Lizao (a pseudonym) is a native of Guangdong. She completed her undergraduate studies at Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) and earned her Master's degree in Electronic Engineering from the National University of Singapore (NUS). During her Master's programme, she was awarded the NUS Guangzhou Research Translation and Innovation Institute (NUS GRTII) Master's Scholarship. Following her graduation in June 2025, she successfully joined KINGFA Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd., a leading domestic enterprise in the modified plastics industry based in Huangpu District, Guangzhou, where she now works as an engineer.

01. First Impressions of Huangpu

This isn't the "industrial zone" I imagined

"At first, I thought Huangpu was like an industrial park."

As a true Guangdong native, Lizao admitted that although she often visited Guangzhou, she previously only hung out in Tianhe and Yuexiu districts. In her impression, Huangpu seemed like the "suburbs" — few high-rise buildings, poor greenery, and a lack of cultural and entertainment facilities.

It wasn't until she actually came to work here that she discovered: "That impression was completely wrong. The greenery and parks here are actually quite nice. Going to the commercial district for dinner in the evening and taking a walk nearby feels very comfortable." She recalled with a smile, "I guess I broke my initial stereotype."

What surprised her even more was the cost of living. The company provides dormitory accommodation, and with utilities and management fees, her monthly rent is only around 500–600 RMB. Her commute is just a bike ride away. "For the same quality of life, it would probably cost double in Tianhe or Yuexiu Districts." For a recent graduate, Huangpu means lower rent pressure and higher quality of life — the money saved could fund a spontaneous trip or become the seed money for the future.

The Huangpu Science City area where Lizao works is dominated by manufacturing enterprises, with moderate building density and comfortable population density. She added: "When I get off work early, I can grab dinner with friends nearby. It's not like in Singapore or Shenzhen, where everywhere is packed with people on weekends."

Without the oppressive crush of a concrete jungle, yet with just the right amount of life atmosphere — this is perhaps the unique rhythm of Huangpu.

02. From "Mass Application" to "Precise Focus"

The scholarship changed her job search strategy

Rewind to 2024. At that time, Lizao, like countless fresh graduates, was caught in a cycle of "mass application → assessment → interview → no response."

"The scope was too broad, my energy too scattered. I did many assessments, but the results were not ideal."

Just then, while at the NUS library, she received an email — about the Master's Scholarship Programme of the NUS GRTII.

"It was the first cohort of the scholarship programme. After graduation, I would need to work in Huangpu for two years. There was no reference data, so I really struggled with the decision for a long time." She recalled, "But then I changed my perspective. If I narrowed my job search to Huangpu District, there would be fewer choices, but I could devote more energy to each opportunity."

Her judgment proved correct.

After accepting the scholarship, she sent out only about 10 resumes. With an interview success rate of 50%, she ultimately landed 3 offers. "Previously, when I mass-applied to big companies, I couldn't even pass the assessments. Later, by focusing on Huangpu, I would research each company and prepare in advance." In the end, she chose KINGFA Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd.

Company Profile

KINGFA Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd. was founded in 1993. It is a new materials enterprise focusing on the R&D, production, sales, and service of high-performance chemical new materials, providing new material solutions to create a safer, more comfortable, and more convenient human life.

KINGFA Sci. & Tech. is headquartered in Huangpu Science City, Guangzhou. It has 64 subsidiaries, with R&D and production bases in overseas regions including South Asia, North America, and Europe. Currently, KINGFA Sci. & Tech. is one of the enterprises with the most comprehensive range of chemical new material products in the global industry. It is also the world's largest and most comprehensive modified plastics production enterprise. The company's main business is the R&D, production, and sales of chemical new materials. Its main products include nine categories: modified plastics, environmentally friendly high-performance recycled plastics, bio-based plastics, special engineering plastics, carbon fiber and composite materials, light hydrocarbons and hydrogen energy, polypropylene resins, styrene-based resins, and medical and health polymer material products. These are widely used in industries such as automobiles, household appliances, electrical and electronics, communication electronics, new infrastructure, new energy, modern agriculture, modern logistics, rail transit, aerospace, high-end equipment, and medical and health. The company has established strategic partnerships with numerous well-known domestic and international enterprises.

03. Six Months into the Job

The workplace is "more complex" than school, but also "better"

Six months into her job, Lizao has already participated in multiple projects. She occasionally needs to travel for business and has experienced overtime during tight project cycles.

"Overall, the pace is moderate. The leadership and team atmosphere are very open and inclusive." She said, "When I encounter problems and ask for advice, everyone patiently guides me. The company also regularly helps us set career development goals, assessing which ones are achievable and which ones could be set higher."

Compared to the student mindset of "just finish the task," her biggest realization is that decisions in the workplace affect many people, making communication and collaboration extremely important.

"Although it's different from what I imagined, it's actually better than I imagined."

04. Looking Back

Was that "two-year commitment" decision wrong?

"To be honest, the requirement that I must work in Huangpu for two years initially felt like setting a frame around my career."

But now, her thinking has changed.

"This frame actually helped me filter out a lot of distractions." She said, "When I only focused on opportunities in Huangpu, I became clearer about what I wanted. The project isn't even over yet, and I'm already thinking that maybe after two years, I'll continue to stay here."

This mindset of "turning limitations into direction" transformed her from a "first-time pioneer" into an enthusiastic advocate for the programme.

Lizao learned about the scholarship programme through a school email during her Master's. Beyond the financial support for tuition, she believes the programme provided two key forms of assistance:

• Information Filtering: NUS GRTII pushes recruitment information and offline events for enterprises in Huangpu District, saving scholarship recipients a great deal of time and energy.

• Progress Monitoring: NUS GRTII regularly follows up on job search progress, enabling scholarship recipients to plan more systematically and steadily advance their job search.

"When looking for a job, the allocation of time and energy is particularly important. NUS GRTII saved me the trouble of information filtering, allowing me to focus more on interview preparation."

Closing Words

From the NUS library to Huangpu Science City; from the confusion of mass applications to the determination of focusing on Huangpu; from hesitation about the "two-year commitment" to recognition of this land — her story is perhaps the best footnote to the NUS GRTII Master's Scholarship Programme:

This is not simply financial aid.

It is a bridge that connects outstanding students with opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.

Go to Huangpu. The brave enjoy the world first.