The Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans) is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. It grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25m high. Its leaves are light green and oval in shape. Its yellowish flowers have a distinct fragrance and the fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by birds and fruit bats. Source: Tembusu, Wikipedia

Mr Phua Yong Jun

Resident Assistant

Tembusu College
National University of Singapore

yong.jun@u.nus.edu

Yong Jun is a third year undergraduate majoring in Data Science and Analytics (at least for the time being), and minoring in French (though he isn’t very good at it.) Despite his rather sciencey academic background, he has his interests in a little bit of everything, from philosophy to linguistics, and sometimes even enjoys them more than math and coding!

During the two years he spent in Tembusu, he has had many new experiences: from joining and competing in a sports IG for the first time, to having one too many late night suppers at 1am. He also co-headed tBladers, the college rollerblading interest group. There, you will see him attempting many rather unconventional and silly tricks; you can ask him to teach you if you’re inclined! He has also served as the Welfare Director, and had a blast making fun events come to life. Now, he is excited to serve Tembusians in a different way, and build more personal connections with his residents.

Besides being a HUGE fan of studying and mugging, he much prefers cooking (because he likes to eat), playing tchoukball, singing, and of course, sleeping. If he is not doing any of these, he’s probably thinking about what he’s eating for his next meal. Do let him know if you have any particularly good recommendations for affordable eats!

Though he may look tired or uninterested, don’t hesitate to strike a conversation when you see him around; that’s just how he looks sometimes! He’s down for a good conversation no matter the topic, and enjoys seeing people talk about the things they enjoy. Just knock on his door if you feel like having a chat, and he should be down if he isn’t occupied!