You are not learning about government and diplomacy in the abstract; you are studying in a city where many of those conversations are happening around you.
For Yiheng Soh, that connection between study and place is one of Canberra’s strengths. He chose ANU for its focus on international relations, public policy and Asia-Pacific studies, and because Australia’s capital places him close to the institutions and debates he is studying.
Yiheng moved from Singapore to Canberra in Semester 2 2024 to begin a Flexible Double Degree: a Bachelor of International Security Studies and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Public Policy and minoring in Economic Studies. Now entering his third year, he has built his degree around an interest in government decision-making.
He is particularly interested in how policy affects people and how governments respond to uncertainty, including questions of public service, security and regional cooperation.
His double degree allows him to approach these questions through both policy and security, while Economic Studies offers another perspective on the choices governments make.
One way Yiheng has used the flexibility of his degree is by taking Bahasa Indonesia.
Indonesian 1 has been one of the most valuable courses he has taken so far. He credits course convener Dr Elly Kent and tutor Dr Aarin Sirima with making the experience of learning a new language feel approachable.
“Starting a new language can be intimidating, but the course was taught in a way that made students feel supported while still being challenged,” he says.
Studying the language has also drawn his attention to culture and everyday communication, rather than policy and security alone.
The breadth of choice at ANU surprised Yiheng. So did how much learning took place beyond lectures and tutorials.
Hearing from public figures, practitioners and researchers, and learning alongside postgraduate and higher degree by research students, has helped him think more deeply about his academic interests.
Outside the classroom, Yiheng is a CASS Student Ambassador. He is also part of the executive team of the Singapore Students’ Association and has been involved in the College of Asia and the Pacific Students’ Society. As a Set4ANU mentor and Residential Mentor, he has supported students as they settle into university and residential life.
These experiences have shown him how students can contribute to university life and support the communities around them.
“They have also taught me that leadership at university is often about creating a sense of belonging for others,” he says.
After graduating, Yiheng hopes to return to Singapore and contribute to the Singapore public service. He wants to apply what he has learnt about policy and regional affairs to issues affecting Singapore and the wider region.
His advice to future students is to stay curious and be willing to try things before deciding whether they are for you.
“Some of the most meaningful parts of university come from saying yes before you feel completely ready.”
