2324T1 Tokyo/Participant Information/Gerald Ding
Gerald Ding
SMU email: Gerald.ding.2021@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-ding/
Academic Year: Year 2 (AY22/23)
Degree: BSc Information Systems (Major in Digitalisation and Cloud Solutions & Business Analytics)
Why Virtual TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?
I have heard about TSM from my seniors and from Professor Ben Gan himself. In IDP, Prof Ben brought us through all the necessary steps when we were ideating on our projects, and all the work behind it has left me with a new found respect for all entrepreneurs. Being an SMU Ambassador, I often bring our guests to tour the Greenhouse. I really feel that it is one of the most special things we have here at the university, and I am inspired to want to be a part of it myself one day.
- Where would you like to visit?
Tokyo: Suntory distillery, Ghibli, Nintendo, Daikin, Softbank, Sony, Toyota
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
I am particularly interested in disruptors. As a student studying in IS, I believe that there is still so much more value technology can bring to companies in every field. Everyday, there are new technologies being unveiled, and so the question becomes if their competitors can keep up with them. A simple example is how with the unveil of ChatGPT, other companies like plagiarism have to evolve themselves in order to stay relevant as well. This mutual spur between companies to continuously push boundaries is what excites me.
- What plans do you have in starting a business?
As mentioned, I would hope to be part of a start up in the future, but as of now I am still exploring the space and learning from those who have already stepped foot into the field. There is so much to learn from them, such as spotting the demands that have not been addressed, and the processes of trying to reach their target audience. By gaining experience of my own, I hope to become a successful entrepreneur myself one day.
Past Experiences (optional)
Startup (experiences working with them):
- Aloha experiences - a company founded to bring sustainable experiences to corporate clients. I helped with the development of their website and even the ideation of bringing in the Sustainable Development Goals in more tightly with whatever they were already currently doing.
Internships:
- Aloha Experiences – Software Developer Intern (Feb 23 – Apr 23)
- Algo Foundry – Algo Developer Intern (May 23 – Jul 23)
CCA:
- SMU Ambassadorial Corps – EXCO: Jan 23 – Present
- SMU Muay Thai – Member: Aug 21 – Present (EXCO from Jan 22 – Dec 22)
- SMU CRU – Member: Aug 21 – Present
