Mr Syafiq Supingi, 23, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at the National University of Singapore, plays the rhythm guitar in a band called "Sponge", which does alternative rock.

"My immediate goal is to get a very good honours," says Syafiq. The next step is to get a job in SIA Engineering Company, given his interest in aeronautical engineering.

"I'm the kind of person who likes to see how things work, and engineering is all about finding out how things work," he explains.

He likes to work his guitar too, and you can catch Syafiq play with Sponge at the Esplanade on 30 Nov. Meanwhile, check out their original compositions at http://myspace.com/spongemusic.

"As for our band, I would like to see us in future playing at the bigger events in Singapore, like Baybeats," says Syafiq, who cites bands like Muse and Coldplay as his influences.

On top of his studies and music, Syafiq says he is involved in the university's bowling and softball teams.

"I have a lot of activities going on," he says, laughing. "While engineering is a very tough course, I believe you shouldn't just study.

"You should be an all-rounder."

Why you should vote for me: "I've got a good personality."

Ms Kelly Yang, 23, a Computer Science Master's degree student at the National University of Singapore, came to Singapore six years ago on a scholarship.

"It was a chance to go outside to see what's happening elsewhere in the world," said the Singapore permanent resident from China's Xi'an city.

It was tough fitting in initially when she came to Singapore, concedes Kelly. "I'm not brought up here, so I didn't know how to adjust to suit the taste of people here.

"For example, if you dress up too prettily, it's a problem. If you don't dress up prettily enough, people will talk about you.

"But it's probably the same in China," says Kelly. "Teens are very judgemental of appearances."

It is hard getting time off from study, but when she does Kelly's interests are like those of many young adults here - reading and watching TV series like "Lost" and "Prison Break".

Her more unusual interest would be playing the piano and guzheng. Kelly says she trained in a music academy in China for 12 years, and currently plays for the NUS orchestra.

She says she hopes to start a business. "People kept giving me chances in my life. Maybe one day, I can give back in some area, perhaps through my business," says Kelly.

Why you should vote for me: "Because I am healthy, positive, interesting and thick-skinned, I guess."