A Connection Forged at LKYSPP: Susan and Gao Peng’s Shared Adventure

[ALUMNI-INFO TEXT="In Susan and Gao Peng’s story, we see how love built on shared purpose and connection can flourish, making an impact not only on the people involved but also on the world around them. "][/ALUMNI-INFO]


Gao Peng (MIA 2020 and current PhD Candidate) and Susan Song Shan (MPP 2019)

The Mid-Autumn Festival of 2018 at College Green marked the beginning of a connection that would blossom into a meaningful relationship.

Susan Song Shan, the Resident Assistant (RA) in charge of organising the event, first met Gao Peng there. While they were strangers at the time, Susan’s warm and engaging manner left a lasting impression on Gao Peng. Similarly, Susan found Gao Peng to be a cheerful and helpful individual, sparking a friendship that gradually deepened into a partnership.

Building a Relationship Through Shared Experiences

Susan and Gao Peng’s relationship grew naturally over the course of their studies. Between classes, meals with friends and weekend outings, they discovered a shared enthusiasm for learning and exploring new ideas. LKYSPP played a pivotal role in bringing them together, offering a space for intellectual exchange and broadening their horizons.

After graduation, their bond remained strong as they kept in touch, sharing updates about their lives and supporting each other from afar. Even during the pandemic, they made time to connect, planning a hiking trip to Daocheng Yading, in Sichuan Province, China, that brought them even closer together. This shared passion for exploration and meaningful conversations has become the foundation of their relationship.

Cherished Memories at LKYSPP

For Susan, serving as an RA was one of the highlights of her time at LKYSPP. Organising events and interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds taught her to approach life with an inclusive and positive attitude. She credits these experiences, as well as the curriculum in public policy and international relations, for equipping her with the global perspective essential in her current role.

Gao Peng, meanwhile, was inspired by the academic environment at LKYSPP. He found the opportunity to communicate and learn from professors and classmates from varied cultures and professions deeply motivating. These interactions encouraged him to pursue a PhD and aspire to embody the wisdom and patience of his mentors.

Paths Aligned by Purpose

Today, Susan and Gao Peng continue to inspire one another as they make meaningful contributions in their respective fields. Susan works as a corporate banker at DBS, where her role involves advising clients on complex macroeconomic and geopolitical issues. Her education at LKYSPP provided a solid foundation for understanding these challenges, enabling her to make informed decisions in her work.

Gao Peng, on the other hand, is a fourth-year PhD student at LKYSPP, focusing on green technologies and policies in China and ASEAN countries. His research delves into the dynamics of policy-making that support net-zero and energy transition goals. He finds great fulfilment in contributing to the knowledge that may shape impactful environmental policies.

A Relationship Rooted in Shared Values

Susan and Gao Peng’s story is a testament to the power of shared experiences and intellectual camaraderie. Their relationship, nurtured at LKYSPP, is marked by mutual encouragement and a shared vision for creating a positive impact. Together, they continue to grow as partners, supporting each other’s dreams and making a difference in their respective fields.