1718T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/BrandonOng

About Me

Email: brandon.ong.2016@business.smu.edu.sg
Academic Year: Year 2
Degree: Business Management
Majors: Operations Management & Entrepreneurship
One random fact: I'm taller than usual
Applying for Subsidy: Yes

Postitions Held

• SMU Basketball Captain (2017-2018)
  

Why this Trip?

My Motivation

• I've always been intrigued by the startup culture in the USA. i greatly admire the entrepreneurial spirit that Americans have and how it is so common for people to own their own businesses, regardless of their size or what they do.
  
• Entrepreneurship has always been my biggest interest and passion in the Business ecosystem. Reading about successes such as the "Dollar Shave Club" from the Entrepreneur magazine, as well as watching "Shark Tank" has greatly inspired me to create something of my own. It would be a dream come true to be able to visit these companies that i have been reading about and admire.
  
• I strongly believe that this trip will educate me about how American startups function: the mindset, work ethic and company culture. I would love to share these experiences with my peers back in Singapore, and hopefully spread this entrepreneurial spirit around my circle of influence. Currently, i believe that this is really lacking in Singapore because of stereotypes and social stigma. Having first hand experience would really increase my credibility in doing so.
  
• Lastly, I believe that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that would greatly value add to my personal development and achievement.
  

Ideal Role: Social Media Manager/Itinerary Planner

Internship: Yes

Interest in Business

• Fitness
  
• eCommerce
  
• Tech Companies
  

Plans to Start a Business

• Yes. Currently looking for like-minded people to complete the team. Looking to open my very own supplement company, gym and athleisure clothing line.

Past Experiences

Entrepreneurship

• Did a summer internship at a local supplement company, Build Your Own Protein Pte Ltd. Worked directly under the owner of the business. Did almost everything from Marketing, Supply Side management to logistics and even customer service. The internship educated me on the the struggles of startups, especially in the Singaporean context.

Planning and Execution

• Being a Platoon Commander in Army, i've had experience leading teams and organising activities of such a scale.
  
• As the Captain of SMU's Basketball Club, i handled the administrative matters and program for our trips to Hong Kong and Malaysia for a tournament and r&r.
  
• Lead in organising SMU's first ever SMU 3X3 Basketball tournament held in our campus, just last month.

What Keeps Me Ticking

• Travel: Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, exposing myself to novel experiences keeps me excited about life and what the future holds.
  
• Fitness: I love working out and just breaking a sweat. It's a great outlet for stress and gives me more energy during the day. I also find it a great way to bond with friends and meet new like-minded people.
  
• Music: I play the guitar and piano. I'm really into old school 80s and 90s music.