SHE chose the polytechnic route after her O levels and has no regrets.

Now a researcher and part-time PhD student, Miss Lim Ai Khim recalled that she had eight points for her O levels, but decided not to go to college after spending her first three months at one.

She said: 'I didn't like junior college life because it was very academic. Also, I already knew that I wanted to go into biotechnology.'

She spent three years studying for her diploma in biotechnology at Temasek Polytechnic.

This Saturday, Miss Lim will be back in her alma mater to speak to other fresh school-leavers at the Beyond O-level Seminar, organised by the polytechnic and The New Paper.

She said: 'I'm really honoured and happy because the school has made a great impact on my life.

'That's something I look forward to sharing with the students.'

A hardworking student, she was consistently among the top 5 per cent of her cohort while in Temasek Polytechnic.

She went on to achieve a first-class honours in molecular biology at the University of New South Wales and nabbed the university medal for being the top student in her course.

At just 25, Miss Lim is now a junior research fellow at Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory.

She is also a part-time PhD student in science at the National University of Singapore.

Her studies there are paid by both Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory and the Singapore Millennium Foundation.

IMPORTANT FRIENDSHIPS

Poly life changed her from being an introvert to an extrovert, she said.

This was because she made many friends through the school activities, such as the Chinese Orchestra and Adventure Club.

Up to this day, she still meets up with her school pals twice a week over sporting activities such as swimming, diving, rock climbing and roller-blading.

She said: 'The friends I got to know have really made me outgoing.

'If I have not met them, I might not be the same person that I am now.'

One of the fondest memories of her polytechnic days was of being involved in a Youth Expedition Project. She spent about 20 days in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah, Malaysia, raising awareness for the endangered Sumatran rhinoceros.

After she obtains her doctorate in the next two years, Miss Lim plans to pursue her post-doctorate studies. Thereafter, she hopes to do stem cell research.

Ultimately, her dream is to head her own laboratory in about eight years' time.

And her advice to students looking to excel in their studies? Just work hard.

For her, setting daily deadlines and consistently studying every day has helped.

Then, she added with a grin: 'But don't forget to go out and play, because that balances things in your life.'

Find out how diploma can open doors for you

DON'T know what to do after the 0 levels? Check out Temasek Polytechnic and The New Paper's Beyond O-Level Seminar 2008. The seminar gives you insight into poly life, with students sharing their experiences.

There will also be talks on how diplomas can open doors for you, and there are performances by students and award-winning Singapore hip-hop duo, Sleeq.

Participants stand to win Sleeq music hampers and iPods.

WHERE: Temasek Convention Centre, Temasek Polytechnic

WHEN: Saturday, 12 Jan, 10am to 1pm

FOR: Students waiting for O-level results, Institute of Technical Education graduates and parents

TEL: 6780 6556/ 6780 5017/ 6780 5024

REGISTER: www.tp.edu.sg

INFO: tp4me.blogspot.com or add yourself at www.friendster.com/TPOH2008

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