2324T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/Gabriel Alexander Wong Jun Yi

Gabriel Alexander Wong Jun Yi

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About Gabriel

SMU email: gabrielwong.2021@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-wong-jy/
Academic Year: Year 3 (2023/24)
Degree: BSc Information Systems (Major in Digitalisation and Cloud Solutions)

Why Virtual TSM?

• What motivates you to join TSM?

Where the Passion for Start-ups and Tech Bloomed: My journey into the world of start-ups and tech began when I started reading about companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Netflix. These companies weren't just successful because they had great ideas to disrupt existing industries; they also had the technical capabilities, driven by their brilliant CTOs or "Tech Geeks," to turn those ideas into reality.

I am inspired by the stories of how these companies transformed traditional industries through innovation and technology because their ability to not only identify market gaps but also to create solutions that revolutionized entire sectors has always fascinated me.

At TSM, I see an opportunity to immerse myself in an environment that shares this passion for innovation and entrepreneurship and I am eager to be part of a community that values the kind of disruptive thinking and technical expertise that I find so inspiring in companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Netflix.

How I could contribute: I'm not just a passive enthusiast. I've been actively self-teaching photography skills, particularly using my iPhone. So, if the event needs a dedicated photographer, I'd be thrilled to contribute. Capturing the essence of the event and its participants through photography would be my way of adding value.

Beyond photography, I'm keen to offer my assistance in event planning and coordination. My past experiences in SMU Real Business and The Mentoring Circle's networking event, Odyssey 2023 have equipped me with the skills and confidence to reach out to professionals and cultivate strong relationships with them. I believe these skills can be valuable in establishing connections with Silicon Valley founders or other notable figures.

• Where would you like to visit?

Silicon Valley
Companies: Adobe, Apple, Google, Meta, Netflix, OpenAI, PayPal, Zoom
Food: Buck's Restaurant
Museums: Computer History Museum, Intel Museum
Universities: UC Berkeley, Stanford

Starting a business

• What types of business interest you?

I have a soft spot for ventures that promote inclusivity and level the playing field. As mentioned, my start-up PopuLahh was founded with the mission to democratize influencer marketing, making it accessible not just to industry giants but also to smaller businesses. We aim to empower businesses of all sizes through our innovative platform. This experience has given me a keen interest in businesses that prioritize accessibility in their operations.

Also, my internship experiences at start-ups thus far, especially at InsightOut where I am involved in developing the company's AdTech solution, have solidified my interest in businesses that harness data and technology to drive solutions. I find it intriguing how data-driven insights can revolutionize strategies and decision-making processes.

• What plans do you have in starting a business?

I'm actively preparing for the relaunch of PopuLahh by gaining valuable experience through internships in both the technology and consultancy sectors. These internships have provided me with a well-rounded skill set, including technical expertise and a deep understanding of business operations which will be invaluable when we kickstart PopuLahh once again.

Past Experiences (optional)

Start-up:

• PopuLahh: On a mission to democratize influencer marketing by making it accessible not just to industry giants, but also to smaller businesses. An innovative platform empowers businesses of all sizes to harness the power of influencer promotion, leveling the playing field in the world of marketing. Started in January 2021 and on a current hiatus due to university commitment, but me and my 2 Co-Founders are aiming on resuming it later this year. And yes, the name of the company is a play on the word "Popular" :D
  

Start-up Scene Involvement:

• SMU Eagles PAK Challenge 2022: Semi-Finalists
  
• SMU Real Business, Synergy Night 2022 (Entrepreneurship Networking Event): Co-Lead for SMU Real Business's first networking night in 2 years. Reached out and secured C-suite speakers from start-up unicorns: Atome, Flash Coffee, GaiGai, Workato
  

Internships:

• InsightOut (MarTech Start-up) - Software Engineer Intern: Sep '23 - Present
  
• Accenture (Consultancy) - Business Analyst Intern: Dec '22 - May '23
  
• Moto Square (Transportation Start-up) - Frontend Developer Intern: Feb '22 - Apr '22
  

CCA:

• SMU Students' Association (SMUSA) (Academic and Welfare Secretary: Jan '23 - Present)
  
• Growth-X Consulting (Associate: Sep '22 - Present, Internal Sub-Committee Member: Apr '23 - Present)
  
• The Mentoring Circle (Technology Mentee: Sep '22 - Apr '23)
  
• SMU Real Business - Entrepreneurship Club (Events Director: Jan '22 - Dec '22)
  

Organising Committee:

• The Mentoring Circle, Odyssey 2024 (Professional Relations Director: Sep '23 - Present)
  
• The Mentoring Circle, Odyssey 2023 (Partnerships Deputy Director: Sep '22 - Mar '23)
  
• SMU Patron's Day 2023 (Partnerships Director: Jun '22 - Jan '23)
  
• SICS Purple Outreach 2022 (Vice-Chairperson: Mar '22 - Aug '22)
  

Achievements:

• [1st Place] The Young SEAkers - ASEAN Youth Challenge Summit 2023
  
• [1st Place] UOB-SMU AEI Regional Case Challenge 2022
  
• [2nd Place] Inter-Varsity Retail Challenge 2021
  
• [2nd Place] SMU FinTech x M-DAQ Case Competition 2021
  
• [3rd Place and Korea Economic Daily CEO Award] Asian Students' Venture Forum 2022
  
• [Top 6] SMU FinTech x M-DAQ x Payoneer Case Competition 2022
  
• [Top 10] Ellipsis Tech Series 2023 Hackathon