“Organisations today don’t look for accounting professionals with just strong accounting skills, but rather those with complimentary software skills, and the ability to translate numbers into business strategy. With this in mind, I searched for a postgraduate program that could fortify my existing skills and work experience, and the MSA is a unique program of its kind in Singapore offered by a reputable institution that does just that. I hope to be a future relevant commercial finance professional, acting as a business partner to bridge the gap between IT and business personnel, and aid in business decision making.”
How has your SMU scholarship benefitted you so far?
I think most people my age are at the point of their first big financial commitments e.g. owning a home/starting a family. So in that regard, the scholarship really helped me feel less hindered in financing these bread-and-butter wants and needs at this juncture of my life. The scholarship is also an indicator of academic and industry excellence and potential, recognised by a reputable institution and this will be useful for future job opportunities that may come by.
What are your favourite MSA experiences thus far?
I lucked out being part of a cohort where everyone is friendly and eager to help one another out. We have had a few events organised by the SMU Masters Ambassador Committee which I am a part of, where we organised barbecues, networking events, and celebrations during festive seasons like the Lunar New Year. Everyone got the chance to unwind and get to know one another on a personal level outside of an academic setting. I enjoyed these events thoroughly.
How has SMU’s city location enriched your university experience?
Convenience is a BIG factor especially with work or internship commitments, and SMU just happens to be speck in the middle of town. On top of that, the countless number of eateries and leisure spots right at our fingertips has allowed for meals or even a night out after class with some of my batch mates with ease.
A fun fact about SMU!
SMU’s pedagogy was modelled after the Wharton school i.e. the business school of the University of Pennsylvania, which is one of, if not the top business school in the world !
