2324T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/Jay San Pedro Choa
About Jay
SMU email: janachoa.2022@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyspchoa
Academic Year: Year 2 (2023)
Degree: BSc Information Systems (Major in Smart-City Management and Technology)
Why TSM?
- What motivates you to join TSM?
I've always had my eye on TSM as the study mission allows me to not just research but learn from the field. I'm also interested in the startup scene and would like to gain some inspiration from the wide diversity in Silicon Valley — from seed-level startups to major tech businesses.
- Where would you like to visit?
Silicon Valley: Google, Meta
Starting a business
- What types of business interest you?
I'm open to exploring what's out there! But I mainly had my eye on the intersection between social and tech entrepreneurship; creating or tapping on tech that serves to empower a community!
- What plans do you have in starting a business?
In a similar vein, I've always wanted to become a socio-technopreneur myself! I'm involved in volunteer work in Singapore and Philippines to get to know the different vulnerable groups and their needs. So, I'd like to create products that not only uplift the vulnerable but can value-add to others as well!
Past Experiences
Internships:
- Brahm Centre Macpherson - Centre Intern [Jun '22 - Jul '22]
CCA:
- Smart City Society - Member [Aug '22 - Present]
- SMU Soundfoundry - Assets-Operations Director [Dec '22 - Dec '23]
- Civil Defence Lionhearters - Member [Aug '22 - Present]
- Certified First-Aid Responder (SFA, CPR+AED, CEPP)
- Toastmasters - Member [Aug '22 - Present]
Other Experiences:
- IS111 Intro to Programming (Python) - Teaching Assistant for Prof. Joelle Elmaleh [Jan '23 - May '23]
- SMU-X Statistics under Prof. Rosie Ching (with SPH, Mediacorp) - Main Presenter [Aug '22 - Nov '22]
- Brahm Centre Newton - Volunteer Academic Coach for Youths [Jan '22 - Dec '22]
- Brahm Centre Macpherson - Ad-hoc Volunteer and Befriender [Jul '22 - Present]
Academic Achievements:
- Lee Kong Chian Scholars' Programme [Aug '22 - Present]
- Dean's List [AY22/23]
