2021T2 VirtualTSM/Participant Information/Tan Yan Ming
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About Yan Ming
SMU email: ymtan.2017@sis.smu.edu.sg
Facebook/Linkedin: FacebookLinkedIn
Academic Year: 4
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Information Systems
Major: Digital Business Solutions
Hobbies: Watching Documentaries and Movies, working out, catching up with friends over food and analyzing the stock market
Why Virtual TSM?
* What motivates you to join TSM?
I like the learning philosophy that a study mission aims to provide. Unlike a typical learning classroom-based learning environment, study missions allow me to acquire knowledge through a different setting. This not only assists in knowledge retention but also makes the whole learning experience a lot more enjoyable especially considering that I have a passion for both entrepreneurship and technology. As my dad has a business, I have always been fascinated with all things business since I was young. That was also why I took up a business diploma in polytechnic. Another passion of mine is technology. Technology has changed the way we live. Today, business and technology are closely interlinked. Be it business using technology to streamline business operations or even a business that sells technology, technology is deeply ingrained in the world of business. That was the main reason why I decided to study IS as my university degree. I have that through acquiring knowledge from both fields, I would have a unique advantage in the world ahead. Inspired by my dad, I have also thought about starting my own business. Being an owner for a business not only can make me rich (if I am successful) but if I am able to create a good idea, I also have the ability to make the world into a better place, just like how google has changed our lives. And I think that this TSM is a steppingstone in helping me achieving my dream of starting my own business of achieving financial freedom and the ability to change the world. The very idea that the knowledge and insights that I can take away from this TSM can help me achieve my dream makes me motivated to join this TSM.
* Where would you like to visit virtually
I would love to visit metropolitan cities like New York or Tokyo virtually! The reason for this is because, I believe that if I were to visit countries or cities which are known for their scenery, the view that I would get virtually would definitely not do it justice. hence, I would prefer to see these beautiful places in real life if I have the opportunity to do so. I chose metropolitan cities because i was using the office tours that we can get online as a means of comparison. Technology has advanced so much that we are able to conduct office tours and they are really immersive. Using this same analogy, I would like to visit metropolitan cities because I believe that virtual tours would provide me with a good feel on what it is like to be there physically! I would love to visit the silicon valley, or big MNCs firms like Alibaba, Apple and Tencent because they are at the forefront of technology and I would love to see how these firms operate.
Starting a business
* What types of business interest you?
I am interested in two main areas of business and they are namely F&B and technology. F&B because I am a big foodie! So, opening a restaurant has always been a dream that I have wanted to accomplish. Technology would be the other segment because like what I have mentioned earlier, specifically the use of technology to improve business efficiency or lives. Despite seeing a rise in businesses that utilizes technology to improve efficiency, I believe that we are only scratching the tip of the iceberg as to the various technology businesses that we see today and there will be a lot of potential in this particular area in the next ten years. Additionally, I have also come up with several interesting technology projects that I see potential in. I was fortunate enough to conceptualize one of the ideas for my FYP. The idea is basically to use technology to provide an end to end food monitoring solution for catering businesses. As a team, we managed to conceptualize out a prototype, moving forward, if the opportunity arises, we would like to conceptualize the idea in reality with angel investors.
* What plan do you have in starting a business? (list existing business)
Given the opportunity, I would like to start a business! My plan to achieve it would be as such. I hope to work for a few years after graduation, because it will provide me with the capital for me to start a business, but also through work experience and connections that I make, it would place me in a favourable position to succeed. Of course, I am also taking time to make connections with successful entrepreneurs, such that I can learn from them first-hand on what it takes to build a successful business. Apart from that, I am also looking for a great idea and team for me to take the leap!
Past Experiences (optional)
Overseas Exposure Experience
During my studies in SMU, I have been on three overseas exposure programs! They are Project Luminaire 7, Project Luminaire 8 and the ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting (AFMAM). Project Luminaire is an overseas community service project held in the Philippines. The project seeks to provide the poor living the rural areas with sustainable light sources. I found the project particularly meaningful and that was why I decided to lead the project in the 8th installation. For AFMAM, it was a ASEAN level program initiated by the ASEAN foundation, seeking to exposure tertiary students in understanding how ASEAN dialogues operate. I was fortunate to be selected for the 5th AFMAM, representing Singapore and SMU in this regional model meeting. Unfortunately, I have not been on an overseas exposure program related to my course of studies in polytechnic and university, so I really how that I would be able to join this TSM to clock this experience and also bring away some knowledge and insights that I believe would be relevant for my future.
Work/Internship Experience and Awards
Singapore Armed Forces: Career Army Officer (2015 - Present)
SMU: LKCSB Teaching Assistant (2018 - 2020)
SMU: IS425 - Digital Transformation Strategy SMUX Project with Fuji Xerox - 1st Prize (2020)
SMU: IS412 - Enterprise Business Solutions SMUX Project with SAP Singapore - 2nd Prize (2019)
SMU: Asean Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting Best Delegate (2019)
Fresh Fruits Lab Group: Internship (2019)
Olive Tree International Search: Internship (2014)
==What keeps you ticking?==*
Discovering the unexplored, fulfilling my passion and achieving financial freedom. The earth is such a big place and despite being a frequent traveller, I have not even covered 1% of it. I hope that in my life, I would be able to cover as much of the planet as I can. Seeing the different cities, immersing in different cultures, and enjoying local delicacies. Of course, I also want to do whatever I like to do, such as finding nice food and engaging in activities that I like to do with my loved ones. Of course, all these would not be possible without financial freedom. Hence that is why I am working/studying so hard, hoping that I would be able to earn enough money to make all these possible.
