2324T1 Tokyo/Participant Information/Theron Tham Tzi Tjenn
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About Yourself
SMU email: theron.tham.2021@socsc.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theron-tham//
Academic Year: Year 3 (2023)
Degree: BSocSc: Politics, Law, Economics & BSc: Information Systems (Smart City Management & Technology)
Why Virtual TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?
My main goal is to broaden my horizon and further my understanding of startup development. My past experiences working in tech policy and startup development, with an internship focusing on tech policy research at the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore and a stint with the Global Innovation Alliance team focusing on bringing Singaporean technology startups into the Indian and European market at Enterprise Singapore, have helped me develop a fundamental understanding of the challenges of technopreneurship in a Singaporean setting, and want to further my understanding of how different countries' cultures influence the ideas and thoughts of their entrepreneurs through TSM. Last, I would like the chance to use my language skills in professional settings - my previous stint at a Chinese startup firm helped me develop my Chinese skills and understanding of Chinese culture significantly, and I would like the opportunity to use my Japanese proficiency (JLPT N2 by the trip)in professional interactions though the TSM.
- Where would you like to visit?
Some of the places would be the unicorns like PlayCo, Preferred Networks. Additionally, I would like to visit university incubators, such as the University of Tokyo's Entrepreneur plaza. The chance to interact with startup founders of seniority and of a similar age would be extremely beneficial to my learning. At the same time, I would like to visit places on the outskirts, such as Nikko or Yokohama that offers me a chance to interact more with the local scene.
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
Startups focusing on smart city solutioning, such as enhancing cyber-physical systems or optimisation of built environments.
- What plans do you have in starting a business?
Consultancy-as-a-Service offering to enable SMEs to effectively manage a complex political, legal and economic landscape to develop tech solutions for their businesses effectively.
Past Experiences (optional)
Internships:
- Enterprise Singapore: Global Innovation Network Intern May '23 - Aug '23
- DayDayUp Tech Accelerator: Innovation Programme Intern Oct '22 - Feb '23
- Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore: Intern, BizTech Group May '22 - July '22
