Jorene Lee - Ngee Ann Kongsi Most Distinguished Graduate of the Year
Offered places to study Medicine at both NUS and NTU, Lee Jie Ting (Jorene) graduates from RP with one of its highest honours — the Ngee Ann Kongsi Most Distinguished Graduate of the Year. A testament to just how far she has come, her journey at RP was about more than academic success — it was where she grew, led, and made a meaningful impact.
Inspired by her Biology teacher at Nan Hua High School, Jorene set her sights on RP's Diploma in Biomedical Science, specialising in the Medical Technology track. Beyond graduating with a perfect GPA, she also made her mark well outside the classroom.
As MAVEN IG President, she led initiatives to raise awareness of biomedical sciences and human health — from hands-on workshops like dissection sessions to outreach and service-learning projects that gave back to the community.
She also represented the school at the NTU LKCMedicine Anatomy Challenge and was invited by A*STAR to attend the Global Young Scientist Summit 2026, where she connected with researchers and explored the future of healthcare innovation.
As a Peer Supporter, Jorene went the extra mile to guide juniors through academic and personal challenges alike. Her efforts earned her the Make A Difference (M.A.D) Service-Learning Leader Award in 2025, reflecting her belief that real impact is built through small, consistent acts of care.
For her Final Year Project with A*STAR's Institute for Human Development and Potential, Jorene researched how a periconceptional nutritional intervention shaped child health outcomes, handling hundreds of samples and contributing to work with real clinical relevance.
Completing the individual FYP report was one of the most defining moments of her time at RP. "I remember how frustrated I used to feel when experiments didn't work," she shares. "But over time, that frustration turned into curiosity — I started questioning what went wrong and how to do better."
She was later invited to present her findings at the Young Scientist Symposium 2026.
Discover more about our extraordinary award winners at www.rp.edu.sg/graduation/
Throughout my time at Republic Polytechnic, particularly while pursuing the Diploma in Biomedical Science, I experienced firsthand how academic success combined with leadership and community involvement can create a truly enriching educational journey. Jorene’s story resonates deeply with me, especially her role as MAVEN IG President, where she transformed complex biomedical topics into accessible workshops such as dissection sessions. These hands-on activities not only deepened my understanding of human anatomy but also showcased the value of engaging, interactive learning. Volunteering in outreach and service-learning projects highlighted the meaningful difference we can make by connecting science with community needs. Guiding peers as a Peer Supporter, just like Jorene did, revealed to me the importance of empathy and support beyond academics. The recognition she received with the Make A Difference Service-Learning Leader Award is a testament to how consistent small acts of care can greatly impact others. One of the most transformative experiences was undertaking the Final Year Project on periconceptional nutritional interventions. Handling numerous samples and witnessing the clinical relevance of our work brought a real-world significance to our scientific pursuits. Like Jorene, I often encountered experimental setbacks; these frustrations eventually fueled my curiosity and problem-solving skills, teaching me resilience and critical thinking. Participation in events like the Global Young Scientists Summit, where Jorene connected with international researchers, underscored how staying informed about emerging healthcare innovations is crucial in our field. Presenting at symposiums further honed my ability to communicate complex scientific ideas clearly and confidently, preparing me for future medical or research careers. Overall, Jorene’s journey epitomizes how blending academic excellence with leadership, community service, and perseverance shapes a well-rounded and impactful graduate. For anyone passionate about biomedical sciences and healthcare, engaging fully with diverse opportunities at polytechnic can open doors to prestigious universities and meaningful contributions to society.
