Sue and Yang’s story is a testament to the power of shared experiences and common goals. From their first meeting during orientation to their current roles in the professional world, their journey reflects how a shared environment like LKYSPP can nurture not just academic growth but also personal connections.
Yang Li & Sue Helen Nieto, both from MPP Class of 2013
Sue Helen Nieto and Yang Li’s love story began in an unlikely setting – while waiting to open bank accounts during the orientation for their Master in Public Policy (MPP) programme at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP). As part of the onboarding process, students went in batches to the bank, where the time-consuming nature of the task led to spontaneous conversations. Sue and Yang were in the same group and quickly struck up a conversation, laying the groundwork for what would become a lasting relationship.
Building a connection through shared experiences
As students in the same programme, Sue and Yang found themselves spending plenty of time together, both academically and socially. Sharing classes and living in the same dormitory complex provided opportunities to deepen their bond.
Their shared interests, aligned goals, and similar day-to-day schedules naturally brought them closer. They discovered a common rhythm, one that made balancing their studies and relationship feel almost effortless. As Yang explains, “Our time at LKYSPP gave us a lot of space to connect not just academically but personally. Being in the same environment and working towards similar goals strengthened our relationship.”
Memories of a lifetime
Among the many highlights of their time at LKYSPP, one memory stands out: a study trip to Japan. For both Sue and Yang, it was their first time visiting the country, and the experience was transformative. Exploring Japan together, while also engaging in the academic and cultural aspects of the trip, was an opportunity they cherish deeply.
Sue recalls, “Neither of us had travelled to Japan before, and we probably wouldn’t have been able to afford it without this opportunity. It was an unforgettable experience, one that we’ll always treasure.”
Navigating careers as a team
After completing their degrees, Sue and Yang transitioned seamlessly into their professional lives, drawing on the mutual understanding and support they cultivated at LKYSPP. Yang now leads public affairs for a large travel company across Asia, while Sue focuses on projects that mitigate climate change.
Their fields may be different, but their education and shared experiences have provided a foundation for understanding the stresses and demands of each other’s careers. “We both understand each other’s professional goals and challenges,” Sue says. This alignment has helped them remain strongly bonded, even as they navigate the complexities of work and life.
A partnership rooted in shared growth
Their time together at LKYSPP laid the foundation for a partnership that thrives on mutual support, respect, and an understanding of what it means to grow together. For Sue and Yang, the memories of their journey – from bank queues to international study trips – remain a vivid reminder of how love can grow in the most unexpected places.