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Hello! I am

Wi En


a Master's Candidate at the
National University of Singapore

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About Me

Wi En Ng

I am a soon-to-be Master's graduate in Communication and New Media at the National University of Singapore, where I also completed my Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (Hons). My research explores how cultural norms and social structures intersect with everyday technologies, shaping communication and engagement in both digital and physical spaces.

Currently, I am a full-time research assistant for two projects: CASMIDA, which focuses on technology-facilitated sexual violence and campus sexual misconduct, and Queer Men in Singapore, which explores the lived experiences and challenges faced by queer men in Singapore.

My work spans diverse topics, including gender studies, the Metaverse, embodiment, cultural cringe, and media. I have presented and written about topics such as virtual fashion in Decentraland, how older adults in Singapore navigate the digital landscape, and cultural cringe amongst Singaporean youth.

Outside of my academic work, you can find me curled up comfortably with a science fiction novel, exploring spice-laden cuisines, or mapping out my next travel adventure.

Education

National University of Singapore

August 2022 - July 2024

Master of Arts, Communications and Media Studies | NUS Research Scholarship

Thesis: "Virtual Worlds are a safe space for people to explore their gender identities as well: Exploring how virtual fashion shapes gender in Decentraland."
This research examined the connection between virtual fashion and gender identity in Decentraland, a virtual Metaverse platform. Findings were presented at IAMCR2024.



Service:

National University of Singapore

August 2018 - July 2022

Bachelor of Social Sciences, Communications and Media Studies

Honours (Highest Distinction)
Thesis: "No such thing as fake news back then: Understanding how the elderly in Singapore navigate the digital information landscape."
This research explored how the elderly adapted to the Smart Nation initiative and was presented at IAMCR2024.



Activities:

Experience

National University of Singapore

Queer Men in SG: Digital Intimacies, Sexual Behaviors & Mpox Perceptions

Explored perceptions and experiences of gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) men in Singapore, focusing on identity exploration, relationships, sexual health behaviors, and digital technology use. Conducted interviews and performed data analysis.

Find out more about the study: Queer Men in Singapore Research

National University of Singapore

Research Assistant: Campus Sexual Misconduct in a Digital Age (CASMIDA)

Investigated technology-facilitated sexual violence in campus settings. Conducted and transcribed interviews; managed six quantitative surveys; and handled qualitative and quantitative data cleaning and preparation. Assisted with updating of IRB forms.

Find out more about the study: CASMIDA

National University of Singapore

Research Assistant: Interventions in Young Singaporeans’ Experiences and Understandings of Sexual Violence

Explored young Singaporeans’ experiences and understandings of gender and sexual violence through a case study of NUS students. Conducted literature review and performed data analysis.

University of Manchester and Access Academia

Fellow, Social Justice Fellowship

Conducted research on social justice and intersectionality under peer mentorship. Enhanced academic skills through seminars and networking sessions with professionals.

National University of Singapore

Teaching Assistant

Tutor for NM2207, Computational Media Literacy.

National University of Singapore

Teaching Assistant

Tutor for NM1101E Communications, New Media and Society.

Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

Student Researcher

Study Name: Work and Savings Behaviour of Lower-Income Families in Singapore. Conducted house visits and participant recruitment for national-level research.

National University of Singapore, Department of Communications and New Media

FASS Undergraduate Research Opportunity: Politics of Fatness in Media Cultures

Examined how fatness is constructed as a discourse across multiple media artefacts and platforms, from government health campaigns to social media activism. Conducted systematic literature review and assisted the Principal Investigator in developing the research framework.

Awards

NUS Research Scholarship (2022 - 2024)

This scholarship is awarded on a very competitive basis and offered only to outstanding candidates pursuing a full-time graduate research degree at the University.

Annie Tan (Mrs Wan Boo Sow) Medal and Prize (2021/2022)

Awarded for being one of the few outstanding female undergraduates of the graduating cohort from FASS with high bilingual competence in Chinese and English.

My Writing

Fan Activism Cover

Fan Activism: Political Participation Redefined?

My first published piece of work is featured in NUS's Political Science Society's student-run publication.
Fan Activism: Political Participation Redefined? reflects on how political participation has transformed amongst youths today, and how New Media technologies enable these new modes of participation.

View Publication
Identity Crisis Cover

“Identity crisis is our identity”: Cultural Cringe and the Search for a Singaporean Identity

This paper, co-authored with a friend as part of graduate coursework, explores the interplay between nationalism and cultural perception in Singapore.
We argue that those who align strongly with Singapore’s nationalism view local cultural expressions not as subpar Western replicas but as emblems of Singaporean pride.

View Publication
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A penny for my thoughts, but take them with a grain of salt

I am still building this space.