2223T1 Seoul/Participant Information/DarylWong
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About Daryl
SMU email: darylwong.2020@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wongrenyidaryl/
Academic Year: Year 2 (2020 - 2024)
Degree: BSc Computer Science (Cybersecurity track), 2nd Major in Tech for Biz Solns (Digitalisation and Cloud Solutions)
Why Virtual TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?
I have recently been drawn into the world of entrepreneurship and startups, developing the mindset of always finding ways to create value for people using technology as a means. This was boosted by my internship experience in the fast-paced, impact-driven startup of Vulcan-AI, where I joined a team to develop an ML-aided app for ensuring the safety of workers aboard maritime vessels. I was heavily involved in all aspects of the project, from listening in on client meetings, formulating requirements and the actual development cycle. Through every step of the way, I took up many tasks ranging from developing backend APIs and frontend UI screens on web app to the wearable watch app in Android, which was a technology I picked up along the way. All this was rewarded by the end of the 5-month journey where I got to see our product being used on an actual vessel. From there, I realised how exciting and rewarding the tech startup environment is, which makes me extremely keen on exploring it further and fuelling my new found passion. TSM is an opportunity for me to gain exposure that would be exceedingly beneficial towards my goals of founding a startup. I believe I would learn a lot by observing first-hand how different companies operate and draw my own insights by engaging with the people from a different culture and society.
- Where would you like to visit?
Overall, the city of Seoul in South Korea is home to many interesting startups and I would love to gain a deeper look into how they are run from the inside. I am interested in two startups, Redbrick and Codeit which are both education based startups focusing on making software education more accessible to larger audiences. Sharing knowledge is something that I love to do as well and I am keen on seeing where I can apply any lessons learnt to our home context of Singapore. Besides that, there are many other companies such as Kakao that have seen significant growth and it would definitely be a great learning opportunity to interact with these companies.
As a side note, I am a big fan of the food, culture and scenery that South Korea has to offer, which makes this opportunity all the more appealing.
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
I am interested in two types of businesses, one being focused on education and sharing knowledge and another being focused on anything that can be used to improve people's lives. Firstly, creating value by sharing knowledge is something that I personally identify with, having participated in many mentorship roles, including a mentor role in Ellipsis' Coders' Assembly, where I joined a group of 4 Computer Science juniors and advised them on good coding principles and also a volunteer teaching role in CodeIT Academy, teaching basic python programming and computer science fundamentals to underprivileged youths. During these stints I noticed that having something useful to add is unique to everyone, and everyone can generate some value for another person by sharing their personal experiences and little tidbits of wisdom. I am interested in connecting these people and improving the accessibility and flow of knowledge.
Secondly, creating value by improving people's lives is another concept that excites me. There already exists countless software solutions to problems that have greatly improved the lives of people all around the world. At the same time, there still exist countless problems that are just waiting to be effectively addressed and software solutions could be the solution. As I gain more experience and learn new things, I am constantly on the look out for areas that certain processes and methodologies could be improved, even slightly, which could contribute to a better world to live in.
- What plans do you have in starting a business?
It is my dream to start my own business using technology, in the sectors that I have described above. I understand that the process will not be easy but I plan to start as soon as possible. I believing in the “Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward” mantra, quoted from John C. Maxwell. Despite the slim chance of success, I hope to be successful one day and it is only through learning and gaining experience would that be possible. I believe the TSM programme could provide me with extra knowledge that would help me in my journey.
Past Experiences (optional)
Internships:
- OCBC Bank - (Incoming) Software Engineer Intern - May '22 - Aug '22
- Vulcan-AI - Full Stack Intern: Dec '21 - Apr '22
- NTT Data - Test Engineer Intern: May '21 - Aug '21
CCA and Other Activities:
- Google Developers Student Club - Events Director: Aug '21 - Present
- CodeIT Academy - Volunteer Python Tutor: Nov '21 - Dec '21
- Ellipsis Coders' Assembly - Mentor: Aug '21 - Nov '21
Academic Honours:
- Singapore Management University Merit Scholarship Award
- Dean's List AY2020/21
What keeps you ticking?
Striving to live a wholesome life and enjoying the journey as much as possible.
