User:Lydia.lu.2016
Contents
About Lydia
SMU Email: lydia.lu.2016@economics.smu.edu.sg
Facebook: Lydia Lu
Academic Year: Year 2
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Economics)
Applying for Subsidy: Yes
Interests: Trekking, Classical music, Travelling, Food
One random fact: I can play the piano and cello!
School involvements:
- SMU Economics Society (OIKOS) Management Associate Programme 2016-2017 (Academic and Career Development Associate)
- OIKOS Origins 2017 (Convocation for Economics freshmen) Human Resource and Operations Director
- Project Rainbow IV 2016 - Finance Deputy
External involvements: I play the cello in the Orchestra of the Music Makers (OMM)
Why TSM Silicon Valley
What motivates me to join this study mission?
This study mission will be a great opportunity to expose myself to the entrepreneurial culture in Silicon Valley so that I will be able to attain invaluable insights which will be beneficial for future business plans. In addition, I am looking forward to meeting fellow module-mates who are equally passionate about entrepreneurship, so that we could share our experiences and potential ideas.
Why pick Silicon Valley?
I would love to visit Silicon Valley because it is the hotbed for many successful business ventures. Furthermore, Silicon Valley is one of the best smart cities internationally. Thus, I would like to personally experience living in one of the most technologically advanced cities so that I would be able to contribute to Singapore’s pursuit to be a well-developed smart city in years to come.
Ideal role in the trip: Companies Co-ordinator/Itinerary Planner/Social Media Manager & Journalist
Internship: Yes! I have always been interested to intern in a start-up!
Starting a Business
What types of business interest you?
- Technology
- Music
- Food
- Travel
What plans do you have in starting a business?
I have plans to create a travel-based start-up with a friend (currently a Year 2 NUS Law undergraduate), and we have been working on this idea since July. Although plans are not concrete for now, we are planning to build on the idea concurrently as we take on more internships and seek for start-up related experiences that will give us greater insights.
Past Experiences
Planning
OIKOS Management Associate Programme: As an Academic and Career Development Associate, I am in-charge of spearheading new academic-related initiatives such as creating infographics for information on Internships, Bidding and Second Majors. These infographics make such information more reader-friendly and accessible for Economics students. In addition, my team and I created a bidding video to provide Economics freshmen with bidding tips. For career-related initiatives, my department organised a Mentoring Programme for Economics Freshmen (where I am involved as a mentor) and networking/career talk sessions such as OIKOS Insights where we invited firms to give talks to Economics students as well as the upcoming OIKOS Connections event where SMU Economics alumni will be invited to share their experiences with students.
SMU Project Rainbow IV: During my first year in SMU, I was part of an Overseas Community Service Programme (Project Rainbow IV) as a Finance Deputy. I was actively engaged throughout the entire planning process, especially during the Fundraising season. However, the most life-changing experience occurred when we embarked on a 2-week expedition to Cuihua county in Yunnan, China. We taught primary school students basic hygiene, art, music and English as well as visited villages to distribute water filtration systems and solar lamps. It was an eye-opening experience and I have learnt much from the entire trip.
Technology
I was a frequent blogger when I was younger, and created templates by exploring HTML codes. As such, I have been interested in coding and programming since then. I am currently considering to take external coding and programming courses if time permits because such skills will definitely come in handy.
What keeps you ticking?
Adventure – I have been trying to trek as much as possible both locally and overseas. Overseas: As of now, I have trekked Korea’s Bukhansan National Park and Malaysia’s Kota Tinggi Waterfalls. I am looking forward to conquering more treks in the future!
Learning new skills and challenging myself – Apart from studies and school-based commitments, I am currently pursuing a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) for Piano Performance and attending external Japanese classes at IKOMA language school.
