Young Cosmetic Scientist of the Year 2016

05 Oct 2016

For SP graduate Leong Hei Mern, choosing the polytechnic education route was a natural one for her. Hei Mern's brother, who was also an SP graduate, had pursued an engineering diploma during his time here. "I was inspired by how he was able to have such vast array of experiences in polytechnic, so I decided to try it out myself!" she said.

For her efforts in her Final Year Project (FYP), Hei Mern was recently awarded the prestigious Young Cosmetic Scientist of the Year Award 2016. Alongside her team members, Hei Mern had developed a facial lotion for an industrial sponsor, WZ Natural Care TCM. The project's focus was on creating a moisturising product that exhibits water-bleeding properties. Water-bleeding is a unique effect whereby water droplets form on the skin when a moisturiser is rubbed in.

Because of her FYP, Hei Mern was subsequently invited to attend the Sun Protection and Anti-Ageing Skin Care Asia Conference in July 2016 held at the Hilton Hotel, where she was presented a certificate on the first day. An invite was also extended to her by the Society of Cosmetic Scientists (Singapore), to showcase her FYP at their 7th Suppliers Day in August.

"It was definitely an eye-opening experience for me as I got to meet people from big cosmetic and personal care companies like Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson! Being the youngest delegate at the events was intimidating at first but it forced me to step out of my comfort zone and gain meaningful insights to the cosmetic and personal care industry," she quipped.

The Diploma in Perfumery & Cosmetic Science (DPCS) graduate does not regret her choice and shared that SP offered her a very well-rounded education. During her time in the polytechnic, she picked up the Korean language, completed her Industrial Training Programme (ITP) in South Korea, took up a Diploma Plus in Theatre Performance and Production, and was also a vocalist for the SP Jazz Band where she performed at The Esplanade, Singapore Botanic Gardens, BluJaz Cafe and more!

Congratulations Hei Mern and we wish you every success in your study of cosmetic and personal care!

The article was first posted on SP Facebook.