Ahead of Commencement 2023, our five valedictorians reminisce about their NUS journey and look at the road ahead.
Lai Kam Chiu
Master of Science in Finance
Commencement 2023: The Valedictorian Diaries
The opportunity to study and collaborate with a diverse group of classmates is one of my most defining moments at NUS Business School. Students from diverse cultures create a vibrant learning environment where we leverage each other’s strengths and navigate conflicting viewpoints in projects and discussions. This experience fosters cultural sensitivity, effective communication, and teamwork — essential in today’s globalised business world.
The experiential learning curriculum gave me a strong foundation in financial theories and analytical tools. I developed a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, investment strategies and corporate finance principles and the ability to apply classroom knowledge to practical business scenarios.
As we make decisions on our career pathways, I encourage everyone not to limit themselves to a single area of expertise or role within finance. By broadening your skill sets and seizing growth opportunities outside your comfort zone, we will be successful and versatile finance professionals in the foreseeable future.
My hopes and dreams for the future are centred around making a meaningful impact and advancing in my career in the fund management industry. Personally, I wish to spare more time to travel around the world and immerse myself in different cultures and customs.
Estelle Ho Jia Hui
Bachelor of Science (Real Estate) with Honours
Winner of the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal, NUSS Medal for Outstanding Achievement, SISV Gold Medal, Sally Meyer Medal, and World Valuation Congress Medal
Beyond academic pursuits, my most significant takeaway is my holistic personal development during the four years of communal living at the College of Alice and Peter Tan (CAPT) Residential College at UTown. NUS has allowed me to explore different possibilities, including being a teaching assistant and CAPT ambassador to engage prospective students. My university journey has taught me to step beyond my comfort zone and, more importantly, to believe that “You can do it!”
To my fellow cohort mates, let’s embark on our new journey ahead with an open heart to embrace challenges and uncertainties. Transforming the roadblock ahead into an opportunity is not an easy feat, but we will gain valuable growth and experiences. With the courage and resilience to venture into uncharted waters, we will emerge stronger as we strive for greater heights.
Moving forward, as I am passionate about grassroots community development, I look forward to effecting a positive change and hope to inspire more youths to volunteer.
Vanessa Shavonne
Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours
Winner of the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal, Leslie Wong Memorial Medal, and Quah Siam Tee Memorial Prize
My defining moments at the NUS Business School were anchored in my active engagement in experiential learning, both academically and beyond. Executing my Field Service Project, participating in a Winter Exchange Program, and undertaking internships propelled me to broaden my horizons, hone my problem-solving skills, and gain practical insights into the professional world. Moreover, my time as a vocalist in the esteemed NUS Jazz Band exposed me to the brilliance of Singapore’s finest jazz musicians, fostering an artistic growth within me and greatly enriching my spirit.
A key takeaway from my time at NUS is the art of prioritisation and balance. I learned to identify my goals, focus on the essentials, and effectively allocate my time. This empowered me to strike a harmonious equilibrium between my academic pursuits, career aspirations, and personal interests. Amidst the demanding academic schedule, I carved out moments to immerse myself in my passion for music, collaborating with fellow musicians in the NUS Jazz Band. The supportive community at NUS nurtured an environment that encouraged me to pursue my passions alongside my academic endeavours, which was an invaluable aspect of my journey.
If there is a piece of advice I would give to my peers stepping into the marketplace, it would be to embrace challenges and tackle unanswered questions. These are invaluable opportunities for growth. By approaching them with an open mind and an insatiable appetite for learning, we can leverage these experiences as catalysts for personal and professional development.
Looking ahead, I aspire to discover and cultivate my Ikigai—the intersection where my passion, mission, vocation, and profession converge. Through continuous personal and professional growth, I hope to achieve a fulfilling life and career that positively impacts the world. By merging my skills with my passion, I believe I can discover a guiding force propelling me towards remarkable achievements.
Teo Jun Quan
Bachelor of Business Administration (Accountancy) with Honours
Looking back, I am grateful for the many experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. It is difficult to pinpoint a single defining moment, as each one holds its unique significance. From my first solo presentation to rushing for 8 am classes, these seemingly ordinary moments have become cherished memories as an NUS Business School student.
At NUS, I learned that the world is my oyster. NUS offers many opportunities to maximise our campus experience, from engaging in sports to joining interest groups, clubs, and societies. One of my most transformative experiences was participating in an overseas student exchange programme. Stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a different culture broadened my horizons and allowed me to discover my true passions. In addition, the friendships forged during this time are invaluable and they are connections which will last a lifetime.
As we venture into the marketplace, we may not remember every accounting standard or valuation formula with absolute clarity; what truly matters is our curiosity and problem-solving abilities. By nurturing these qualities, we can contribute to solving the pressing issues facing our world.
Looking ahead, I hope to achieve continuous growth and make a difference. Whether in my chosen career, as a devoted son, or as a responsible global citizen, I strive to be the best version of myself. By embracing a growth mindset, I am prepared to push beyond my comfort zone, acquire new skills, and face challenges head-on.
Lu Weisheng
Master of Business Administration
I have many defining moments at NUS Business School. A significant one is the development of an open and inclusive mindset. Interacting with the professors and alumni from diverse backgrounds challenged some of my beliefs and made me more open to different perspectives. It broadened my horizons, enabling me to grow as a person and be someone who can make a meaningful impact on the community.
Looking forward, I plan to use my knowledge and experience to fulfil my dream of establishing a successful training institution in Singapore and Southeast Asia. I hope to nurture talents who embody a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures and values. This fusion will allow students to grow intellectually and physically, having practical skills to develop both career and hobbies for the pursuit of lifelong happiness.
