As part of my job, I travelled all around Asia, participating in various cultural events such as traditional weddings in many countries, religious ceremonies, local festivals and special holidays. I have interacted with the locals, visiting the local restaurants, working place and their homes. But the more time I spent travelling in Asia, I felt that in order to really understand the various cultures, I would need to go deeper and study the politics, history and economic drives. I needed a serious academic program that would equip me with better tools for the job. After 3 semesters in the MACC program, as a part time student, I feel that my knowledge has deepen and broaden and I now understand the politics, history, economic and culture of China in particular, and of South-east Asia in general, in more fundamental and professional way. One of the biggest advantages of the MACC program is its professional faculty, each one an expert in his field who brings along to class his experience, stories and excellent instruction skills.

~  Ms Saar Cohen Shlomit, Israeli journalist living, working and studying in Singapore

Part-time Student, MACC Intake 3

Education Background: B.Arts (Behavioral Science)
Ben-Gurion University, Israel

Favourite Courses: 

CC6001 – The Making of Modern China
CC6200 - China and Southeast Asia,
CC6392 - Special Topics in Society and Culture: Critical Perspectives on Chinese Cinemas

Career Interest: Journalist (Travel and Culture)

To me, China is both an old and new friend. Old, because for one-third of my life so far, I have either lived and studied in China or made a living talking about China.  At the same time, China presents itself as a new friend to me due to the rapid modernisation of its hardware and at a greater speed, the shifting of mindsets of its citizens. Hence, when the opportunity arose for a post-graduate course on Contemporary China to be conducted in Singapore at the NTU, I could not have asked for more. Indeed, the MACC classroom is often transformed into a verbal battlefield where students from all walks of life and with varying experiences of dealing with China, would discuss passionately about contemporary Chinese issues. More pertinently, we are really in the business of anticipating the future role of China, and how its actions, its views and the softer aspects of its increasing power will affect and influence the lives of millions of people in the Asia-Pacific region. On this, the teaching faculty in MACC Programme has a done an excellent job in providing the catalyst to a deeper understanding of modern-day topics on China in an objective manner. I believe that with the very strong fundamentals taught at MACC (including a very useful immersion trip to key Chinese cities), one is not only equipped with a thorough appreciation of the politics, economics and culture of China, he is basically well-prepared for the future - a humble attitude and life-long learning about China.

~ Mr Philip Ong, in Singapore Government Service

Part-time Student,  MACC Intake 2

Education Background: B.Laws (International Relations)
Beijing University, China

Favourite Course: CC6303 - The Chinese Language and Its Global Significance

Career Interest: Diplomacy

I felt that Singapore would be an ideal location to develop my academic expertise in China-related issues, and also to familiarize myself with Singapore, and to some extent, Southeast Asia's politics and relations. Thus far, my most memorable experience at NTU was having a discussion on US-China relations with my classmates from Singapore and from mainland China.  As we put forth our ideas, I felt inspired by the knowledge that students from these three countries (US, Singapore, and China), with such diverse backgrounds and ideologies, could peacefully debate with one another and look for common ground on areas of vital importance to the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific. I believe that in the upcoming year, NTU will provide me with many invaluable experiences, both from my academic classes and from socializing with my classmates and friends."

~ Mr Daniel A. Vallone, Fulbright Scholar from the USA

Full-time Student, MACC Intake 5

Education Background: BS (East Asian Studies)
United States Military Academy at West Point, New York

Favourite Course: CC6204 - Chinese Foreign Policy

Career Interest: Foreign Area Officer, US Army