2021T2 VirtualTSM/Participant Information/Ong Jun Wen Brendan
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About Brendan
SMU email: brendan.ong.2017@sis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: Brendan Ong
Academic Year: 4
Degree: Bachelor in Information Systems, Business Analytics
2nd Major: None
Why Virtual TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?
TSM excites me as it is an area and experience that is new to me. TSM presents itself as a challenging yet fulfilling opportunity for me to explore an area outside of my comfort zone. As a final year student at SMU, it is interesting to see how the rigorous curriculum I have gone through in SIS that is geared towards equipping us with the necessary technological expertise and business acumen can be applied or leveraged on in the context of a TSM.
- Where would you like to visit virtually?
I am of the opinion that any exposure (international or not) is a great bonus in its own rights in exposing me to the world of Technopreneurship! If I were to pick then it will probably be any of the Silicon Valley companies!
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
I love businesses that leverage on technology to make the everyday lives of consumers better, even by just that little bit. Being a sports person, I have first-hand experience on how athletes can use technology to gain a competitive edge over their competitors and hence this motivates me to brainstorm for business ideas along this route.
- What plan do you have in starting a business?
I am currently exploring the idea of opening a highly advanced gym that is able to cater to the needs of various types and levels of athletes. The gym should be highly interconnected whilst providing a customised experience for every athlete. Every athlete will have access to virtual experiences / programs whilst on their individual fitness routines to provide an added depth to their workouts. Every athlete will also have a custom training session plan and the gym will be able to accommodate to equipment and resource requirements of all its users.
I drew this inspiration based on the current sphere of virtual, real-time training programs that immerses athletes into an interconnected virtual world where they are able to, for example, "run" or "cycle" alongside their peers from all over the world. Such companies include Zwift and Rouvy, the aforementioned companies have a key focus on "Training with friends, in the comfort of your own home" and have a large international presence, with their relevance becoming even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic that we are currently in.
Hence, it will be interesting how we can take this virtual concept a step further and integrate it into a physical-hybrid approach in real time.
Past Experiences
Group IT Change Management Intern at Singtel
Business Intelligence Intern at DFS Group
Assistant Instructor at Techcove Academy
What keeps you ticking?
Ensuring that I chase my goals and stay true to myself!
