On May 6, among thousands of graduates celebrating a major milestone at Temasek Polytechnic, one student’s journey stood out for more than academic success.
Mr Joash Tan Zhe Xian graduated with a Diploma in Computer Engineering after overcoming a rare cancer diagnosis that interrupted his studies and changed the course of his life.
Today, he leaves the school with a perfect GPA of 4.0 and the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew Award, given to top technology or computer science graduates. Joash’s passion for engineering began long before polytechnic life.
Growing up, he watched his late grandfather repair and tinker with everyday electronics, from audio amplifiers to fish tank pumps. What started as childhood curiosity gradually developed into a deeper interest in creating solutions and understanding how things worked.
When he entered Temasek Polytechnic, he quickly thrived both academically and outside the classroom. He represented the school in badminton competitions and also took part in youth leadership programmes, building a well-rounded student life while pursuing computer engineering.
An Unexpected Turn During Polytechnic Life
Things changed during his second year. Joash was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting bones and surrounding soft tissue. The diagnosis forced him to put his studies on hold and focus entirely on treatment.
Over the following months, he underwent surgery and intensive medical treatment. The process also took a physical toll, requiring him to relearn basic movements and slowly regain mobility. For a student who had actively represented the school in sports, the sudden shift brought new challenges and uncertainty.
Returning With Renewed Determination
After taking a year away from school, Joash returned to campus and repeated Year 2. Instead of seeing the setback as the end of his journey, he approached his studies with renewed focus. His efforts soon translated into results.
He achieved a perfect GPA and repeatedly earned placements on the Director’s List. Beyond academics, he also served as President of the Engineering Makers Club and received the CCA Merit Award for Leadership. At the same time, he remained active in mentoring juniors, leading workshops, and contributing to community initiatives involving engineering and coding.
Joash also applied his skills beyond the classroom. One of his projects, BreathCam, focused on developing a more affordable tool for early gum disease detection. The innovation later received recognition at the Engineering Innovation Challenge 2025.
During an internship with GovTech, he further expanded his experience by contributing to software projects and helping develop materials related to security compliance standards. His journey eventually culminated in receiving the Lee Kuan Yew Award, which recognises top technology and computer science graduates across Singapore’s polytechnics.
Looking Ahead
With graduation behind him, Joash has already secured a place to continue studying computer engineering at university.
His long-term goal remains closely connected to the passion that first began while watching his grandfather work on electronics: using technology to create practical solutions that improve lives.
His story reflects how setbacks can reshape a journey, but determination, support and purpose can help create a new path forward.
Read more here.
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