My name is Yaqi Chen, and I am a PhD candidate at the School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University. From February 2024 to February 2025, I was a visiting student at the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). This experience has greatly enriched my academic perspective, allowing me to gain valuable insights.
I came to IPUR due to its strong alignment with my research interests, AI healthcare services and consumer psychology. As Asia’s leading research institute in public risk perception and communication, IPUR collaborates extensively with government, industry, and academia. With rich datasets in fields such as health, environment, and emerging technologies, IPUR provides an excellent foundation for conducting meaningful research and expanding scholarly horizons.
During my time at IPUR, I had the opportunity to present my research to scholars and interns from around the world, receive their useful feedback, and learn from their experiences. I also participated in risk case study discussions and joined the development of a Chinese risk website, assisting with English translation. These rewarding experiences helped refine my research and broadened my analytical perspective.
IPUR regularly organises workshops on critical topics, including the risks and solutions for diabetes, achieving Net Zero in Singapore and reducing carbon emissions through dietary choices. These activities deepened my understanding of risk perception and underscored the importance of effective communication. Inspired by my IPUR colleagues, I developed a strong interest in adopting carbon reduction practices and other healthy behaviours in daily life.
My supervisor, Prof Leonard Lee, IPUR Director, provided me with multiple learning opportunities. He played a crucial role in advancing my research project by sharing academic resources whenever needed, from key literature to cutting-edge methodologies. Prof Lee was always generous with his time, offering insightful feedback that improved my ideas. His mentorship went beyond the academic realm—he shared valuable experiences and stories from his own research career, giving me a deeper appreciation of what it means to be a dedicated and thoughtful scholar.
In addition, the NUS hosts numerous conferences and lectures on artificial intelligence, health, and communication. Attending these events greatly enriched my academic experience and provided me with fresh insights into my field of study. I also attended courses at NUS business school, where I learned about behavioural experimental methods and consumer psychology theories.
Engaging in discussions with distinguished researchers has sparked many intriguing research ideas. While at IPUR, I conducted a research project on AI doctors, which deepened my expertise in AI-driven healthcare services. The invaluable support from the institute’s researchers has been instrumental in advancing my academic journey.
My time at IPUR was not only academically enriching but also personally fulfilling. My colleagues were incredibly kind and welcoming. Lunchtimes were especially enjoyable, we would gather together, sharing meals, experiences, and laughter. Everyone was so passionate about life, willing to exchange ideas, which made my experience all the more rewarding. I have gained a deeper understanding of Singaporean culture and this visiting experience has become a precious memory and a lasting source of inspiration for me.
