Yeo York Yong
Master of IT in Business (Analytics)
January 2023 Intake
Change is never easy, but sometimes, there is an undeniable pull towards a new direction. After seven years at Decathlon Singapore—where I worked my way up from Finance Business Partner to CFO—I had built a fulfilling career in financial leadership. Yet, something kept gnawing at me. I found myself increasingly drawn to data and AI, not just tools for decision-making but as forces reshaping entire industries. I didn’t want to just observe this transformation—I wanted to be part of it.
That realisation led me to take a leap of faith. I left the structured world of corporate finance to dive headfirst into the world of artificial intelligence and data analytics. Today, I am an AI Apprentice at AI Singapore, where I am deeply involved in AI and machine learning projects, and an SMU Master of IT in Business (MITB) student, specialising in Analytics.
As an SMU alumnus from the Class of 2014, with a Bachelor’s in Accountancy and Finance, I knew firsthand that SMU’s learning approach was rigorous, practical, and deeply connected to industry needs. However, returning as an MITB student meant stepping out of my comfort zone—one where I wasn’t just analyzing financial statements but building machine learning models, and where I wasn’t just forecasting revenue but predicting trends with AI.
One of my more memorable experiences in MITB was collaborating on the "Football Player Value Prediction" project for the CS611 Machine Learning Engineering course. Using AWS SageMaker, my team built a robust machine-learning pipeline capable of delivering precise predictions for real business scenarios. It wasn’t easy - hours of debugging and refining pushed us to our limits – but the hands-on experience was incredibly rewarding, sharpening our technical skills and deepened our understanding of machine learning.
At AI Singapore, I’ve put my MITB learning into action, applying techniques from courses such as "Applied Machine Learning" and "Operations Analytics" to real-world challenges. One notable example is a time-series demand forecasting project, where I synthesized knowledge and skills from these courses to develop a practical solution. MITB equipped me with a strong ability to translate theoretical knowledge into impactful solutions, empowering me to address complex AI and analytics challenges with confidence.
The faculty has played a key role in my learning experience. Prof. Michelle Cheong (Operations Analytics) is remarkable for her ability to blend practical insights with industry-relevant teaching methods. Likewise, Prof. Kyriakos (Data Management) significantly enhanced my understanding of SQL and data management best practices, knowledge that I have effectively applied in both academic and professional settings.
Amidst the intensity of the programme, I sometimes go to Campus Green, which is one of my favourite spots in on campus for a respite. In the heart of SMU’s vibrant city campus, it is a place where I can take a breather, have a peaceful walk and immerse myself in the lush greenery.
The future is bright for MITB graduates as industries increasingly adopt AI, data analytics, and digital transformation strategies. MITB graduates are well-positioned to lead in roles spanning data science, AI development, and business intelligence.
My advice for incoming students is to embrace the journey with an open mind and a curious spirit. The programme is demanding but immensely rewarding. Engage deeply with your peers and professors, leverage SMU’s resources, and don’t shy away from exploring real-world applications of what you learn. In today’s fast-paced world, where technology evolves rapidly, it’s crucial to stay curious, continuously learn, and adapt by re-learning to stay ahead. The skills you gain will set you apart in today’s competitive job market.
