Over 110 alumni gathered at The Quarters on 26 November 2015 with one passion in common - entrepreneurship. Whether they are aspiring entrepreneurs or established ones, these SMU graduates connected with one another, networked, discussed business ideas, widened their entrepreneurship circle and increased their contacts. Being an entrepreneur is neither a part-time job nor a full-time job, it’s a lifestyle. And that was what these alumni would tell you. Throughout the evening ideas kept flowing, conversations kept going and excitement was in the air.
"This is the first event for the SMU Entrepreneurs Alumni Group. Looking at the crowd turnout, it is a very encouraging start. Let’s see if we can get the momentum going. I am quite optimistic to meet everybody here. It is good to constantly have events like these, for us to come back to from time to time, to touch base with our roots.” Lester Leo (BBM, Class of 2010)
Organised by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and supported by the SMU Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), the gathering was held at a venue owned by one of SMU’s very own alumnus and entrepreneur, Chung Deming (BBM, Class of 2006). Pioneer of the Durian Crème Brulee, the alumni got a taste of the famed dessert from the man himself, and raved about it as they continued to network with one another.
“I think as an entrepreneur, this is a must-come event. There are so many budding entrepreneurs here. Some are at the start-up stage, some are already successful. The kind of connections, networks, encouragement and resources you can find here is incredible. Thank you so much OAR for organising this event.” Low Jin Hao (MBA, Class of 2015 (Part-Time))
Director of Office of Alumni Relations, Associate Professor Low Aik Meng welcomed the crowd. He encouraged everyone to continue to uphold the SMU spirit by supporting the Alumni Group in its activities and the Alumni Office in its events and programmes. Ideas are just ideas until they are put into action and that was what alumnus Ivan Chang (BBM, Class of 2014) did as he spelt out the plans ahead for the Alumni Group. Even a new hashtag was born that night with #smupreneurs, to connect one and all associated with SMU entrepreneurs on social media. Dean of SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business Professor Gerry George was also present to mingle and connect with the alumni entrepreneurs.
“It is an inaugural event and I am so glad that I attended. Because of this event, I actually found a couple of guys that could fill up the gaps and aspects of what I wanted to do. This is invaluable resource, it is not something that you can find on a daily basis” continued Jin Hao. We are quite certain that he was not the only one who walked away that evening with newly acquired contacts and resources. And we look forward to more exciting and interesting events from this entrepreneurial group. Go #smupreneurs!
For more photos of the event, please view our Facebook album here.