For as long as Kenny Khoo (BBM 2010) can remember, music, and choral music in particular, has been his passion. One might even think that his life has been one that is inextricably intertwined with choral music, from being part of the SYC Ensemble Singers (previously the “Singapore Youth Choir”) to the SAF Music and Drama Company, to co-founding the SMU Chamber Choir in 2007 and coming back full circle to being its conductor today.
Kenny’s journey with SMU began with his attraction to the vibrant school and its strategic location in the arts district. He was so convinced by SMU’s marketing strategy and the opportunities the school offered that he turned down a scholarship which would have seen him pursuing music composition. Instead, he focused his attention on introducing SMU students to choral music, in the hope of expanding interest in the arts and contributing to its growth as part of the arts district. In founding the SMU Chamber Choir, Kenny opened its recruitment to any student who had a love for singing, and prior choir experience was not a requirement or necessity. His key inspiration was to create a comfortable space for people to grow and build their passion together, and for cultivating a sense of belonging for the like-minded group. This motivation has been his driving force since 2007 and continues to spur him today towards his dream.
As co-founder and 2nd President of the SMU Chamber Choir, Kenny cultivated essential skills such as leadership and foresight as he charted the growth of the choir.
According to him, his personal development had been “exponential” as he likens the setting up of the choir to building a start-up organisation - having spent much time and effort to establish the infrastructure and standard operating processes for the team while engaging in fundraising and marketing activities to build an awareness of the SMU Chamber Choir brand. In addition, he was also responsible for rehearsing the ensemble in his capacity as Student Conductor. Kenny is now an accomplished Regional Relationship Manager in the corporate banking sector. Having both local and overseas exposure, he was sent to China in 2018 to set up a regional desk, and very recently returned to Singapore to set up a new desk for the ASEAN region.
When asked for his thoughts regarding the SMU Arts Festival this year, Kenny shared that he was glad SMU decided to bring the festival online, as it signified that the University considers the festival to be a vital part of SMU and the overall arts community. He firmly believes that art is a form of therapy, for both performers and the audiences alike. For the Arts Festival, Kenny chose a piece titled “The Dream Keeper” where the SMU Chamber Choir sings of hope and love, inspiring everyone to stay positive and keep their dreams alive in these uncertain times.
Kenny hopes that the arts scene will continue to thrive in SMU, and recognises that there are increasingly more talented people in the University.
Since the arts has had such a significant impact on him, Kenny is keen for this legacy to continue and blossom even further through creating a more holistic culture that sees the academics and the arts intertwined.
To his juniors, he offers the following advice: “Follow your heart. If you love doing it, continue and do not let challenges hold you back from pursuing your passion. This passion will spur your determination and ultimately drive you to success.”
