Cindy Karim: Redefining a billion-dollar Indonesian family empire
In a feature by The Business Times, SMU alumna Cindy Karim was highlighted for her family’s philanthropic work through the Karim Family Foundation (KFF), which has endowed a $2 million scholarship at SMU for Indonesian students and also supports youth sports, the arts, and mental health initiativ
The Next ICON Awards 2025: Charmain Kwee, Managing Director of Eurokars Group, steers towards new generation
ICON and SMU’s Business Families Institute jointly organised the third The Next Icon Awards 2025. Charmain Kwee (LLB 2019), Executive Director of Eurokars Group, won the award for her transformative leadership.
From Singapore to the US: An SMU Accountancy Graduate’s Journey to International Tax Partner in the US
After graduating from the SMU School of Accountancy, Kenneth Murwanto (BAcc 2011) began his career in corporate tax in Singapore. Around three years later, he made a bold move, migrating to the US to pursue a career in international tax. 12 years on, he’s now a Partner at Grant Thornton US.
Dr Tan Boon Heon shifts the narrative on what end-of-life care can look like
Dr Tan Boon Heon (PhDGM 2018), Chief Executive Officer of Singapore’s largest home hospice care provider HCA Hospice, shared that getting acquainted with the local healthcare system and its players is his biggest challenge right now.
Above and beyond public service; Compassion beyond the law
For her exemplary service, SMU Yong Pung How School of Law’s (YPHSL) recent graduate, Jolene Tan (LLB 2025), who is now Deputy Public Prosecutor at the Attorney-General’s Chambers, would be receiving the Amellia Moo Spirit of Pro Bono Hero (LLB) Award at the SMU Pro Bono Centre Appreciation Dinne
House of Titans
Cindy Karim (BBM 2014), Director and Principal of the Karim Family Foundation, recalled being intrigued by the House of Tan Yeok Nee’s grand facade as an SMU undergraduate.
I took 3 years to write my first book. It was a struggle but it helped me grow through pains and losses
On 22 July 2025, Colonel Tan (BBM 2025) launched his debut book Genesis at SMU. The book tells the story of a world powered by magical Influence, where three individuals learn that their extraordinary abilities may not be enough to withstand growing complexity and change.
Pop-ups are redefining Deepavali bazaars
Shereen Begum (BSocSc 2022), founder of Indian Inks, observed that younger shoppers prefer buying online through platforms. She said her goal was to build a strong online presence by showcasing henna designs and behind-the-scenes work, which drew interest from customers.
Robb Report Singapore Thought Leader: Ryan Foo, co-founder of DrinkAid
Ryan Foo (LLB 2019), together with an SMU schoolmate, developed DrinkAid in 2020 after creating a clinically tested formula to aid alcohol detoxification. Accepted by SMU’s Business Innovations Generator despite its unconventional concept, the venture was officially launched in August 2020.
Founder of Skylink APAC Wesley Shen who came from a poor family in Guilin feeding pigs and herding cattle to rising up to success
Wesley Shen (EMBA 2022), co-founder of Skylink APAC, built the company after years of experience in sales and engineering.
