2324T1 Tokyo/Participant Information/Daniel Lai

Template (COPY your page using the code below)

HOME |

COURSE |

ITINERARY |

ROLE |

TEAM |

ORGANIZATION |

REFLECTION

Express Yourself

About Yourself

SMU email: daniel.lai.2021@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lai-ex/
Academic Year: Year 2 (AY22/23)
Degree: BSc Information Systems (Major in Digitalisation and Cloud Solutions & Business Analytics)

Why Virtual TSM?

• What motivates you to join TSM?

The whole design thinking process Prof Ben taught in class really intrigued me, from the ideation all the way to the prototypes. I was further curious to find out how continuing ideas would look like in the real world which led me to try interning at a startup. My experience at the startup was truly amazing to be able to try out the actual processes and development that goes on both on the business and technology sides. Furthermore, I also know that Tokyo is a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. I hope to be able to dive in and witness for myself the local startup scenes and also learn from those who have already made it big. These solidified my interest to explore the entrepreneurial space and immediately signed up when TSM signups was released!

• Where would you like to visit?

Tokyo: Mercari, Rakuten, Sansan, Sony, Softbank, Fast Retailing Co., Suntory Distillery

Starting a business

• What types of business interest you?

I am particularly interested in software companies that in general. I believe that software companies are often at the forefront of innovation, as they develop new technologies and products that can have a significant impact on the world, being both a disruptor, and an enabler. In particular, I have always admired the work Amazon has done, where they started off as a disruptor in the E-Commerce space, but has now also expanded to be a huge enabler in the Cloud Computing sector. To this day, they have also continued to innovate and have more technologies that are giants in their own sectors as well. This continuous innovative spirit in software businesses to drive both change and impact is what intrigues me.

• What plans do you have in starting a business?

I definitely do see myself plucking out something from the library of ideas I have in the future, however, I believe that I still have much to learn before embarking on that exciting journey. Hence, I would love to network and understand the entrepreneurial journeys of those who have gone before me first, to set my plans and foundations right.

Past Experiences (optional)

Startup:

• Aloha Experiences (https://www.linkedin.com/company/alohaexperiences/)

Founder: Pingping Han
Years: 2022-Present
What it does?
A platform which aims to bridge the gap between corporates and sustainability initiatives, while developing holistic employee wellbeing
My role:
I was a Full-Stack Development Intern, building their experience browsing platform and payment system.
Internships:

• Aloha Experiences - Full-Stack Development Intern (Feb '23 - Present)
• Circles.Life - Project Management Intern (May '22 - Aug '22)

CCA:

• Thrive Social Consulting - Project Leader (May '22 - Dec '22)
• Conjunct Consulting - Associate Consultant (Dec '21 - Apr '22)
• SMU CRU - Member (Aug '21 - Present)
• SMU Christian Fellowship (Aug '21 - Present)