3 Aug 2023
Official Book Launch at NUS High School for Math and Science
The second edition of "10 Things You Must Know About International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)" was officially launched on the 4 August 2023 at the NUS High School for Math and Science. Co-authored by Dr. Fung Fun Man, and Prof. I-JY Chang, and published by World Scientific Singapore, this book documents the "behind the scene" preparations and trainings that past IChO participants from various countries undergone prior to the competition.
The guest of honor for the book launch was Emeritus Professor Lee Hian Kee. He is the world-reknowned scientist in the field of sample preparation and separation science, and is also the former Head of Department of Chemistry at National University of Singapore. He gave a light-hearted speech on his experience as a scientist and professor, and how his family's support meant to him.
After the inspiring speech by Prof Lee, the book authors, Dr Fung, and Dr Chang shared the motivations behind writing the book, and provided words of encouragement to aspiring chemists to work hard and perservere in the face of difficulties.
A sharing session by the participants of the 55th IChO competition was also conducted. It was a light-hearted sharing session where the participants shared some of the photos that they have taken during the competition. Towards the end of the sharing session, they shared some tips on IChO, and emphasized the importance of making friends and experience during the competition.
The book is then officially launched by Dr Fung and the Guest of Honour Prof Lee where both of them unveiled the cover of the book.
The book launch is then followed by a sharing session by past IChO participants. This panel consisted of Assistant Professor Zhu Ye, who participated in IChO representing China in 2002 and is now a professor in NUS, Charles Windle, who participated in IChO in 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Panshul Sharma, who participated in 2023, and is a current student of NUS High School. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr Fung. During the panel discussion, the panelist shared their experience on how they prepared for IChO, the support that they received, and the challenges that they faced during IChO. They also gave their words of encouragement to those who are preparing for IChO.
The event ended off with a book fair where audience can buy the book at a discounted price. They even had the opportunity to obtain an autograph with Dr. Fung, as well as Charles Windle whom also contributed his IChO experience in the book.
Congratulations to Dr Fung, and Prof. I-JY Chang for the successful launch of the book!
More photos taken from the event can be found on World Scientific Singapore's Facebook page.