whom I have worked very closely throughout my PhD. Your guidance on numerous subject matters helped me immensely throughout my PhD. I would also like to extend my appreciation to my research colleagues, Wairen Keng, Clover Lim, and NEWRI's analytical team for their help in the lab and to my coursemates, Yujun, Anh, Dexter, Genevieve, Theodora, and Ganesh for keeping the laboratory and office lively throughout my PhD. Last but not least, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my family and wife, Jolene, for the endless love, encouragement, and moral support they have shown me throughout my journey in pursuing the doctorate and also recharge in the holidays.