Alumni Check-in: Rae Chia (Class of 2025)

Q. Where do you live now? Why? What are you doing?

A: I currently live in Singapore, pursuing a degree in Public Policy and Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. I chose to return to Singapore to study because I was interested in furthering my education in political science and, of course, being closer to home and my family.

Q. What are the biggest differences between there and Kaohsiung? What’s the biggest similarities?

A: The biggest difference between Singapore and Kaohsiung is the pace of life. People here move extremely fast and efficiently. Work culture is also very different — Singapore operates on a strong meritocratic foundation, where success is largely defined by hard work and performance.

I would say the biggest similarity is Asian culture. In Singapore, I’m blessed to experience a wide variety of cuisines (yes, including Taiwanese food!) and to be close to my extended family as well.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you?

A: My typical day begins at 8 or 9 a.m. (depending on my morning lectures). I attend lectures and tutorials, and my day usually ends around 3:30 p.m. I often meet up with friends to hang out or study at one of the many libraries on campus, followed by sharing a meal together. Then I return to my hall or attend meetings for my extracurricular activities. I try to finish my readings and homework before going to bed around midnight. Though on some days, I go on “supper runs” or crash at my friends’ dorm to chat and hangout. 

Q. What's one thing you miss most about being a high school student?

A: I miss being able to see my friends all the time. The closeness of my high school friendships will never be rivaled. Because I spent every lunch and break time with them, those friendships feel more like long-term family relationships. I also really miss the stability of  home life: having structure in my family life and scheduled family time is something I really miss about being in high school.

Q. What's the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the "real world" that you wish you knew while you were in high school?

A: I’ve learned that it’s okay to be independent and alone. University has taught me to treasure the social connections I have while also being confident and grounded in myself. I’ve learned to be comfortable doing things alone and independently. I used to limit myself to choices made with friends, but university has taught me the art of being “alone” and being content with my relationship with myself. 

Q. What advice would you give to your high school self?

A: I would tell myself to stop worrying. No matter where you end up, you will always find your support pillars and people you can trust and open up to. Not everything has to be incredibly exciting all the time: and it’s okay to feel content and confident in a simple, routine life too. I would also tell myself to study hard, it will be worth it in the end!

Q. Did your KAS experience prepare you for life after graduation?

A: IB taught me to be open-minded and to listen to other people’s perspectives. In university, people come from very different backgrounds and often hold different values and beliefs. IB trained me not only to think critically about different perspectives, but also to listen and integrate different ideas and values into my own learning and worldview.

Q. What are you looking forward to most in the next five years?

A: I’m looking forward to new experiences in university, especially going on semester exchange programs abroad. I recently completed a winter exchange in Germany where I met a group of life long friends whom I travelled around Europe with. I’m really excited about the possibility of returning to Europe for a full semester exchange to travel, explore, and immerse myself in new cultures.

Q. Anything else? 

A: I’ve learned that supper culture in Singapore is huge! There’s something really special about relaxing with friends in pajamas at a nearby hawker centre and supper spots on campus too, eating satay sticks and chicken rice at 2 a.m. These have become one of my favorite memories in Singapore thus far.