Embarking on a Master's degree is a transformative experience, whether you're a fresh graduate or heading back to school after years in the workforce. While the prospect is exciting, upskilling comes with its challenges. Time management, balancing commitments, and financial considerations often top the list of concerns among postgraduate students.
To help alleviate financial strain on its students, SMU offers a range of scholarship programmes designed to support them. These scholarships not only provide financial relief but also create invaluable networking opportunities, connecting recipients with alumni and fellow scholars – potential mentors and friends who share similar goals and interests.
An empowerment through financial aid
Sandra Salim, an alumna of the SMU Master of Science in Accounting – Data & Analytics (MSA) programme, has experienced firsthand the profound impact of SMU’s scholarship support. As a recipient of the prestigious Diana Koh Scholarship, Sandra's journey offers a glimpse into how these opportunities could shape one’s educational experience.
“The scholarship has given me the opportunity to connect with fellow awardees, who are among the most intelligent, ambitious, and kind-hearted individuals I’ve met,” Sandra said.
“I was particularly honoured to meet Ms Janet Lim, administrator of the estate of Ms Diana Koh. Her embodiment of Ms Koh’s legacy deeply motivates me to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.”
Named after the late accomplished accounting veteran and funded by her estate, the Diana Koh Scholarship aims to support and propel SMU students to excel in their postgraduate accounting programmes.
Sandra (second from left) at a dinner with Ms Janet Lim (second from right) and fellow scholars
Data as a catalyst
Currently an assistant manager of audit analytics at OCBC, Sandra’s decision to pursue a Master’s stems from her belief that data drives the future, and that understanding data is essential for success.
While completing her bachelor's degree in accounting at Universitas Prasetiya Mulya in Indonesia in 2021, Sandra participated in a summer course on data analytics offered by SMU. This experience ignited her passion for data, as she became fascinated by how raw information could be transformed into meaningful insights to drive informed decision-making.
“The high standards set by SMU graduates are well-recognised in the job market and highly sought after by employers,” mused Sandra.
“As a data analyst and engineer within the Group Audit team at OCBC, I have spent a rewarding year honing my technical skills in data extraction, transformation, and dashboarding.”
Data has also had a profound personal impact on Sandra’s life. She revealed that it played a crucial role in her decision to undergo a major spinal surgery in 2019. “I chose to put faith in the data – trusting that a better life was worth the risk and entrusted my life to the surgeons.”
Giving back to the community
Since graduating with her Master’s, Sandra has remained actively involved in the SMU community – inspired by Ms Koh’s legacy. This includes hosting the SMU School of Accountancy’s Graduation Dinner Party for the Class of 2024, alongside fellow alumnus Jerry Low.
Sandra (left) and co-host Jerry Low at SOA’s Graduation Dinner Party
“I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to give back to the programme while reconnecting with my classmates and professors,” she added.
In addition, she serves as the SMU Class of 2024 Alumni Representative for the MSA programme, striving to be a voice for her graduating class to foster a stronger sense of community among the SOA alumni. As a female scholar in the traditionally male-dominated field of data, Sandra hopes to inspire other women to pursue higher education and excel in similar fields.
She also encourages students to continue contributing to the SMU community, and create an inclusive environment that empowers future generations.
For prospective postgraduate students considering applying for scholarships, Sandra offered a key piece of advice: stay true to yourself.
“Reflect on your interests, goals, and motivations, and ensure that your application authentically represents who you are,” she elaborated.
“Scholarship applications are not just about academic achievements; they also signify your potential, passion, and fit for the programme. Being honest in your application helps portray your true self and align your aspirations with the scholarship’s values, increasing your chances of finding a scholarship that truly supports your journey.”
