2324T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/Sylvia Goh

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About Sylvia Goh

SMU email: sylvia.goh.2020@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-goh/
Academic Year: Year 4 (2023)
Degree: BSc Computing & Law Second major: Cybersecurity

Why Virtual TSM?

• What motivates you to join TSM?

The magnetic allure of Silicon Valley! It's the world-renowned nexus of technological innovation and groundbreaking entrepreneurship after all. To me, Silicon Valley isn't just a place. It symbolises limitless possibilities, audacious ventures, and the very spirit of technological entrepreneurship.

I've always viewed entrepreneurship as a conduit for impactful change, and TSM offers a golden ticket into the heart of where such magic happens. It's not just about the giants like Apple or Google (though their meteoric successes are a testament to the Valley's prowess), it's also about the bubbling, vibrant ecosystem of startups—those deemed 'silly' by some, yet often the very embodiments of audacity and innovation. I'm intrigued by how Silicon Valley nurtures these ideas, how it fosters an environment where ideas are not just tolerated but celebrated and encouraged.

The role of esteemed universities like Stanford and Berkeley in molding the technological landscape and catalyzing the birth of transformative startups is another facet of TSM I'm eager to explore. Having had brushes with product management and entrepreneurial ventures, the prospect of experiencing first-hand the ecosystem that's given rise to so many technological giants and innovative startups excites me. Given past venture fails, TSM also represents an opportunity for me to grasp the essence of scalable products, and comprehend market-entry strategies, especially in expanding to culturally diverse terrains.

I think the ongoing debate about Silicon Valley's present relevance, especially amidst views of its potential decline, also constitutes my eagerness to be there to discern for myself the present state and trajectory of this iconic hub.

As someone who cherishes community and connections, I am also excited about the chance TSM offers to bond and make new friends! I'd love to share and exchange visions, dreams and aspirations, and collectively embark on this journey of invaluable lessons and unforgettable memories with like-minded individuals.

• Where would you like to visit?

Silicon Valley: Cisco, Nvidia, Google, Tesla, Netflix

Starting a business

• What types of business interest you?

1. Cybersecurity: Data breaches, leaks and security compromise are all part of our digital landscape today, necessitating stricter security measures and established incident response protocols. While existing tools provide robust functionalities, there's room for more user-friendly interfaces to facilitate the implementation and maintenance of firms' digital assets and infrastructure. Further, with threat actors constantly evolving and using AI with increasing success, businesses will need to evolve and ramp up their security measures as well, which, I feel, makes this an exciting and meaningful space to explore.

2. Sustainability: With the burgeoning focus on carbon taxes, creating integrative solutions for greener business practices is paramount to create a viable and sustainable culture of environmental preservation across organisations.

3. Gaming: With the rise of gamification, I think this is a fertile idea space to explore, and one which can create impactful, engaging experiences.

• What plans do you have in starting a business?

I've previously ventured into startups with a couple of friends: one was focused on aiding F&B professionals during the pandemic and another was in the beauty and wellness sector. While both faced challenges, they provided invaluable insights. Currently, I'm in the midst of pivoting a carbon accounting product. I hope that the exposure gained through TSM will be able to inspire and aid me in the process of establishing relevant and impactful products and businesses.

Past Experiences (optional)

Internships:

• NCS - Security Operations Center Engineer (May - Dec 2023)

CCA:

• SMU Product Club - Events Director (Dec 2022 - Dec 2023)
• SMU Business Intelligence & Analytics Club - Marketing Director (May 2021 - May 2022)
• SMU Climb - Member (Aug 2023 - Jul 2024)
• SMU Judo - Member (Sep 2020 - Sep 2022)

Other Activities:

• HUAWEI CLOUDSPARK Hackathon (Mar 2022)
• Project HeartCode - Mentor (Dec 2021)
• Metamorphosis - Organising Committee & Facilitator (Jun - Jul 2021)
• DBS Better World Hackathon (Sep 2021)
• Project HeartCode - Mentor (Dec 2020)