1920T2 NewYorkCity/Participant Information/Sim Cher Boon

Sim Cher Boon

SMU email: cherboonsim.2017@sis.smu.edu.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherboon.sim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simcherboon/
Personal Site: https://nullsession.pw/
Academic Year: 3
Degree: Information Systems (Major: Cybersecurity)
2nd Major: Software Development
One random fact: I own 7 Taylor Swift vinyl albums

Why TSM New York City?

• What motivates you to join TSM?

I have always been intrigued by the ever-evolving tech industry, and I firmly believe that this TSM trip to New York City will allow me to explore the yet to discovered experiences. Such experience will benefit my learning objectives and enhances my expectations for school projects as I would have been exposed to more types of innovations. I am also keen on using this experience to share with my peers as I regularly conduct workshops for my peers in SMU under the SMU Whitehats Society. This TSM would also allow me to discover technology trends and the direction in which the industry is heading, allowing me to stay relevant in the industry.

• Why pick New York City?

With New York City being the home of many big corporations, it is like being at the heart of technological innovation competition. Companies in the different domains of IT such as Cloud, Cybersecurity, Cloud On-Demand Service Providers, Healthcare Services, Media, and ISPs to name a few. Furthermore, New York City is known for the collection of Financial Institutes and banks. Combining tech companies and finance, we get a unique mix of being the service provider, or the service innovator. Many have heard of the "tech capital" at Silicon Valley. However, the difference between Silicon Valley and New York City is that New York City allows startups or companies to access venture capital firms easily, and it is also one of the reasons why New York City is home to many technology start ups. Therefore, the competition to see "who can create a better service" or "who creates better innovation" is very high, resulting in high-quality companies starting in new York City.

Starting a business

• What types of business interest you?

Cybersecurity. In today's ever growing and evolving cyber threats, more professionals are needed to fill the gap for the lack of skills required to ensure companies are resilient against a cyber attack which could lead to a major data breach. I believe that with such skillset, it is also a way to help society as it protects our digital society and creates safer cyberspace for everyone.

• What plan do you have in starting a business?

I am always seeking the "what's next" in cybersecurity. Many types of service providers and companies have surfaced recently providing a wide array of services. However, the constant question remains, "are they just hyped services, or is there a staple where everyone needs in the long run?". With this TSM trip, I will be able to see what the industry is heading towards, and therefore I can make my own judgment when deciding on the business plan. It is also important for me to seek internships, and to seek management styles at companies visited. This will also help me gain exposure and stay relevant and competitive when I enter the workforce or start a business.

Past Experiences (optional)

• Internship
  • Red Team Intern @ GovTech (May 2019 - July 2019)

• Bug Bounty Participation
  • MINDEF Bug Bounty (Oct 2019)
  • Government Bug Bounty (July 2019)

• Competitions
  • Red Alert CTF @ DEFCON 27 Las Vegas Competition 1st Place (Aug 2019)
  • Cyber Investigators' Challenge @ RSA Singapore Conference 2019 1st Place (July 2019)
  • Cyber Defender Discovery Camp Finalist (June 2019)
  • HackNTU CTF 2019 1st Runner Up (June 2019)
  • EY Asia Pacific Cybersecurity Contest 1st Runner Up (Feb 2019)
  • Cyber Sea Game 2018 4th Place (Nov 2018)
  • Cyber Defender Discovery Camp 2018 Best Defender (June 2018)
  • Junior Defender Camp 2017 1st Place (Dec 2017)
  • Cyber Sea Game 2017 1st Runner Up (Nov 2017)

• Leadership
  • Vice-President - SMU Whitehats (2019)
  • Honourary General Secretary - Ellipsis (2019)
  • Lead Organizer - Whitehacks@SG (2019)
  • Operations Executive - Ellipsis (2018)
  • Lead Trainer - Whitehats@SG (2018)

What keeps you ticking?

Always seeking a challenge to overcome and discover what has yet to be discovered. In the process, help those who are not as fast, and use my skills to good use by helping those in need.