Samuel Gan. [Photo/WeChat account: wzkepu]

Samuel Gan, born in 1981, is a native of Singapore. Over the course of seven years, he studied for a bachelor's degree in psychology and molecular cell biology, a master's degree in structural biology and business administration, and a doctorate in allergy.

In 2022, Gan resigned from his post as senior principal investigator at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the top scientific research institution in Singapore, where he had worked for 12 years. He moved to Wenzhou, a city he had never been to in East China, and restarted his career as a professor at Wenzhou-Kean University.

"Wenzhou's economy is dynamic and its patent technology is relatively vacant, which makes it possible for me to realize my potential," Gan said. "Singapore is limited in size, while Wenzhou will be a paradise for entrepreneurs like me."

Gan carries out research with his students. [Photo/WeChat account: wzkepu]

Gan took two sci-tech projects with him to Wenzhou: one focuses on psychology of music by using different background music in shops to adjust the comfort of customers, and the other eyes the faster possibility of insects eating plastics.

"Scientists have previously proven that insects can eat plastics, which can on one hand help reduce white pollution and protect the environment, and on the other hand use the waste produced by insects to grow plants and turn it into treasure," Gan said. "My research is how to get insects to eat plastics faster, as I'm a hothead."

Gan also said he supported and encouraged students to start their own businesses. Gao Yuanxue, a junior at Wenzhou-Kean, set up a company and became its legal representative.

"Professor Gan is very willing to help students start a business and grow together. He is humorous, gets along with the students and often cooks and travels with them," Gao said.

In Wenzhou, Gan is gradually fulfilling his ambitions as a scientific researcher, academic, entrepreneur, and activist.

Gan gives a lecture at the Mass Health Forum of World Young Scientists Summit in Wenzhou on Dec 11, 2022. [Photo/WeChat account: wzkepu]