PAF Flashcards
interview
Who am I/introduce yourself
- Born and raised in Indonesia in a mixed-faith, mixed-race household, moved to singapore for boarding school and
- My interest in science and health wasn’t sparked by a single moment but rather by many experiences throughout my life
- One of the most defining was during an internship in Thailand—my first real exposure toreal probelms that were specifically diseases relevant to Southeast Asia.
what i appreciateda bout it - Coming from a country with significant health disparities, I saw firsthand how important it was in drive real world impact
- the power of knowledge (in this context scinetific) can do , how it can impact
what mattered was what ws done with this knowledge
(( I’ve always been the type of person who loves to dig deeper and uncover the ‘why’ behind things
- So in hindsight, it’s not surprising that I pursued a PhD ))
-What I love about science, especially doing a PhD, are the limitless questions, another problem to solve, but I’ve also realized that answering these questions is not enough
- The real impact comes from what you do with this knowledge how you make impact
- translating discoveries/knowledge into tangible solutions that can be implemented on a global scale
- and for that reason I am looking to step out of my comfort snd expand out of academia into a setting (business) that will allow me to realize
- best way to do this is through business, expand into out of academia and into business I believe that will allow me to see that tangible impact. areas, and learn ready for diff challenges, step out of my comfort zone
- I have built my scientific knowledge - i spent enough time in lab and now i would like to experience something other than pharmacology -
Greatest strengths (BR: how they relate to business)
- Grant writing, good scientific communicator -, read a lot so take pride i being able to explain something complex into somethign very simpel translates to proposal writing responding to RFP
- Adaptability - my background multi-cultural, moved from Indo, Sg, Can - flexible quick to adapt (BR: thrived in international markets, navigate diff markets and understand diverse consumer needs)
-resilience trying over and over, hard worker, was never the type of student to get straight As without studying, i always had to over-prepare - ceativity much more when it comes to solving problems. enless hypotheses to explain a fact
Greatest weaknesses
- Prefer independence: collaborated on review papers - delegate roles / topics, joined student teams where you need multiple ppl together
- Over-analytical: too much time finding the perfect answer - prioritization of tasks has been key
- over critical - it has an advanrage driving me always devlier high, but sometimes it hinders me, dealys me. im aware of this, get second opinions and know when to strike this balance , building that trust in myslef , ugent /important square
- Forgetfulness - in order to remember things need to write them down _writing eveyrhing down fear of foregtting, my professor tells me
2 points on your resume you are proud of
Context:
might sound cliche but hear me out
This past year, I had the privilege of volunteering at a community center for underprivileged elders. I worked closely with an elderly woman who was battling diabetes and had a hard time with her weight and overall energy levels. She was also very fearful about leaving her home—she even became scared to walk to her local shop, something she used to do all the time.
Action:
Given my background as a certified yoga instructor, I started introducing her to chair yoga—gentle exercises that could help her improve her mobility in a way that felt safe and manageable. It wasn’t just about physical movement; I wanted to help her rebuild her confidence. I made sure to be patient and supportive, focusing on small victories so she could feel good about each step.
Result:
What really made me proud was when she started walking to her local shop again, something she hadn’t done in months. It was such a big deal for her, and for me, seeing her regain that courage and independence was incredibly fulfilling. She even started asking for more sessions and encouraging her friends to join in. It reminded me how small changes can make a huge impact on someone’s life, especially when they feel like they’re losing control.
Which companies?
- Pharmaceutical : Vamedia Pharma (self medicated drug therapies - migraine/muscle pain)
- UCB: innovative therapies for ppl with diseases (neurology - epilepsiy, parkinson, immunology - arthritis, Chrohn’s). Patient centric approach, operates in 40 countries, collaborates with researchers, health care providers and organizations to improve patient care. Corporate social responsbility - sustainability
(ppl with lack of alternatives for tx) - IBA: oncology solutions leader, Amélie implemented internal processes and communication tools to ease the business flow among IBA entities, facilitating contacts between offices in various Asian countries. She had to identify synergies and share best practices among the regions. In addition, she was also in charge of reviewing, analyzing, and improving the entire supply chain process, defining the best target operating model.
- twentyeight health womens health organization
Explain more about UCB (CV + details)
What role do you want ?
- A role that bridges the gap bw scientific innovation and real-world patient impact - business-focused capacity
- enjoy communicating scientific information (liked talking about the science more than the hands on doing it part)
- would like to serve as a liason between healthcare providers and scientific advancement bridign the gap,
-While I have a strong scientific background, I am open to opportunities across different industries where I can apply my knowledge, learn about business practices, and contribute to meaningful outcomes - ex. developing education platform - improve healthcare provider’s understanding of UCB tx and latest advancement - improve diagnosis accuracy, optimize tx strategies, enhance patient ouctomes
- PRD??
- patient awareness / patient education programs/workshops - rare disease patients often lack awareness abt their condition, available tx, modifyable lifestyle changes - could collab w hospitals/advocacy groups to inform communities AND digital patient support system (pushes it forward as a patient centric company - telehealth) AND
Why would I want this role?
- why do i want it? matches scientific curiosity while also challenging me to apply that knowledge beyond the lab - would develop my business acumen/cross cultural experience
Why PAF and not something else?
Feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunities by my parents to grow up abroad, be exposed to different cultures.
1) great transition from academia into business world (really accelerate and act as a spring board in my career, providing me with hands on experience. Not only that but provide me with a steep learning curve I would learn a lot on business acumen.
Been in academia - ready to move into something big opportunity as a new person entering job market that I won’t get anywhere else), in that sense it is really xcitign but g(a project of your choosing, not only that but anywhere in the world).
2) translate my knowledge into solutions (stepping into a business role would provide me with that fullfillment - new area for me). learn about business Will LEARN a lot. opp to work in an area that i would not secure by just applying on the job market (no business), that is what excites me, explore beyond comfort zone
3) I would be proud to represent . Never lived there but still a part of my identity 50%. A Belgian overseas = feel very proud to be Belgian than someone living there. My father was honorary consul, did activities for them - when he organized this i saw the pride ppl had - this was more pronounced than when I see the belgians in belgium. Kingsday at home (lots of belgian - they felt very proud). The fact that it is a belgian company also resonates with meI ea
- I believe PAF will give me an opportunity to build ‘my toolbox’ - transferable skills (adapting to new environments/fields of work, problem solving, and steep learning curve)
- at the heart of its mission: discover and develop leadership - and that is a common theme i’ve heard from alumni is that the program really broadened their horizons/challenged their ways of thinking, my own father, a PAF alumni said xyz
- to drive talent and make a difference in society: very much aligning my life view with my work view - a chance for me to translate research into real world impact
- would hope to provide the company with value in return to leverage belgian companies overseas
- truly the opportunity excites me - that i would have the ability to choose a project and decide where I would want to go and as well to gain expereincess in business strategy and int healthcare markets
- translate my scientific knowledge into real-world impact something im super passionate about
- i believe it would really serve as a springboard to my career , step out of my scientific bubble, opening doors to new opportunities and expanding vastly my professional network
- would hope to provide the company with value in return - learn about business, im a scientist so this would definitely be a great learning curve
- a chance for me to translate research into real world impact, make a difference in societypp
Why should you choose me? Why am I a good candidate/be successful?
- how i would i would benefit them
- how i would benefit from THEM
A scientific and analytical perspective—bringing precision and research-based decision-making to business strategy.
Experience in regulated industries—helpful for navigating pharma, biotech, or health-focused markets.
A global mindset and cultural adaptability—essential for expanding Belgian businesses internationally.
Entrepreneurial drive—leveraging your business acumen to develop market strategies and partnerships.
purpose ig et from it
What You Will Gain:
Hands-on experience in international business strategy and market expansion.
The opportunity to apply your scientific knowledge in a commercial context.
A strong professional network in Belgium’s business ecosystem.
A pathway to potential leadership roles in global health, biotech, or wellness industries.
Means to give back connecting to Belgium
Learn business
realize business is necessary for my mission to translate shceintifc knowldege into a real world setting
What will you do if you don’t get in?
- I remain hopeful,
- I would be disappointed in myself as I see this as a great match for my career aspirations
- But i would remain committed to seeking other opportunities that would allow me to apply my skills and scientific background while gaining exposure to business
- going through this experience, i would purposefully also look for belgian comanpies
- I see myself looking at international companies - but Belgian and Non-Belgian owned
How do colleagues perceive you?
- Go the extra mile (supervisor once said he appreciates how I go beyond what is asked. ex. he asked me to research into an antibody - I did this + asked around other labs if they used it and how it went etc).
- independent learner (first to do use proteomics in our lab (study of thousands of proteins, taught myself the data analysis using bioinformatics software /coding) didnt have a lab partner, very little experience.
- Received the feedback that I may be impatient at times. Often when it’s something I care about - I press those working with me for more results/meetings etc.
- Maybe self-critical. At the beginning would doubt my results if they did not align with the literature. Worked on preparing more/anticipating doubts etc
One of your failures?
What sort of leader do you want to become? Give example of a good leader
Obama
- Visionary: Completely transformed healthcare with the Affordable Care Act (Americans gained access to affordable and efficient healthcare)
- Compassionate: Advocated for marginalized communities (racial equality, healthcare for all) Leader of integrity.
- Persuasive: Powerful speeches + storytelling ability (great communication skills to inspire)
Lee Kuan Yew (First PM of Singapore)
- Visionary: ‘founding father’ of Singapore, transformed the country into a highly developed, global economic powerhouse (38 years). have the vision but also sell it
-Pragmatic: he implemented a meritocratic government system, where ppl were selected for gov positions based on ability and qualifications, not family background or political connections.
- Strong and decsivie: Strong determination and very committed to Singapore’s success. ex. strict laws against corruption, enforcing cleanliness/strict public behavior. separation with Malaysia - moved SG towards independence/self-sufficiency, this made him trusted (he was able to develop trust with people)
(Note: While Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership style was sometimes described as authoritarian or dictatorial, it was also recognized for delivering effective governance that ultimately benefited the nation.)
How would you describe your leadership/and working style?
also integrity (Transparency in Results, Give credit where it’s due.), I communication (clearly and simple), joyful + simplicity, collaborative, adaptable, goal-driven, supportive, continuos learner (seek feedback)
What makes you excited to get out of bed? Biggest motivation and drive?
-short term - my morning match and yoga
-early bird wake up and so it’s my time in the morning - everything is quiet
-but i presume you ask me about my motivation and drive –>
naturally very curious person i love to learn
first part have some of these answers to questions and now im looking for the nex step its what i can do with those answers - how can I impact that is waht gets me out of bed
im really looking for impact, to stand behind a career that givves me a sense of purpse.
EARN
PURPOSE DRIVEN
curiousity -look for answers
do good and have an impact with those answers
In the short term, what gets me out of bed is my morning matcha and yoga. I’m an early bird, so I love the quiet of the morning—it’s my time to reset before the day begins.
But if you’re asking about my motivation and drive, it comes down to curiosity and desire to impact - these are what drive me
. I’ve spent years in the lab answering questions, and now I want to take the next step—how can I use those answers to create real change? That’s what drives me.
I’m looking for a career where I can see the impact of my work, something that gives me a real sense of purpose.
Have you spoken out when others didn’t? Example of inspiring others, getting others to accept ideas, or changing attitudes within a team?
- yes, I’ve spoken out when I believed a new approach was necessary. During my time in the lab, I noticed that the established method for isolating proteins
- had been using an established protocol that was in my op a little outdated
- i knew there would be pushback so I knew I had to come with some solid and convincing reasons - i did some work on researching new protocols, collaborating with other labs in RI, and I then actually got to business - I did both methods of extraction in parallel and had the data to back it up- my method that I used improved quality of EVs, as well as quantity
- I brought it up in the next lab meetign and was surprised by the response of my PIs - they were super receptive and excited by this new method but i do think it’s becasue i came with solid evidence
- as a result I put into place and SOP in the lab that now we regularly use - also speeds up my work process
What are the biggest learning opportunities through PAF?
UNIQUE
LEARN (business, toolbox of skills leadership) SPRING BOARD
Tremendous amount to gain
- leadership
- wearing many hats
- learning about business a field that i dont have much expertise in
What did you learn from the testimonials?
- I did reach out to a few people that I looked up via LinkedIn
- Everyone was very willing to chat with me and some even suggested that we hop on a call to further discuss
- hands on,
Lawyer - She is now confident that she can engage in complex commercial negotiations and assume team management responsibilities. “I learned a lot through my Prince Albert Fund project. It was my first business experience. Ultimately, I was able to deliver tangible and concrete results. I gained confidence in my business skills and was able to work independently and autonomously”, she explains. - dad - steep learning curve, his project was in sri lanka/indonesia - 30 y later hes still there, he talks fondly about it and what you do out of it - what u make out of it, u have to look for work, safe route
How do you get respect from teammates?
work hard, not so much abotu talking more about doing
- own up to your mistakes, take accountabiligy
- active listener
-being positive and optismistic even in adversity
- knowing when to ask for help
How do you maintain motivation in difficult situations?
- prioritizing tasks, allocating time to each, small steps
Make a controversial decision?
Thailand lab: I was working in a lab in BKK with the son of a famous MIT professor who was 15 years old. I knew the prof very well. The boy had little interest in the lab and spent his days on FB. Everybody endured him because
he was the son of…
The conflict is between being honest with the father and reporting his son’s lack of effort in the lab, or protecting the son and not telling the father the truth, which could risk their relationship during lab meetings we ould have. It’s about balancing professional responsibility (reporting the son’s behavior) and personal ethics (helping the son improve without causing harm).
On one hand, you’re caught between being truthful and reporting the son’s lack of work, which could upset both him and his father, or protecting the son, which might compromise your integrity and relationship with the father.
This is a great example of navigating an ethical dilemma with a creative solution. Instead of taking a binary approach—either reporting the boy’s lack of engagement to his father or covering for him—you found a way to mentor and motivate him.
You recognized your dual responsibilities:
To the father – who trusted you to provide honest feedback.
To the son – who needed guidance rather than punishment.
By leveraging his respect for you and offering him an incentive (joining you for kickboxing), you created a constructive way to encourage better behavior in the lab. This approach balanced honesty with mentorship, ensuring both integrity and a positive outcome.
This boy looked up to me and in Bangkok I would go to Kick boxing..mHe could join me on the condition he behaved in the lab.
I was collaborating with a post doc on project and since i contributed she put me as an author on her paper.
What would you do in a situation choosing between a loner and an overpromising teammate?
In a situation where I have to choose between a loner and an overpromising teammate, I would evaluate each person’s strengths and weaknesses. The loner may excel independently but struggle with collaboration, so I would focus on helping them improve communication and teamwork skills. On the other hand, an overpromising teammate may have potential but needs clear structure and accountability to meet expectations. I would provide them with realistic goals and deadlines to ensure follow-through. Ultimately, I believe in balancing both team dynamics and individual strengths to support the team’s success.
Example of how diversity in a team help improved results
Grant writing the application
Neuroscientists – Helped design experiments that connected EV-mediated inflammation to changes in microglia activation and myelination in the fetal brain.
Clinicians (OB-GYN & Neonatologists) – Provided insight into the clinical relevance of findings, ensuring the study addressed real-world neonatal health concerns.
Proteomics & Bioinformatics Experts – Helped refine data analysis to identify key proteins in EVs, leading to stronger mechanistic conclusions.
Which SDG do you want to strive for? can you give a situation where you were in that there was still work to do?
SDG 5 - equality for women, women make up only 30% of the global research pool
As a member of this group we spoke abt the fact that there are low women in leadership positions
Women, she explained, are underrepresented in senior positions, and the lack of visible female role models in leadership roles is one of the biggest reasons for this.
Mentorship Experience: I was paired with a female assistant professor during a mentorship program.
Challenges in Academia: She shared her struggles as a woman in academia,, in STEM fields.
Biases Faced: She spoke about both implicit and explicit bias in academia—unconscious bias in hiring and promotion, and explicit sexism, such as her ideas being dismissed in meetings.
Imposter Syndrome: She explained how women, especially high-achieving ones, often feel like they’re not good enough or only get opportunities because of their gender (fear of being a “token” hire).
Impact of Mentorship: She highlighted the lack of female role models in leadership positions and how mentorship played a crucial role in her career. women tend to hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification,
The department is continuously working toward this goal; in fact, last year marked the first time a woman was hired as the chair of the department.
Have I experience it and how?
Acknowledgment of the Issue: “Yes, I’ve definitely observed and been aware of the challenges faced by women in academia and science, including implicit bias and the lack of representation in leadership roles.”
Personal Experience: “While I have not directly faced the same level of bias as some, there have been moments where I’ve felt overlooked or where my contributions weren’t immediately recognized. I’ve noticed the way certain interactions play out, especially in male-dominated settings.”
Growth and Reflection: “However, these experiences have shaped my understanding of the challenges and reinforced my commitment to advocating for a more inclusive and equitable environment in both science and business.”
Action Taken: “I’ve actively sought out mentors, especially women in leadership positions, to better understand the barriers they’ve faced, and have learned from their strategies to overcome them.”
Describe a current event that has impacted your field/how has it affected your sector?What global topic effects you the most and why?
- recent cuts to funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concern to the scientific community
- a large part of my lab is focused on endocrine disrupting chemicals, studying their toxic affects on human health
- my prof had a grant with a collaborator in the US - to look at arsenic toxicant present in part of the US
- the grant was revoked and a pause in the research, along with now several student who do not have their project
- These funding cuts not only threaten ongoing research projects but also have a broader impact on the regulatory and public health efforts that rely on evidence-based science - esp to phase out chemcials that are toxic (or governments to implement regulations and restrictions on harmful chemicals)
Strong and weak points of your app?
Weak: dont speak fluent dutch/french, never lived in Belgium
Strong: multicultural, balanced, have a strong educational foundation
What would you do with 1M EUR? / Would you donate, invest, or spend it? / If investing, in what areas?
Dont loose the ticket, not tell anyone
I need experience with having such a sum of money - legal and tax team, discuss a bit what the options are
For sure, not spending
I think money makes happiness
In my field - investing etc.
Trump and tarrifs on canada?
I am a laywoman in politics, and socio-economic matters, but:
Economically : his trade policies with tariffs will hurt business and people (prices will go up, people will lose their jobs, on both sides)
Socially : he is anti-immigrant. This will also hurt people and businesses because not everything is bad with immigrants. Many immigrants invest in businesses = create jobs.
Politically : it looks like he wants to centralize all powers in the presidency + he wants to curtail press freedom. This is not what democracy is. His comments about Canada are laughable but not funny.
Understandbaly, as a candian, believe in fairness, decencey and looking out for one another. I am upset. Our coutnry has been a great neighbor to the us, california sent our water bombers to tackle wildfires. mocks us, belittles is rather shocking considering we have been a great ally
But we are united like never before , ppl in airports wearing Canadian shirts and caps
Famous politician I look up to
Barack obama
Last book you read
When broken glass floats
Interpersonal challenge
- Situation:
- “I was working on a project with a colleague who often missed deadlines for tasks that were critical to the project’s progress. Some of these results were essential for a grant proposal we were working on. These delays were starting to affect the overall timeline and the quality of the project.”
- Action:
- “I decided to approach the situation with understanding and have an open conversation with my colleague. I expressed the impact his delays were having on the project and on the team, especially with the grant proposal deadline looming. I also showed empathy by asking how he was managing his workload and if there was anything I could do to help. I learned that he had a large number of responsibilities and was hesitant to ask for help. I offered to re-distribute some of his tasks to others in the lab and suggested adjusting his schedule to better manage the workload.”
- Result:
- “As a result of the conversation, the tension between us was alleviated, and our relationship improved. The proactive communication helped him feel supported, and the project progressed smoothly. His tasks were re-organized, and the grant proposal was submitted on time. It was a valuable experience that taught me the importance of clear communication, empathy, and collaboration in overcoming challenges.”
What is something you’re least proud of?
First year partying
affected my future
2nd y got my act together
Went out a bit too much, grades suffered instead of As got Bs
applying to med schools didnt get it - last year very upset abt it
Difficult decision?
Ram and Varun
Quit swimming
Who’ s someone/something impactful in your life?
Tell us something about yourself. / Anything you want to mention, something you’d like to share?
- Yoga instructor
- Kefir business
Can you not achieve the same result in another manner? e.x Canada
Would you still do PAF if something unexpected happens/what would concern you?
What country/sector would you want?
A growing and established pharmaceutical company, the places are optional.
My choice was based on scientific criteria. I said on my application North America, bc they receive on the podium a place for pharma. However, if a belgian company with a solid scientific profile has an opening elsewher in the world, it would interest me. Because that company would have the means and platform to do interesting work for both me and them. Since then, I have done further research on UCB for example and I see that they have a facility in Brazil. So this would also interste me.
Open to any continent
Would you like to work where a team is already in place? Why?
freedom and diversity, willing to spearhaed
How will you look for a project?
Attend company events where projects are presented to learn about available opportunities.
Network with colleagues, alumni, and industry professionals to gain insights into potential projects.
Stay updated through relevant publications, conferences, and company websites.
Combine these strategies to find projects that align with my skills and interests in scientific innovation.
Example of your entrepneurship?
Project Idea: Kefir Me aimed to introduce a fresh take on kefir, a traditionally milk-based probiotic drink, with a focus on wellness and demystifying the science behind bacteria. The goal was to highlight the health benefits of kefir and make it more accessible, especially for those who are lactose-intolerant or follow a vegan lifestyle.
What Kefir Is: Kefir is a fermented drink made with beneficial bacteria and yeast that promote gut health and overall wellness. My project sought to innovate in this space by aligning with modern health trends and educating consumers about the benefits of kefir.
My Experience: I really enjoyed communicating the science behind kefir through educational videos, explaining the health benefits and its impact on the gut microbiome. I took the lead in designing the product, conducting flavor tests, and thinking through packaging options. I also launched the product on social media, hosted a taste testing event, and sold it on a small scale. Along the way, I learned valuable lessons in business, including creating a cost analysis sheet and developing key marketing strategies.
Why do you want to pursue international career? How do you handle culture shock or clashes with different cultures?
mom and dad diff culture
Handling culture shock and cultural clashes requires awareness, adaptability, and respect for different ways of thinking and behaving.
For example, in Asia, authority is closely tied to age, rank, and status, and management tends to be more top-down. In contrast, Canada has a more egalitarian approach, where authority is based on knowledge and behavior, and decisions are made through consensus.
Similarly, social interactions vary. In Bangkok, I used formal titles like Khun Stefaan or Pak Stefaan and greeted people with a respectful bow. In Canada, people are more informal, addressing each other by first names and even greeting with a high-five.
Ultimately, handling culture shock comes down to being open-minded, observing local customs, and adapting while staying authentic.
At Chilaburn, I hesitated to challenge a senior colleague’s idea since hierarchy is respected in Bangkok. Instead, I asked a question to share my input respectfully. In Canada, I would have voiced my thoughts more direct.
Which global topic affects you the most and why?
Global Topic: NIH funding cuts and science funding reductions in the USA.
Impact: Hinders research progress, innovation, and the development of new treatments.
Consequences: Limits the ability of researchers to conduct studies and continue important projects.
Personal Relevance: As someone in the research field, I feel the strain of these financial constraints on both emerging scientists and the scientific community.
Long-term Effects: Impacts public health, delaying advancements in therapies and technologies that could save lives and improve quality of life.
Why business?
Last economic news you read?
With fewer scientists, there will be less science and innovation that drive societal progress and the improvement of public health.
by far the world’s biggest funder of biomedical research and widely considered the gold standard for a research-funding agency.
US biomedical science dominates the world in terms of papers, discovery and drugs
Why give it to you, many others have not had experience?
What do you think abt situation Trump and tariffs?
He is bold but damaging:
Sensitive issue - Close to my heart
all heard he wants to annex canada - governor, 51 st state
Economics: trade policies = hurting, will inc prices
Socially = division, immigration policies = hurting, against immigration.
Political = scary - when the press is muzzled & the justice dept is sideline & drift away from democracy (if you don’t respect institutions anymore (no more check and balance)
Why PAF?
I really resonate by PAF’s mission to drive talent and create real-world impact, which aligns perfectly with my life view and work view.
Life view: You believe in making a difference in society by translating scientific knowledge into real-world impact. You value growth, learning, and pushing boundaries.
Work view: You want a career that allows you to bridge science and business, work on meaningful projects, and have a tangible impact on healthcare and innovation.
I see PAF as a springboard—not just to accelerate my career, but to expand my professional network, and gain hands on experience in business strategy. I know that I am a scientist - enjoy the steep learning curve and stepping out of my comfort zone - I went into wet-lab PhD with minimal experience and adapted quickly.
At the same time, I’m eager to provide value in return—bringing my analytical mindset, scientific expertise, and problem-solving skills to help a company navigate new markets and drive international success.
This program would allow me to step out of my scientific bubble and contribute to leveraging Belgian innovation on a global scale.
PAF represents everything I’m looking for in the next step of my career: a challenge, an adventure, and a platform for meaningful impact.
At its core, PAF is about discovering and developing leadership, and that is something I’ve consistently heard from alumni. Many have shared how the experience broadened their horizons and challenged their ways of thinking—including my own father, a PAF alumnus, who [insert personal anecdote].
BRIDGE SICNE AND END USERS
In 5 y where will you be?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My goals in work : recognition, pride, fun, challenge. I don’t want to be in a job just to settle
in. I don’t want to get something just within my reach (working in a lab)
My goals in life: to learn because I believe that those who know most are also the ones who
most good. Ignorant people often say/do stupid things.
impact of AI?
open ai moving towards deveoping superintelligence it could surpass human intelligence and accelerate scientific breakthroughs
but with the power comes risk if its goals misalign with humanity, consequences could be catastrophic Sam Altman CEO of open AI has been vocal
Yuval Harrari AI is an unprecedented threat to humanity because it is the first technology in history that can make decisions and create new ideas by itself.
this study in Nature developed an AI model that outperforms the standard method to detect tumors (35% increase) with up to 96% accuracy of tumors/cancer types. Wonder what Mrs Uma has to say about it
Opinion on ukraine
Who do you look up to and why?
Be original, take experiences from your own life / career.
Demonstrate your sense and desire for entrepreneurship.
adventure, changing/improving things, embracing change, dynamism, curiosity
Have you ever had difficult choices to make/had to take risks/had to handle complex situations/had to face rejection/etc.?
Think of other examples than the ones you gave in the written application.
What project would you like to undertake for which company in which country?
–> For these questions regarding the choice of country/sector/company: having an opinion/preference is okay, but it’s essential to position yourself as flexible!
–> Show your interest in foreign cultures and ways of doing things while being proud to export a Belgian product/company/expertise.
Ethical dilemma
Difficult situation
Badge of honor
Taken more serious in research
Seek the truth
What did you learn from alumni?
A PhD in environmental science. Great stepping stone from academia to business.
Working in the field, on his own, gave him invaluable hands-on business experience: setting the Indian agenda, launching new ideas, bringing theoretical solutions from Belgium to practical reality in India, … “I believe the experience here has armed me for working in other more challenging environments and emerging economies,” he concludes.
PhD environmental science. India sustainable development water waste management
This Prince Albert Fund mission has taught Jente to think in a much more solution-oriented manner, placing emphasis on the end result and the benefits for a city and the local population.
Working in the field, on his own, gave him invaluable hands-on business experience: setting the Indian agenda, launching new ideas, bringing theoretical solutions from Belgium to practical reality in India, … “I believe the experience here has armed me for working in other more challenging environments and emerging economies,” he
Who is someone you look up to? Influential
For me my middle school swimming coach
He taught me life lessons through swimming lessons, to this day I carry them with me
1) he taught me that swimming was more mental than it was physical. I think that can be applied to many other aspects of life. He taught me the resilience of the mind and how your thoughts dictate everything. He used to say if you think you can you will if you think you can’t you won’t etc. I often come back to this when I’m in tough situations, tells you that the way you think
What’s your opinion on Ukraine ?
Biggest problem was when Ukraine wanted to join nato
Ukraine would have missiles - 1 H to Moscow. So Russia is vulnerable
One one understand the Russian potion
The other hand, you don’t just brutally invade one country they did now
Opinion on Palestine
Establishment of Jewish homeland after ww2
Dispute of land ever since
It’s a deeply complex and tragic situation that has caused immense suffering for civilians
The two-state solution has long been viewed as a potential path toward resolving the Israel-Palestine conflic
it’s crucial to prioritize humanitarian support
Why PAF what do you expect from it
I see PAF as a great transition from academia to the business world. It’s an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn how businesses operate
The chance to work as an expatriate on a meaningful project is typically something people achieve after 10-15 years of international experience.
world.
-I am a new professional
-what PAF offers to young professionals is unique (I have not seen other countries doing this).
-doing the jobs young PAF candidates do (being an expatriate in a fullfilling project) would be possible after 10-15 years working experience in an international environment.
-PAF provides a toolbox for people who want to find an international dimension in their work.
-I was brought up in an international development, but that does not guarantee openings in an international environment. Hence my excitement/interest when discovering PAF (through my dad)
PAF is for Belgians, I am 50% Belgian (and 50% Canadian through my mom) and I never lived in Belgium (although visited it yearly since I was born). I am conscious of all that, and I am humbled I was even invited for an interview.
This being said, I want to emphasize that I have Belgian pride in me, that was ‘shaped’ by the following.
It is often said that one feels more attached to his/her country when he/she is far away from his/her country. We all miss what we don’t have anymore.
I witnessed this a bit firsthand. My father was honorary consul for 30 years in Indonesia. As I was growing up, I partook in all the activities my father organized for Belgians in East Java and Bali: King’s Day dinners for Belgians (with Belgian dishes like stoofvlees and frieten), gatherings when officials were in town- I noticed that these activities brought out a lot of Belgian pride & belonging in all of us. We listened standing proudly when the national anthem was played, the house was fully decorated with black/yellow/red.
bring ppl together but also invokd this since of patriotism
Thoughts on Palestine
I think it’s important to try and understand both parties sides - One person’s terrorist is another person freedom fighter
I understand land was promised to Jewish community by the UN post WW2, and that was the right thing to do
Ofc the issue was where that land was Since then there has been such turmoil and dispute of the land of former Israel - palestine
- that is unfortunately on going - Israel again recently bombed Gaza
- it’s just tragic the outcome on civilians has been atrocious and of course they are caught in the cross fire
- basic humanitarian aid has been blocked
