2324T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/Aces Low
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About Me 🦹🏻♀️
SMU email: aces.low.2020@socsc.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aces-low/
Academic Year: Year 4 (2020)
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration & Bachelor of Social Sciences, Politics, Law & Economics
Why TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?
My motivation to join TSM stems from the course’s unparalleled opportunity for me to immerse myself in the epicenter of innovation, Silicon Valley, where cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial spirit converge to shape the future. As an aspiring product manager, I am deeply passionate about the intersection of user experience, technology, and entrepreneurship.
My excitment stems from my eagerness to bridge the gap between user needs and complex technical solutions. I find immense reward in the challenge of creating exceptional products that not only meet user expectations but also push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. Silicon Valley, renowned for its trailblazing startups and disruptive innovations, is the perfect environment for me to learn from the best in the field and understand the intricate processes involved in transforming ideas into successful products.
Moreover, my career aspirations have evolved towards entrepreneurship, driven by my fascination with the process of creation. I am captivated by the idea of bringing innovative ideas to life, and Silicon Valley with its vibrant startup culture and access to venture capital, offers a unique ecosystem that fosters creativity, risk-taking, and transformative thinking.
The prospect of networking with industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and other students with similar passions is something I look forward to . I am eager to engage in insightful discussions, get first hand advice from experienced professionals, and potentially even get to exchange ideas and brainstorm. These interactions will not only enrich my knowledge but also broaden my perspective on the limitless possibilities within the realm of technopreneurship.
- Where would you like to visit?
Silicon Valley: OpenAI, Google, Apple, Visa, Meta, Netflix, Amazon, Airbnb, Adobe
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
The type of business that deeply interests me falls within the realm of product-led growth companies. I am particularly fascinated by businesses whose core competence lies in their product proposition, where the quality, usability, and innovation of the product drive customer acquisition, engagement, and retention. Specifically, I am drawn to ventures that focus on solving real-world problems faced by individuals and businesses.
In the consumer space, I admire companies like Notion, which revolutionised note organisation and collaboration, simplifying a fundamental aspect of our daily lives. In the business domain, companies like Datadog, Salesforce, and Zapier have demonstrated how leveraging technology to address complex issues such as data analytics and business processes can transform operations and decision-making. These businesses have excelled not just due to their technical prowess, but also their keen understanding of genuine user pain points, leading to solutions that are intuitive and impactful.
- What plans do you have in starting a business?
My aspiration to start my own business is driven by a desire to create a tangible, positive impact on society by solving prevalent issues. Coming from a non-technical background, I recognise the importance of gaining diverse experiences and insights to inform my future entrepreneurial endeavours. In the initial years of my career, I plan to immerse myself in the world of product management, honing my skills in understanding user needs and translating them into exceptional products.
During this period, I intend to actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams, allowing me to understand diverse perspectives crucial for entrepreneurship. I hope to be able to ideate extensively, exploring various business concepts and possibilities. These years will serve as my incubation period, allowing me to identify the specific problems I am most passionate about solving.
Additionally, I plan to leverage my experiences and insights to network with professionals and mentors in the startup ecosystem. Learning from their successes and failures will be invaluable in shaping my entrepreneurial journey. Moreover, I am keen on continuous learning, intending to acquire technical knowledge through courses and workshops, bridging the gap between my non-technical background and the tech-driven entrepreneurial landscape.
In the long term, armed with a profound understanding of user needs, a robust product mindset, and technical acumen, I hope to launch a business that delivers a solution and value to solve a problem faced by many. I envision my venture not just as a profit-making entity, but as a force for positive change, addressing societal challenges and enhancing lives through innovative, user-centred products and services.
Past Experiences (optional)
Internships:
- ShopBack, Product Manager Intern (Financial Services) Aug 2023 - Present
- GovTech, Product Manager Intern (Digital Workplace) May 2023 - Jul 2023
- Lexagle, Product Manager Intern (LegalTech) Aug 2022 - Apr 2023
- Deloitte, Greenhouse Intern (Consulting) May 2022 - Aug 2022
CCA:
- SMU Economics Intelligence Club - Vice President Jan 2022 - Dec 2022
- Avente Consulting — Student SME Consultant Sep 2021 - May 2022
- TEDxSMU - Honorary Secretary General Jan 2022 - May 2022
