Alumni Stories

Goh Jin Qiang, former President of SMU Ellipsis' 14th Management Committee, tells us how his obsession with video games ignited more than just a passion for technology, but also led him on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and brought him into contact with people who made a profound influence on his life.Tell us more about what you do at URA. 

What comes to mind when you hear the word "dance"? A form of exercise? Or a form of entertainment characterised by deft footwork and stunning choreography? To SMU alumnus Subastian Tan (BSocSc 2021), dance is a way of life. The professional performer, educator, and creator thinks that dance is a powerful form of art and expression that allows individuals to express their emotions, share stories and create social change.

SMU alumna Lou Peixin (BBM 2016) (aka Miss Lou) was enjoying her work as a singer-songwriter until the pandemic struck, and brought into question her identity. Ironically, it was due to the pandemic that she discovered who she was, what she stood for in life, and why she began making music in the first place. Today, this jazz-pop singer produces music as an art form to empower others with hope and inspiration.

Opinion piece by Benjamin Wong, Co-Founder & CEO of Kinobi, a digital career accelerator that equips students with resources they need to land their dream jobs.  Benjamin is also currently the President of the SMUpreneurs Alumni Association.

Cai Yiqing (BBM 2007) is currently President of the SMU SINO Alumni Group (SINO), and pursuing his postgraduate degree at SMU in the Master of Science in Innovation (MI) programme. He recently moderated the webinar "The Rise of Chinese Companies in Southeast Asia: Impact and Opportunities" at the SMU Alumni Homecoming 2021, with a panel of speakers from various industries spanning the region. SMU CIRCLE caught up with him to find out more about his views on the future of China and Southeast Asia, and the opportunities that lie ahead for businesses and individuals.

Associate Dean Dorcas Quek Anderson and Mr Adrian Neo catch up with law alumni Russell Low and Ruth Teng, a married couple from the pioneer batch (LLB Class of 2011) whose paths first crossed in law school. They share their fond memories of student life and their journey in making meaningful impact in their respective spheres.

Mindanao in the southern Philippines is the most energy-poor region of the country. Almost a third of its inhabitants, equivalent to the entire population of Singapore, live without access to modern energy services, therefore limiting opportunities for education and economic upliftment. But things are turning up brighter for Mindanao these days, thanks to Greenergy Solar, a cleantech company co-founded by SMU alumna, Philline Donggay (MTSC 2017). 

How far would you go to pursue a hobby? What if this pursuit led you to an opportunity that could change the world and make a positive impact on others? Find out how Fengru’s avocation turned into a vocation that would provide millions around the world with access to sustainable and high-quality dairy products. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic hits all forms of travel equally hard, the tourism industry is undoubtedly one of the hardest hit as well. Bervyn chats up with Kevin Cheong (DBA 2019), a successful hospitality professional, about the need for a quick turnaround to keep the business going.He shares his 20+ years of experience in the field, the key shifts due to the pandemic, and his thoughts of the tourism outlook in Asia.