2122T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/Justin KAN Yong Zheng
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About Justin KAN
SMU email: justin.kan.2019@smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: LinkedIn
Academic Year: 2019
Degree: BSc Information Systems (Smart-City Management and Technology)
Why Virtual TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left me yearning for the great outdoors and freedom beyond the borders of our nation. No doubt Singapore has given me the best opportunity to play, learn, and grow to be who I am today. Now that I have grown up, I believe that it is an opportunity to give back to the place I call home. Through the study mission I believe that there will be numerous eye opening experiences and life changing moments that will broaden my perspective on life. I am a firm believer in being on the ground, and I would like to get a better idea of what life is like outside our nation.
SF has always worked well when it comes to startups and I am curious to find out why it is so. Could it be that we have overlooked what we once thought were minute details? If so, this truly is an opportunity to learn more about how they do things from a first-hand experience, and I believe that through the TSM it gives us better insight for shaping Singapore to have the same trajectory SF has in terms of its startup success.
- Where would you like to visit virtually?
I would love to visit Silicon Valley, Tokyo, and Norway.
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
Businesses that focus on sustainability and clean energy. It’s not easy producing what consumers want, but it’s even harder producing what they want while still being socially responsible. I believe doing well and doing good can go hand in hand, and businesses shouldn’t have to sacrifice the environment for the sake of their survival.
- What plan do you have in starting a business?
The current business plan is to open an ice cream push cart shop akin to the ones we see at the roadside or along the pavement. It will be selling old man ice cream and have a friendly and warm atmosphere to promote the concept of sustainability and clean energy.
In the day, solar panels will absorb the sunlight and will be used to light up the store at night. Rainwater will also be collected and treated to be reused as ice to ensure that the ice cream remains frozen. Finally, the store will not make use of any plastic. Instead, biodegradable materials will be used, and the cups and spoons will also be edible, eliminating any waste created. These are the preliminary blueprints of the business.
I cannot reveal too much information as I am afraid this will be a violation of intellectual property rights. I wouldn’t want to make it too easy for the competition and I would definitely want to keep my competitive advantage.
Past Experiences (optional)
Work:
- Data Science Intern at Deloitte (May 2021 - Jul 2021)
Volunteer work:
- Care Corner Active Aging Hub @ Toa Payoh West (Jan 2021 - Apr 2021)
