2122T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/Ernest KHOO Khim Boon
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Contents
About Ernest Khoo
SMU email: ernest.khoo.2018@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: LinkedIn
Academic Year: 2018
Degree: Information Systems (Business Analytics)
Why Virtual TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?.
Being a person who loves to explore new ideas and learn about diverse perspectives and cultures, I believe TSM is the ideal platform for me to grow as both an entrepreneur and an engineer. Furthermore, I believe in the notion of experiential learning where the most learning is conceived by engaging and reflecting on the experience itself. Through this TSM, I am interested to learn more about how entrepreneurs start their own venture and have a better understanding on what it takes to build my own start-up.
- Where would you like to visit virtually?
I would like to visit Silicon Valley, Tokyo & Shanghai
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
In a general sense, I am extremely interested in businesses that use technology for social good. These types of businesses can range from helping other businesses to better manage surplus food to connecting the underprivileged to the right people. In our digital age, we constantly see inequalities in many aspects of our lives, the solutions to these problems could sometimes be right at our fingertips. One particular business and initiative that resonated well with my interests was Hawker Heroes. (https://hawkerheroes.sg/) With the disruption caused by the ongoing pandemic, it was extremely heartening to see people coming together made only possible by technology to keep our hawkers afloat. To me, a business should always leave a meaningful impact.
- What plan do you have in starting a business?
In the early years of my career, I plan to work and gain as much exposure and technical knowledge as I can before diving into my own business. Some of my current plans would revolve around:
- Helping businesses to ramp up digitally (In view of how technology is necessary to survive in the digital age - Movement to Cloud, Tech Consulting)
- Creation of a digital platform for the silver generation to better stay connected and engaged in society (In view of how Singapore currently lacks digital platforms that can cater to the needs of the elderly)
- Creation of a digital platform for people to pick up knowledge and learn any skill on the fly (In view of how the pandemic can put a stop to many of our plans, the access to learning, however, should continue to remain accessible)
Past Experiences (optional)
Work Experiences:
- Full-Stack Software Developer Intern - Investment Insights Group, GIC (Present)
- Summer Analyst (Software Engineering), Goldman Sachs (May 2021 - July 2021)
- Summer Analyst (Software Engineering), Goldman Sachs (June 2020 - June 2020)
Projects:
- Retail Price Prediction & Price elasticity demand of analysis with Shopee (2021)
- SIA App Challenge (2020)
Co-curricular activities:
- President, SCIS Ace Executive Committee (2021)
- Council Member, SMUSA (2020)
- President, SMU Ellipsis (2020)
- President, Metamorphosis Camp (2019)
- Public Relations Executive, SMU Ellipsis (2019)
Awards:
- Synpulse Outstanding All Rounder Award (SOAR) (2021)
- SMU Excellence in Student Life Bronze Award (Individual - Student Leadership), 2021 University Student Life Awards
What keeps you ticking?
Taking inspiration from Lao Tzu. “Life matters because we exist within and among living beings, as part of an enduring and incomprehensible chain of existence. Sometimes life is brutal, he writes, but meaning is derived from perseverance.” I believe that the one who persists through the hard times is a person of purpose.
