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Michael Wayne and Jacinta Syilloam, students of the ITS Department of Information Technology, are currently undertaking a research internship at the National University of Singapore (NUS)
Surabaya, IT Journalistic — Two students from the Department of Information Technology, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), class of 2022 — Jacinta Syilloam and Michael Wayne — have successfully secured spots in a prestigious research internship program at the National University of Singapore (NUS). After passing a highly competitive selection process, they are now engaging in advanced research projects at one of Asia’s most renowned universities.
Jacinta explained that her motivation to apply stemmed from her strong interest in cybersecurity and her long-standing aspiration to gain international academic experience. “Since the beginning of my studies, I’ve always envisioned building a future abroad. With NUS being one of the top institutions globally in cybersecurity, I saw this as a valuable opportunity worth pursuing,” she said.
Michael Wayne in front of the NUS campus, where he is conducting research on AI system development for education
Similarly, Michael stated that he was driven by the desire to study and work in an international environment. “I wanted to challenge myself and gain new experiences in an English-speaking country like Singapore. This is a rare opportunity to grow both academically and professionally,” he shared.
The selection process consisted of two main stages: document submission and an interview with a faculty member from NUS. Jacinta admitted that the interview posed challenges, especially when asked technical questions outside her proposed area of interest. Fortunately, her previous participation in online courses helped her navigate the session. Michael, on the other hand, almost missed the registration deadline but managed to submit his documents in time, as he had prepared essential items such as his CV and research statement well in advance. He also received a strong letter of recommendation from the Head of Department.
Jacinta Syilloam at the NUS campus, where she is actively involved in various cybersecurity research activities
At NUS, Jacinta is involved in various research activities focusing on computer security, including developing exercises and CTF (Capture The Flag) challenges for the Computer Security Practice course, and co-authoring a paper on the use of CTFs in formal education settings. She frequently works at multiple research labs, including the Security Research Lab and the National Cybersecurity Lab (NCL).
Meanwhile, Michael is working under the guidance of Professor Ganesh Neelakanta Iyer, Ph.D, on a research project that develops a multi-agent AI system integrated with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). The system is designed to support more accurate and efficient learning by combining AI technology with educational tools.
Beyond research activities, both students have shared their impressions of the NUS campus. Jacinta expressed her admiration for the wide range of specialized research labs and the lush, forest-like environment of the campus. Michael praised the convenience of NUS’s internal shuttle bus system, which connects the entire campus with Singapore’s MRT network, making daily commuting much easier.
As a closing note, both Jacinta and Michael offered advice to fellow ITS students who are interested in applying for similar opportunities. “If you’re really passionate about it, don’t hesitate to try. Prepare your research focus well, and work on your English skills, as they are crucial throughout the process,” Jacinta advised. Michael added that determination and consistency are essential to navigating the selection journey.
Their story is a clear reflection of ITS students’ capability to compete globally. With strong motivation, preparation, and persistence, opportunities for contributing to international research and academic collaboration are well within reach.
IT Journalistic 11 July 2025 Azzahra Sekar Rahmadina