House, she was a Manager in Campus Emergency & Security at NUS, overseeing emergency planning and the CPR & AED Familiarisation Programme, engaging students and staff in life-saving skills. She also advised on events safety, security, and fire safety while managing office administration and procurement. Holding a Bachelor of Business (Management) from RMIT University and a Diploma in Leisure & Resort Management from Temasek Polytechnic, she combines strong organizational skills with a passion for public safety. Outside of work, she practices Muay Thai and strength training, activities that fuel her discipline, resilience, and mental fortitude. |
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Ms. Elya AZNAN GHAZALI Executive |
Elya is a member of the Residential Life Office for Valour House, where she strives to create a supportive and enriching living environment for students. Before joining NUS, she earned a Business degree from NTU, specializing in Human Resource Consulting. During her undergraduate years, she was actively involved in her hall of residence, fostering a strong sense of community and leadership. With firsthand experience as a hostelite and a passion for youth development, Elya is committed to giving back by curating meaningful residential experiences. She believes in creating a home away from home where students can grow personally and academically. An avid sports enthusiast, Elya has engaged in various athletic pursuits, including track & field, tennis, and swimming. Currently, she maintains an active lifestyle through cheerleading, dance, and strength training at the gym. She finds joy in movement and competition, using sports to challenge herself and build resilience. |









