2324T1 Tokyo/Participant Information/Nicholas Tan
About Yourself
SMU email: zrtan.2021@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholastanzr/
Academic Year: Year 2 (AY2021/2022)
Degree: BSc Information Systems (Dual-Track - Digitalisation and Cloud Solutions & FinTech), Second Major in Digital Business
Why Virtual TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?
I first heard about TSM last semester when the faculty sent an email out for AY2022/2023 Term 1's TSM to San Francisco. I was extremely interested in the idea of attending an international business study mission because it would allow me the opportunity to meet other like-minded business founders, and access the deep wealth of knowledge and experiences that these individuals possess. I am also very keen on joining this module is not like other IS modules as it promotes the development of soft skills through its learning objectives, and provides students a special opportunity to expand their network beyond just Singapore business and start-up culture. There are a few companies in Japan that I would particularly love to visit and I believe this TSM is the perfect avenue to achieve that wish. Additionally, I think it would be fun to work together in a team to plan a itinerary for the TSM that caters to everyone's needs, and diversifies the industries/companies that we visit together!
- Where would you like to visit?
Tokyo (Companies):
- Cover Corp - https://cover-corp.com/en - Media
- AnyColor Inc - https://www.anycolor.co.jp - Media
- Bandai Namco - https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/ - Media/Games
- CloverWorks - https://en.cloverworks.co.jp/ - Media/Animation
- Sony - https://www.sony.co.jp/ - Consumer Electronics
- Cluster - https://cluster.mu/en/ - Games/Events/Virtual Worlds (Metaverse)
- Mercari - https://jp.mercari.com/ - Online Marketplace
- Parallel - https://www.parallelcorp.com/ - Social Media Service
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
There is no specific industry that I am targeting right now, but I specified companies from the media/gaming industry in Japan as these are the companies creating content that I am particularly interested in, especially in the case of Cover Corp/AnyColor which are the key players in the upcoming VTuber space that is gaining traction globally. This is especially relevant considering Japan's position as a media and culture powerhouse globally in the past few decades.
- What plans do you have in starting a business?
I eventually aim to start/co-found a business in the future. Right now, together with a couple of friends from JC, we are currently working on our new startup, Kobae. We are currently in the market research/prototype planning phase, with plans to start building our prototype later this year.
If I am able to attend the TSM, I hope the conversations I have and the knowledge I receive will help better guide the process of developing this startup, as well as any future ones that may come about.
Past Experiences (optional)
Startup:
- Kobae - Role: Co-founder/Technical Lead
Currently in the planning/prototyping stage - social networking application.
Internships:
- Pints - Role: Software Development Intern - Years May '22 - Aug '22
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/pints-app/) Finance and Trading Application, blended with financial education and community features.
- Singapore Heavy Engineering - Role: Product Development Intern - Years Jan '21 - Jul '21
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/singapore-heavy-engineering/) Engineering, Sciences and Tech - Worked on prototyping, code development and some 3D printing.
CCA:
- SMU Japanese Cultural Club - Member
- SMU Golf - Member
- SMU FinTech Club - Member
Academic Achievements and Others
- Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme
- Dean's List AY2021-22
- Ellipsis x Heicoders Python Workshop 2022 - TA
- Coders Assembly AY2022-2023 Term 1 - Mentor
