NUS Computing Undergraduates Win Reviewer’s Choice Award at HECS 2025 for Advancing Experiential Learning
We’re proud to share that NUS Computing undergraduates Tran Phuoc My and Zhang Hao Dong have received the Reviewer’s Choice Award at the Higher Education Conference in Singapore (HECS) 2025, recognising outstanding work in teaching and learning innovation.
Their paper, “Fostering Authentic and Experiential Learning in Computing Education: A Case Study of STePS at NUS”, was selected as one of six highly commended submissions out of 137, a distinction awarded to research that stood out for both its educational impact and the clarity with which it was communicated.
The award-winning work examines how authentic, experiential learning can be embedded into computing education through large-scale, student-centred initiatives such as the School of Computing Term Project Showcase (STePS) and the UVENTS system. Much of the research and implementation was led by the two undergraduate authors, under the supervision of Associate Professor Anand Bhojan.
Drawing on real classroom practice, the study shows how platforms like STePS help students move beyond coursework into real-world problem solving — strengthening not just technical ability, but also communication, teamwork, and reflection. Feedback from showcase attendees highlighted the value of these experiences in helping students articulate their work and engage diverse audiences.
The recognition at HECS 2025 affirms the strength of student-driven research at NUS Computing, and reflects the School’s commitment to pedagogical approaches that prepare graduates for both professional practice and lifelong learning.
Join us in congratulating Tran Phuoc My, Zhang Hao Dong, and their collaborators on this well-deserved achievement!
Find out more about their work here: https://ctlt.nus.edu.sg/hecs-2025/abstracts/hecs-2025-pp-tran-et-al/
