SMU CIRCLE - October 2020

A perfect unification of artistry and business might seem like a tall order. In this issue, we feature three alumni - Nandhitha Gurunath Hari, Kenny Khoo and Heng Xiangle - all of whom have found a way to strike the right balance or blend, between their passion for the arts and their career.

Some Singaporeans seem to believe that when selecting one's career path, there is a clear divide between opting for the arts and other seemingly more practical fields. Evidently, Nandhitha Gurunath Hari (BBM 2017) does not fall into that category. She is the quintessential example of someone who has perfectly merged artistry and business, and turned it into a career.

Kenny Khoo always had a close connection with choral music. When the time came for him to choose a university, he chose SMU due to its endless potential, and an opportunity to introduce choral music to the fairly-young university. In the process, he turned down a scholarship that would have led him down the path of music composition.

Heng Xiangle's career and leisure pursuits could not have been further apart as a Fixed Income Portfolio Manager by day and an Assistant Conductor of the Chinese Orchestra by night. Yet Xiangle believes he manages both passions and balances them well, attributing his ability to think laterally and stay open to creativity to his exposure to the arts.

- News & Highlights -

New Future of Work Initiatives set to transform Human Capital Management through SMU Academy, IHRP and SHRM collaboration

Singapore Management University (SMU) has launched a certified programme on future-ready skills, called the Advanced Certificate in Future Workforce Architect programme. The curriculum has been developed in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and accredited by the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP).

SMU faculty awarded Social Science Research Council (New York) Rapid-Response Grant on Covid-19 and the Social Sciences

Singapore Management University (SMU) School of Social Sciences (SOSS) Assistant Professor Yasmin Ortiga and her research team were recently awarded the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) (New York) Rapid-Response Grant on Covid-19 and the Social Sciences.

- Save the Date -

Click below to access our upcoming events and activities

28 Oct

IndustryConnect Webinar
'Monetizing Innovation in the Next Normal: Enabling Smart Companies to Achieve Profitable Growth' (Simon-Kucher & Partners)

2 Nov

Webinar - LKCSB 'Ideas Shaping Tomorrow' series

Reimagining Retailing During and After Covid-19

FIND OUT MORE

- ALUMNI Voices -

From a rather young age, Harresh Krishnan (BSocSc 2017) had already dreamt of joining his "ideal university", SMU. But realising his dream is not as easy as it seemed.

- Alumni Around the World -

It is never easy to be a stranger in a distant land. Thankfully, the experiences and exposure in SMU provided two alumni - Serene Lim and Debbie Middendorp - the tools they needed to thrive and realise their ambitions.

 

Serene Lim (BSocSc 2011)

Not many can claim that they were in the Theatre Management and Producing programme at Columbia University. The programme only takes in 10 people at a time, and Serene Lim (BSocSc 2011) was one of the few in her year - and the only Singaporean at that time - to secure the golden opportunity.

READ MORE

Debbie Middendorp (MCM 2014)

The road towards being a Social Entrepreneur is never easy. Just ask Debbie Middendorp, who co-founded 6 Degrees Academy for Women, a social enterprise that serves to empower women to be financially independent and self-sufficient. Debbie shares her journey towards achieving her vision.

Pictured: Gita Pelinck (left) and Debbie Middendorp (right).

- professional Growth -

SMU LKCSB Postgraduate Programmes

Join our upcoming events to learn how our suite of business postgraduate programmes can help you achieve your career goals, then consult with Admissions Advisors to assess your eligibility.

27 Oct

SMU EMBA Masterclass + Virtual Information Session

10 Nov
SMU MI Virtual Information Session

19 Nov
SMU MBA Virtual Information Session

SMU Executive Development

AXSI Digital Finance Leadership Programme

Rapid advancement of digital technologies and the advent of the digital economy have brought about transformative impact on businesses, governments and society as a whole. The AXSI programme sponsored by AMTD Hong Kong and Xiaomi Finance, China and led by SMU's Executive Development brings together Fintech executives, entrepreneurs and policymakers to leverage on digital technologies with learnings from Singapore and the Greater Bay Area. The 5 day programme in Singapore will be held in parallel with the Singapore Fintech Festival and will focus on the theme - "The Five Resurging Skills required in the New Normal". The programme includes a high level of interactions with practitioners, academics, policy makers and thought leaders from the Fintech sector and peer discussion forums.

 

SMU Accounting Masters

Find out how our programmes - Master of Professional Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting (Data & Analytics) can help accounting and non-accounting professionals alike speak the language of business with improved technology. Our admissions advisors will share how the programmes will open up career opportunities for all its graduates.

ISE Professional Course

To understand the most pressing learning needs of our professional workforce, ISE takes a customer-centric and data-driven approach to develop our suite of executive programmes. Courses are supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) with highly subsidised fees!

 

- Alumni JOB Board -

2020 has certainly been a challenging year for many people. Our current students will need all the help and support they can get during these unprecedented times. If you have any internships, traineeships, contract or full-time job opportunities to share, please contact us at alumni@smu.edu.sg

Human Resource Manager
In.Corp Group of Companies

Investment Analyst
YH2 Capital Management Pte Ltd

Executive Management Associate
Y Ventures Group Pte Ltd

- Volunteer Opportunities -

Stay connected with us and join our network of alumni volunteers who have given back and helped new generations of alumni and students.

Click below to see how you can make an impact.

- Alumni Privilege Programme -

Creative Eateries
 

Thai
Bangkok Jam
Suki-Suki Thai Hotpot
Talay Thai

Japanese
Flaming Don
ROCKU Yakiniku

Chinese & Local
Typhoon Café

Western
Fremantle Seafood Market
Hot Stones Steak and Seafood
Barossa

10% off total bill. Terms & Conditions apply.

- Contact Us -

Office of Alumni Relations

Level 6, SMU Administration Building
81 Victoria Street, Singapore 188065
T: +65 6828 0797

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SMU CIRCLE is a bi-monthly e-newsletter brought to you by the SMU Office of Alumni Relations. Read about the latest developments at the University, find out more about upcoming events, hear from your fellow alumni and stay connected to the SMU Community of alumni, students, faculty and staff. For information regarding SMU CIRCLE, email alumni@smu.edu.sg