1718T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/XavierSee

About Xavier

SMU email: xavier.see.2015@socsc.smu.edu.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xaviersjh
Academic Year: Year 3
Declared Majors: Psychology & Strategic Management
One random fact: I enjoy watching Suits, Big Bang Theory & Friends :)
Applying for Subsidy: Yes
Positions: Currently Vice President Internal Affairs of Uni-Y SMU and previously Honorary Finance Secretary of Social Sciences Society.

Why TSM Silicon Valley?

• What motivates you to join TSM?

I have always wanted to visit USA, after watching so many American shows and being influenced by the Western culture. But more than that, I want to learn more about entrepreneurship from large reputable startups in the States and experience first hand what made them so successful.

As a Strategic Management major, I had to take entrepreneurship modules, during one of which I gave a pitch of my business idea. I was excited to see how my idea could potentially be a reality given the right growth mechanisms. My professor was supportive of my idea and said he would consider funding it together with other venture capitalists if I was keen. I believe this Study Mission will provide me with valuable insights and lessons that would come into handy.

• Why pick Silicon Valley?

Silicon Valley is famous worldwide for the number of popular startups booming from there. It is one of the most happening place and there is so much lessons one can take away from there. Founders of startups like Carousell were inspired after spending time at Silicon Valley, partly resulting in their innovative ideas and products today. I hope I too will be inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit in Silicon Valley

• Ideal role in the trip:

Photographer/Videographer :)

Starting a business

• What types of business interest you?

I am interested in App Development and Web Platforms, especially in utilizing them to connect people and make life easier for others.

• What plan do you have in starting a business?

I plan to develop a social networking application that brings strangers from around Singapore together over activities that everyone mutually enjoys. Users can either post events like movie outings that they are interested in, or they can join such events. The interface of the app would be modeled after Facebook, which would be more user friendly and familiar to most users, also differentiating itself from other apps with similar function in the market.

Past Experiences (optional)

(In progress)

Finance secretary - VPIA

Intern QuintilesIMS, Intern MOE, Agribusiness OCSP

Chairperson, President

What keeps you ticking?

Finding ways to impact and improve the lives of many