2324T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/Xavier Koo

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About myself

SMU email: xavier.koo.2021@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-koo-a59581132/
Academic Year: Year 3 (2021)
Degree: BSc Information Systems (Major in Digitalisation and Cloud Solutions), 2nd Major in Artificial Intelligence

Why TSM?

What motivates you to join TSM?
Having worked as a software engineer and machine learning intern at a startup, I've been fortunate to immerse myself in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and technology. This hands-on experience, which involved developing software solutions and navigating the intricacies of the market, provided me with invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs startups face.

Furthermore, my fascination with the transformative potential of AI in entrepreneurship has been solidified through both practical application in my work involvement and interest for a 2nd Major in AI. Witnessing its impact on various industries and businesses, I am eager to explore how startups in Silicon Valley harness the power of AI to drive innovation and competitive advantage.

Participating in the TSM to Silicon Valley presents an opportunity for me to expand my horizons. I'm eager to explore the hub of technological innovation and gain firsthand exposure to the strategies that empower startups to thrive in this dynamic ecosystem.

Where would you like to visit?

• Nuro - Develops and operates a fleet of autonomous vehicles that operate 24/7 to deliver goods to their destinations.
• Workato - enterprise automation platform for automating business processes, creating workflows, and connecting business applications.
• OpenAI - ChatGPT!
• Apple🍎

Starting a Business

What types of business interest you?
I am particularly drawn to companies that are at the forefront of technological innovation, especially in the realm of AI. What interests me is the potential of AI to transcend profit-making intentions and instead be harnessed for the betterment of society. For instance, OpenAI's work in areas like natural language processing and machine learning is not only advancing technology, but also opening up new possibilities in education, accessibility, and more.

What plans do you have in starting a business?
I have a strong aspiration to open a bakery/cafe in the not-so-distant future. I believe that immersing myself in experiences like this trip will provide invaluable insights and inspiration for realising that dream. Specifically, I'm excited about the potential of incorporating technology into the business. Whether it's enhancing the customer experience through innovative apps or optimising operations with smart systems, I see technology as a pivotal element in creating a dynamic and successful venture.

Past Experiences

Work Experience:

• Asterisk Technologies (Startup) - Software Engineer (Aug 2023 - Present)

Internships:

• Asterisk Technologies (Startup) - Software Engineer & Machine Learning Intern (Feb 2023 - Aug 2023)

Hackathons:

• [CHAMPION 🏆] PSA Code Sprint Hackathon 2023 - Team Leader

https://www.psacodesprint.com/code-sprint-2023

Organising Committee:

• SMU Vivace 2022 - Internal Communications Associate

CCA:

• .HACK - Member (Aug 2021 - Present)
• SMU Artificial Intelligence Club - Member (Aug 2021 - Present)