Weaving relationships that build Singapore’s social fabric
Seah Tiong Kiat (BSocSc 2018), who is currently Assistant Director (Forward Planning) at the People’s Association (PA), shared that his interest in community work first took root in secondary school, when a teacher used news stories to discuss issues and challenges people face in real life.
‘Living the dream’: Why a young lawyer chooses to serve migrant workers full-time
Nur Shukrina Salam (LLB 2021) is the sole full-time lawyer at the Migrant Workers’ Law Centre @ MWC (MWLC), Singapore’s only legal clinic that opens five days a week for the migrant worker community. She took a pay cut to provide free legal aid for migrant workers.
Second chances: He had 4 cardiac arrests by age 32, now wants to share his love of golf
Wee He Sheng (MScMgmt CW 2018), who has a master’s degree in business administration and general management from SMU, has suffered from four cardiac arrests since 2019. Despite four cardiac arrests, he played 36 holes of golf in 2024 and now inspires others by promoting the game.
At Starry Homestead, co-founder Yola Yu adopts a people-focused approach
Yola Yu (EMBA 2013), co-founder of interior design firm Starry Homestead, shared that another way in which she keeps herself and her team on top of things in a competitive industry is through continuous on-the-job training.
‘Stacking’ overseas internships to get ahead
Jonas Ngoh (BBM 2025) shared how overseas internships helped him land his current job quickly. After finishing his final year at SMU in late 2025, Jonas started working on expansion strategies at a data centre in 2026.
Singapore Institute of Directors names ex-Ogilvy president as CEO starting May
Emily Poon (BBM 2004), a member of SMU’s Leading Executives and Directors Alumni Group executive committee, has been appointed as the Singapore Institute of Directors’ new chief executive.
National hurdler and her BMW X2 SUV
Kerstin Ong (BBM 2021) grew up around cars, which sparked her curiosity and appreciation.
Kueh chain Ollella founder overcomes $200k losses to open fourth outlet
Marcella Putri Tanuwijaya (BBM 2009)’s kueh chain Ollella overcame $200,000 losses and now has a close to $2.5 million annual revenue. Despite challenges like rising costs and personal struggles, she plans to strengthen operations and expand with two more outlets, focusing on sustainability.
SMU Impact Stories: Shereen Williams on Leading Change through Service
Through SMU’s seminar-style learning, Shereen Williams (BAcc 2005) has learned the importance of listening and engaging with diverse perspectives.
Out of Office: Ryan Foo, founder of performance nutrition brand Foulplay
Ryan Foo (LLB 2019), founder of performance nutrition brand Foulplay, shared how he walked away from a potential career in law to embrace the start-up grind.
