Nurturing Curiosity and Passion: Nagoya University Students Visit Leave a Nest Singapore
On 5th September , Leave a Nest Singapore had the privilege of hosting 20 postgraduate students from Nagoya University, Japan , as part of their learning tour in Singapore. Each student came from a diverse research background, yet they all shared the same spark in their eyes: a deep curiosity and eagerness to learn how their research might one day contribute to society.
The session began with warm self-introductions, followed by an overview of Leave a Nest's vision and activities. One student shared that she often felt “cooped up in the lab” and was eager to discover how ideas move beyond the research stage into real-world innovation. Her honest reflection set the tone for an engaging afternoon.
To inspire the group, Dr. Kihoko shared her personal journey, framed through the fascinating story of cuckoo birds. She explained how these birds rely on host parents to raise their young, but maintain balance in nature by keeping their parasitism rates low. This story became a metaphor for pursuing curiosity responsibly and aligning passion with purpose. Dr. Kihoko spoke of how her own curiosity led her to join Leave a Nest, encouraging the students to reflect on their own motivations.
The highlight of the visit was a hands-on QPMI workshop (Question, Passion, Mission, and Innovation). Students were invited to reflect on important questions such as: What kind of researcher or professional do I want to become? What do I wish to contribute back to society? What is my passion? What is my question?
They wrote down their Q&P (Question and Passion) and shared them in short presentations. Their answers were diverse and inspiring. A photocatalyst researcher who loves camping asked how cities can be made healthier to breathe in. An aerospace engineer wondered how to make space travel more efficient. A materials science student sought sustainable alternatives to chemicals. An agriculture researcher highlighted food security as her mission.
For many, it was the first time sharing such reflections with their peers. The exchange was eye-opening, as they discovered not only their own aspirations but also those of their friends.
At Leave a Nest, we believe that curiosity and passion are the starting points of innovation . The QPMI framework is not only impactful for visiting international students, but also highly relevant for local universities and schools in Singapore . By encouraging young researchers and students to articulate their questions and passions early, we can nurture future leaders who drive meaningful change in society.