Featuring Ryan Guo Yu Sheng, MSA Student (Part-time), Postgraduate Professional Programme – ASEAN Scholarship Recipient, and Manager of Global Operating Certificates at Visa Singapore
A finance professional with over 10 years of experience under his belt, Ryan decided to pursue the Master of Science in Accounting with specialisation in Data & Analytics (MSA) to acquire new skills to further his career and expertise in financial data. Last year, the tech-savvy SMU Accountancy graduate with a passion for technology and community work received the SMU Postgraduate Professional Programme – ASEAN Scholarship to complete his Master’s degree at SMU.
In this article, the proud father of 3 young children shares how he rises above challenges to juggle work, life and family and manages to have it all.
What inspired you to pursue the MSA programme?
I have always been a tech-savvy Accountancy graduate, and most of the process and data technology applied in my work was self-taught and unstructured. After completing a specialist diploma in Business Analytics in 2017, I was looking to further my knowledge and build on the basics learnt in that course.
There were a number of analytics-focused postgraduate degrees already on the market but none of them catered to my particular interest - application of data technology to finance. With the MSA programme being run by the School of Accountancy and the pedagogical approach focused not on creating data scientists but more on data-adept Finance professionals, this is a course tailor-made for me.
Professionally, an understanding of data analysis and usage of automation/robotics have become essential to the modern Finance function and this is part of my effort in future-proofing my own career. Having been a technically-savvy finance professional for most of my career, there is an increasing focus on the application of technology to Finance processes. Simply relying on our IT colleagues to fill us in on technical developments is a thing of the past. A new set of skills is required and having conversed with Professor Wang Jiwei [the MSA programme director], I felt that the MSA programme could provide me with these skills.
How do you feel about receiving the Scholarship and how will impact your life and studies?
I am grateful to the school for awarding me the coveted SMU ASEAN Scholarship. The Scholarship was a recognition of my desire to improve both myself and my commitment to contribute to the class’ learning. I took on the mantle to lead, having volunteered as the President of the Class Committee to represent the voice of our classmates. Being a scholar and the pioneer cohort of the MSA programme, there is added impetus for me to learn and spearhead the use of my acquired skills at work.
What makes your SMU Experience rewarding?
SMU has always been a place close to my heart, with inspiring educators and a highly progressive academic structure. I have benefited much from the academic rigour and project-based learning approach, with the MSA program being as academically demanding (if not more so) compared to my undergraduate days.
The MSA class has a good mix of young and experienced students, and being the President of the Class Committee, I have learnt much from the classmates about various industries and perspectives that they bring. I have also enjoyed mentoring the younger members of my class committee in both their professional development as well as organising events for the class. In the past 8 months, I spearheaded the Escape Room Teambuilding, BBQ Gatherings with professors and GIC Industry Talk, to promote thought leadership as well as the forging of bonds amongst the classmates.
Also, I find it rewarding to give back in my capacity to my alma mater (twice over) and pursue my career goals at the same time.
How do you manage to juggle work, family and school?
As a part-timer, juggling between a full day of work and then school from 7pm to 10.30pm is tough. I am thankful for supportive bosses with the foresight to invest for the future. Studying hard and consistently keeping up with schoolwork is key to doing well. Having an interesting professor and subject matter is a bonus, as always.
As for family life, I do miss putting my 3 kids to bed on those days with lessons. I am also sure that with the progression of the term, more and more time has to be spent studying. I am thus thankful that I have the support of my wife and family. I make it a point to spend more time on the weekends with my family and children whilst setting aside some time preparing for the week ahead.
How do you plan to add value to your work with Data & Analytics?
As Data Analytics in Finance is a relatively undeveloped sector, I am seeking to apply concepts learnt during the programme to different aspects of Finance.
In doing so, it is also critical to bring about fresh ideas to management and conceptually identify areas in Finance that may be suitable for an increased used of data science and automation. With adequate management support, I can then focus on designing and deploying data-centric tools for use across relevant scopes.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to be leading a team of business analysts in the area of data analytics in finance. With the increasing use of MIS and ERP systems across corporations and an increasingly sophisticated user base, there should be a sharp increase in the need for individuals with both Finance and Data skills.
SMU Accounting Masters Scholarship is Open for Application!
SMU Accounting Masters offer scholarships to recognise outstanding students who have achieved outstanding academic results and have displayed excellent leadership qualities. They would also have the passion and drive to contribute to the accounting and financial industry.
MSA and MPA applicants can apply for the following scholarships:
• SMU Postgraduate Professional Programme – ASEAN Scholarship: 6 scholarships up to $10,000 SGD each
• Citizens of ASEAN countries (including Singaporeans & PR)
Find out more about MSA at our complimentary master class. Register here: https://eventregistration.smu.edu.sg/d/x6qzyl/
