2223T1 Seoul/Participant Information/Ian Koh
| HOME | | COURSE | | ITINERARY | | ROLE | | TEAM | | ORGANIZATION | | REFLECTION |
About Ian
SMU email: ian.koh.2019@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-koh-a555811a2/
Academic Year: Year 3 (2019)
Degree: BSc Information Systems (Major in Digital Cloud Solutioning & Business Analytics)
Why Virtual TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?
The opportunity to learn and witness the successes of businesses in Korea is one that I want to sieze. Seoul is ranked as the world's "Leading Digital City" and a "Tech Capital of the world" and I am thrilled to gain first hand exposure on how businesses thrive in that technology centered environment. Furthermore, I am excited to form valuable friendships on this trip with like-minded individuals and to be able to exchange ideas and learn from one another in our journey of entrepreneurship. My seniors who have been on the previous TSM programs also highly recommended this program and I believe this opportunity will allow me to grow as an individual, not just in business acumen but in broad knowledge of technology as well.
- Where would you like to visit?
Seoul:
- Samsung Town - Samsung HQ
- SK HYNIX
- Coupang
- Seoul National University of Science and Technology
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
I am interested in businesses that is passionate about improving the well being of society with technology. An example would be Singapore's startup, Carousell which leverages on a mobile application to promote re-selling and recycling, promoting sustainability in today's world. I am drawn to business which are driven by "Technology push" instead of "Market Pull". Businesses that seek to constantly innovate with new technologies to disrupt the industry are ones that truly make a difference. Personally, what piques my interest is how A.I is used to improve the well being of society today.
- What plans do you have in starting a business?
I am always looking for pain points and trends in society I can leverage on to start my own business and make a difference. For my start-up, I plan to develop a mobile application that streamlines the process of hiring of domestic helpers in Singapore. The inspiration behind this idea is because I have identified that the hiring process today is still largely paper-based. However, more than just increasing convenience for both agencies and employers, my business will focus strongly on ensuring the welfare of domestic helpers. As of today, there is no system put in place to ensure that domestic workers are being paid on time and treated fairly. With the rise of domestic helper abuse cases, I want to create a platform where domestic helpers have a voice. I am currently in the midst of working on my prototype application as well as firming up the business model.
Past Experiences (optional)
Internships:
- Amazon Web Services, Solutions Architect Intern (Jan 2022 - Jul 2022)
- GovTech, Cloud Solutions Engineer Intern (May 2021 - Jul 2021)
- ZenRooms, Web Developer Intern (May 2020 - Jul 2020)
Working:
- SMU Teaching Assistant, Analytics Foundation (Jan 2021 - May 2021)
- Part-time Python Coding tutor (Jun 2021 - Present)
CCA:
- SMU Conjunct Consulting (Aug 2020 - Dec 2020)
- Project Khuaam Programmes Director (Aug 2020 - June 2020)
- Project Khuaam Programmes Deputy (Aug 2019 - Dec 2019)
- SMU VOIX (Aug 2019 - Nov 2021)
