For alumnus Krishna Worotikan (BBM, 2009), management is about prioritisation - be it time management, shaping one’s profession, or decision making. It is important to pace oneself, and more often than not, different things get prioritised at different stages in life while something else gets sacrificed during this period.

To pioneer alumna Emily Poon (BBM, 2004), having access to opportunities is a critical factor in forging one’s path and journey.  

If you are wondering whether entrepreneurship is the right path for you, here’s some advice from SMU Alumnus Benjamin Twoon (BBM, 2013): Ask yourself what your convictions are, what is your purpose, why you are embarking on this journey and if this is what you still want to pursue.

“You have to put your money where your mouth is. If you're passionate about something, you invest not just your money, but also your effort, time, and resources to build your business.”

Our 5th episode of alumni giving podcast series, “A Cuppa With…”, revealed many interesting insights from alumna Karen Cheah (MI, 2019) on how she stepped into her journey to become the Founder & CEO of AlterPacks.

Different chance encounters led Karen to look at the opportunity of tackling the problem of waste management. She now creates a new compostable material made from food loss in manufacturing to replace plastic food containers. AlterPacks was thus born.

From incubation at the SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, to winning awards globally, starting one’s own venture hasn’t been the easiest but it has been most fulfilling to Karen. Tune in to find out the challenges she faced, how these were overcome, and the advice this tour de force alumna has for budding entrepreneurs.

☕ "Everybody has a different way of being part of society and I think that’s something you choose for yourself."

Get a flavour of our latest episode of "A Cuppa With..." featuring insightful perspectives shared by one of SMU's pioneering alumni, David Isaac Mathews (BBM, 2004).

As Chief Growth Officer at GrowthOps, David is heavily involved in innovating key processes and driving growth for the company and its partners. 💼 Apart from actively seeking to create impact through his work and helping companies achieve greater successes, he is likewise deeply committed to supporting and guiding youths as they chart their own paths. 🤝

"I don't crave success. I crave being present. I crave enjoying the moment." 🌟

In our latest episode of "A Cuppa With", this 🏆 multi-awarded alumnus shares his journey as a business owner and how he integrated his principles, purpose, and presence into his chosen career, embarking on something more creative than the typical route many SMU graduates take. More food for thought 💡 include his views on social entrepreneurship, the entertainment industry, and his philosophy about paying it forward.

Urging youths and professionals to jump on as many opportunities as possible, these wise 💡 words were referenced by Isabelle Lim (MCM, 2016), our very special guest in the latest episode of “A Cuppa With…”. The Director of Corporate Affairs, Engagement, Sustainability, and Consumer Advisory of L’Oréal Group Singapore charts her illustrious career and reveals the special ingredients that contributed to her ✨ stellar professional advancement.

This electric ⚡️ conversation also features a rousing call to meaningfully integrate sustainability 🌱 into organisations and lessons on living out your purpose through philanthropy.

“Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.” — John C. Maxwell 💫

To kick off the second season of “A Cuppa With...”, our podcast series where we host SMU alumni for an informal coffee chat about the importance of giving back & doing good for others, we have invited two very special guests, alumnus Marcus Loh (MCM, 2015), Executive Director of WE Communications’ Group, and wife Lin Suling, Director at National Trades Union Congress.

Together, they are a powerhouse couple each with their own passions but united in their commitment to creating meaningful impact through their actions, work, and philanthropy. ❤️

Subscribe now and listen to the different perspectives they employ for success in their professional and personal lives.

Head of Business Development at Parisilk and alumnus, Mahesh Primalani (BBM, 2004) exemplifies the idea that leadership is much more than a title - it is a verb that represents action and accountability. 💥

In this very special, final episode of this season of A Cuppa With..., we're honored to hear from Mahesh; the first-ever President of the SMU Students' Association (SMUSA). ➡️ Together with the current SMUSA President, Lim Jia En (BBM, 2023), we chart the progression of SMU from humble beginnings to the prestigious institution it is today. 🚀

Tune in now to find out why giving back is an accurate indicator of good leadership! 🌟

About Mahesh Primalani

Mahesh Primalani's first job out of university was at a prestigious consulting firm, an enviable position for a new entrant in the workforce. While he remarks that the experience taught him many valuable lessons and gifted him with great friendships, he soon felt a strong pull to return to his roots. Ever since then, Mahesh has been an integral part of the Parisilk team, continuing the legacy of this consumer electronics firm set up by his grandfather in 1952.

In the 7th and penultimate episode of our alumni-centered podcast series, we're honored to speak with the Philippines Country Lead for Google Customer Solutions, Flo Yeow (BBM, 2015). 🥳

This superstar alumnus warmly shares tidbits of wisdom about success, in all senses of the word - personal, professional, and philanthropic. 🌱 We have learned so much from Flo and are excited for you to walk away with fresh perspectives, as we did. Tune in to “A Cuppa with Flo Yeow”, for a leader's take on:

Sip on your cuppa of choice as you reflect on Flo’s wise words. Tune in now!

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About Flo Yeow

Having been in Big Tech for over 5 years, Flo Yeow is a seasoned player in the technology landscape. Leading conversations around customer solutions, Flo understands and values the importance of maintaining relationships and he believes in the power of people and community. Currently, Flo is also a Guest Lecturer at the SMU Academy, leading a module on Sales & Marketing in the 21st Century.