Inspiring Teachers Awards: I thought I wouldn't score well for my NTU module -- until I met Dr Leng

Stanley, 28, would like to pay tribute to Dr Leng Ho Keat, his lecturer from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) for being a mentor both inside and outside of the classroom.

Dr Leng, 47, told Stomp that he has taught at NTU for seven years.

Here is Stanley's entry for the Samsung-Stomp Inspiring Teachers Awards:

My story with Dr Leng began during my university days. I graduated from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). I majored in Sports Science and Management.

"I first met Dr Leng through a Year One course: Sport Management.

"As the module has two lecturers, Dr Leng only came in during the 2nd half of the year.

"Our cohort did not have a good experience with the first lecturer. The concepts taught were not difficult but the lecturer's teaching style was not easy to follow.

"Hence, people started to skip classes. I had great difficulties in understanding the first lecturer and was demoralised with no help. I thought that I would not be able to score well for this module.

"When the term break was over, Dr Leng started his first lecture with us. Before the start of the class, I wondered if his teaching style would be similar to the previous lecturer.

"To my surprise, it was a totally different. He was far more engaging and the way he put his points across were easy for students to digest and understand.

"Real world examples were given to bridge the gaps between what is supposed to happen in theory and what actually happened in the corporate world.

"As a slow learner and a late bloomer, I would always pop by Dr Leng's office for consultations. I could not remember a time when he rejected students' appointments.

"He would patiently go through the questions and guide you through. He inspires students to study not just for the grades but to think deeper and think out-of-the-box.

"Dr Leng is no doubt a good mentor. He shares his personal experiences. With that, one can easily relate and ask questions. Questions that textbooks and journal articles cannot answer.

"This stretches the potential of students and I am deeply grateful for his guidance. It was a joy to learn under him.

"Even after university, I would find time to pay him a visit. I still seek advice from him.

"He taught me not just what was needed to score in exams. He taught me life lessons, values and ethics of being a good student, a good worker and of course, a good person.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Dr Leng. Happy Teacher's Day. Thank you for everything."

Have a teacher you want to nominate? Find out how to join the Samsung-Stomp Inspiring Teachers Awards here.

Read all entries for the contest here.