Wanting to make the most of her career, Serene Wong followed the voice of pragmatism into the field of information technology. She eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and took up technology roles in large multinational corporations. However, she felt a tugging after 16 years to explore the world of entrepreneurship and management. Eventually, she took the step to pursue the NUS MBA.
From Tech to Technopreneurship
"I was drawn to its (the NUS MBA) vibrancy and excellent ecosystem to support experienced professionals and budding entrepreneurs."
Getting a firm grip on entrepreneurship
During her time at NUS Business School, Serene strategically connected with NUS Enterprise and enrolled in their Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP). The decision brought her tech entrepreneurship endeavours to life. Teaming up with Rainier Natividad, an NUS PhD candidate in advanced robotics, and with the support of other technical partners within the ecosystem, they founded ArmasTec in 2021, a company that provides body-assistive technology solutions to address manual handling needs.
Serene hopes that the ArmasTec AireLevate exosuit can empower the human body at the workplace and at home.
"I decided to go into this because I wanted to expand the possibilities for the silver generation and also create opportunities for the wider female community."
Serene dons the ArmasTec AireLevate Exosuit in a presentation.
A winning concept
The ArmasTec vision and product were so distinctive and impressive that it won first place in the 2022 Junior Achievement (JA) 15K Singapore. Serene and Rainier received a cash prize of S$15,000 and gained the priceless mentorship of Kei Gamo, a Sales Manager for Electronic Trading Solutions at Bloomberg LP.
Serene (in yellow) posing proudly with her champion's trophy at the JA 15K Competition grand finals.
Serene’s NUS MBA transformative journey
Serene attributes much of her current progress and success to her MBA journey. Being immersed in a completely different ecosystem than that of her tech career, Serene’s professional network expanded to include peers and even mentors hailing from a range of other industries. Feeding off their dynamism and energy, Serene found the drive and inspiration to pursue her career dreams.
"My peers are so full of energy, fast-paced and from such a diverse range of industries. They have been a breath of fresh air, and opened my mind to new possibilities I would not have seen in the past."
Advice to juniors and contemporaries
On making career decisions and choosing one’s professional pathway, Serene opines that a professional degree in IT did lay a good foundation and gave her a quick start. But what matters more is who you continue to meet along the way and your willingness to learn.