2324T1 Tokyo/Participant Information/Sean Woon
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Hello, I'm Sean!
SMU email: sean.woon.2020@scis.smu.edu.sg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-woon-zh/
Academic Year: Year 4 (AY23/24)
Degree: BSc Computing & Law
Why TSM?
Why I want to join TSM
As someone who is mesmerised by technology and entrepreneurship, I wish to embark on this TSM to Japan for a number of reasons. The country has produced some of the world's best tech and continues to do so in ways that amaze me, for example advanced robotics that can perform precision surgery to treat patients. Thus, the opportunity to learn about the mindset, culture, and driving force behind such innovative ideas is extremely valuable, and would no doubt influence my thinking and philosophy in the way I see things. In addition, Tokyo's burgeoning startup ecosystem has made it an extremely popular destination for many budding entrepreneurs, some of which have become unicorn companies. Hence, through TSM, I wish to seize the chance to network and exchange ideas with some of these founders, and hope to gain some inspiration and wisdom along the way.
Where I would like to visit
Tokyo: Mercari, Rakuten, Sansan, Sony, Softbank, Fast Retailing Co., Suntory Distillery, Shibuya Crossing!
Starting a business
What types of business interest you?
I am particularly interested in software companies 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 see myself plucking out something from the library of ideas I have, 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
Startup:
- Avvoka (Next generation document automation software company that aims to improve efficiencyy in contract making) - Legal Tech intern (May '21 - Aug '21)
Internships:
- Google Cloud - Customer Engineering Intern (May '23 - Aug '23)
- GovTech - Data Engineering Intern (May '22 - Nov '22)
- SMU Centre for Computational Law - Research Assistant (Dec '20 - Dec '20)
CCA:
- SMU Business Intelligence Analytics - Head of Curriculum Dept (May '22 - Present)
- SMU Blockchain Club - Vice President (Dec '20 - Dec '21)
- SMU CRU - Member (Aug '20 - Present)
