BIZBeat found this adorable creature roaming around NUS Business School, and wanted to investigate…
Tycoon, the NUS Business School mascot
It turned out to be the Business School’s first and official mascot, Tycoon the Tiger! We grabbed the chance for an interview.
Q: How did you come to be, Tycoon?
I was born because the school wanted a mascot to foster a sense of the school spirit. I’ll be adding a splash of fun to the school branding!
Q: How did you, a tiger, become the NUS Business School mascot?
The mascot team conducted intensive focus groups with students, and even put up a school-wide vote, polling everyone from current students to faculty, staff and alumni. I beat five other animals to emerge the winner!
The finalists of the NUS BIZ mascot poll
Q: What do you symbolise?
*Tycoon clears throat and puts on a serious voice* Native to the Asian continent, the tiger depicts robustness, progressiveness, and brings to mind the image of prosperous economies (i.e. the Four Asian Tigers). It ubiquitously represents willpower, courage and strength. In its natural environment, tigers, including me, demonstrate independence, agility, and adaptability. These attributes mirror the traits desired in today’s business professionals and encapsulate the spirit of a business student.
Q: How did you get your name, Tycoon?
A: It suits the business leader imagery perfectly, doesn’t it? The word “tycoon” is a literal reference to successful business owners. The word starts with ‘T’, same as “tiger”, and represents the dreams and aspirations of budding business leaders.
I also have a Chinese name, 泰福 (pronounced as Tai Fu), which means peace and good fortune.
Tycoon’s first appearance to the Business School community
Q: Tell us something interesting about yourself!
A: I am born on 1 September 2021, and I am two metres tall. I have a customised animated sticker pack for WhatsApp, and also on Telegram. There’s more, but I’ll share more next time on social media, so stay tuned!
Tycoon's sticker pack
Q: So what are you busy with now?
A: I will be making appearances at School events and its digital channels. Can’t wait! I will also appear where you least expect, so keep a lookout for me. Remember to take a photograph with me too, it may win you something special. See you around!