The world of work is shifting, and SMU graduates are stepping up. The latest Graduate Employment Survey (GES) 2024 highlights SMU’s enduring appeal among employers, with an impressive 89.8% overall employment rate and rising salaries. But beyond the numbers, the real stories lie in how these graduates are navigating change, embracing disruption, and reimagining their careers.
Han Ping’s Digital Career: How SMU Shaped This Graduate’s Journey in the Digital Economy
In an era where technology drives every industry, Ngo Han Ping, a 2024 graduate from SMU’s School of Computing and Information Systems, stands out for his ability to bridge technical expertise with leadership and real-world application. Now an IT Analyst at Scoot, Han Ping’s journey—from a Diploma in Multimedia Infocomm & Technology at Nanyang Polytechnic to a career in tech—reflects his drive to continuously evolve and adapt.
Attracted by SMU’s interactive learning and industry-focused curriculum, Han Ping embraced opportunities beyond the classroom. He completed two internships, gaining hands-on experience in market analysis and technology applications. His leadership skills also came to the forefront as President of SMU Aikido, where he organised events and training sessions, fostering a strong team culture. His commitment to community service through SMU Caretalyst saw him tutoring and mentoring underprivileged students, reinforcing his belief in using tech for social good.
Now part of Scoot’s tech programme, Han Ping is leveraging the problem-solving mindset and adaptability honed at SMU to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
"SMU's comprehensive curriculum, which blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, has shaped me into a holistic individual, equipped to make a meaningful impact in any environment."
With the digital economy accelerating, Han Ping represents a new generation of tech professionals—those who combine technical expertise with leadership, agility, and a people-first approach to innovation.
Business for Impact: Raena’s Co-operative Journey
In today’s business world, success is often measured by profits—but for Leang Ju Qin, Raena, a 2024 graduate from SMU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, business is about something more: creating lasting social impact. Now a Co-operative Relations and Solutions Partner at the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF), with a strategic role at GP+ Co-operative, Raena has taken an unconventional path—one that blends business acumen with a mission to transform communities through sustainable enterprise.
While many of her peers pursued roles in banking, consulting, or multinational corporations, she made the bold decision to take up an SNCF scholarship, committing to a three-year bond in the sector. Unlike traditional businesses that focus purely on profits, co-operatives are enterprises that serve the needs of their members and the wider community, reinvesting profits for collective benefit.
“I believe co-operatives have great potential to spread wealth more equitably and make a lasting impact. When a co-op thrives, the entire community benefits—whether through job creation, healthcare access, or collaborative growth. This role allows me to be at the forefront of creating positive change, both at a federation level with SNCF and directly with GP+ Co-operative.”
Her dual role allows her to support co-operative businesses at SNCF while simultaneously driving strategic initiatives at GP+ Co-operative, a healthcare co-op made up of medical professionals. At GP+, she is working towards transforming Singapore’s primary healthcare landscape—collaborating with member doctors to create patient-centric solutions that improve healthcare access and affordability.
Her decision to pursue Business Management at SMU, with majors in Operations Analytics and Marketing Analytics, was driven by her desire to bridge strategic operations with real-world impact. SMU’s strong emphasis on hands-on learning and its ability to connect business with social enterprise gave her the tools to take on this path with confidence.
“I’ve always believed that businesses, when run well, have the power to create positive change. Beyond charity and aid, businesses can be a force for good—creating jobs, strengthening economies, and improving lives. SMU’s real-world learning approach reinforced that belief and equipped me with the skills to apply business strategies in a way that benefits both organisations and communities.”
Her entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond internships. While at SMU, she ran her own customised gifts e-commerce business and played a key role in managing Café de Paris (Singapore), an Art Jamming Café that is also a family business. Leveraging her background in operations and marketing, she introduced automation and promotional strategies that significantly improved customer engagement and business performance—experiences that continue to influence her work in the co-operative space today.
From Cloud Tech to Wealth Management: Yong Li’s Bold Career Moves Set Him Apart in Banking
At a time when Asia’s wealth management sector is seeing rapid growth, Foo Yong Li, a 2024 graduate of SMU’s School of Accountancy and Business Management, stands out as a young professional bringing a rare mix of financial expertise, tech experience, and global exposure to the industry. Now a Management Associate at Citi’s Wealth business, his journey has been anything but conventional.
Unlike many of his peers who followed a direct path into banking, Yong Li deliberately stepped out of his comfort zone, taking on diverse internships that shaped his adaptability and strategic thinking. His first exposure to finance came through an internship at Enterprise Singapore, where he worked on fund management in the public sector. He later took a leap into cloud technology sales through SMU’s Global Innovation Immersion (GII) programme, interning at a Google Cloud partner in Jakarta—a decision that introduced him to sales, business development, and cross-border collaboration in the tech space.
Yong Li’s ability to thrive in different environments was further strengthened by his global exchange at King’s College London, which broadened his perspective on career possibilities, and an immersive Mandarin-language internship with ASUS China, where he worked on marketing and branding entirely in Mandarin. These experiences, along with his time at SMU, equipped him with the skills to navigate complex financial landscapes, communicate across cultures, and approach problem-solving with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Beyond academics, Yong Li was deeply involved in student-led initiatives that reinforced his ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations. As a Project Leader at Thrive Social Consulting, he led a team of student consultants advising an environmental non-profit on long-term sustainability strategies. His time in EYE Investment Club strengthened his financial research skills, while his participation in Peer Helpers allowed him to contribute to mental wellness initiatives at SMU. Yong Li credits SMU’s interactive learning environment, strong industry partnerships, and hands-on approach for shaping his confidence and career readiness:
“SMU’s emphasis on industry engagement and an entrepreneurial mindset gave me the confidence to take on new challenges, from internships across diverse industries to global opportunities. From case competitions to working on real-world business problems, every experience sharpened my ability to think critically and adapt quickly. The dynamic and collaborative environment at SMU prepared me to tackle challenges beyond the classroom and strive for excellence in my career.”
With his multi-disciplinary experience and ability to bridge finance, tech, and strategy, Yong Li is poised to make an impact in Asia’s evolving banking sector.
Tech-Driven Audit: How an Introverted SMU Graduate Found Her Voice and Is Challenging Industry Perceptions in the Age of AI
Audit is evolving beyond number-crunching, and Tan Xuan Yun, Regina, a 2024 SMU School of Accountancy graduate and now an Audit Associate at Deloitte, is embracing this shift. Combining technical expertise with strategic thinking and communication skills, she represents a new generation of auditors.
Yet, Regina didn’t start out as the confident professional she is today. An introvert by nature, she deliberately chose SMU to challenge herself.
“I wanted to learn to be comfortable with speaking up, and it seemed like there wouldn’t be a better place to do so than SMU, where I could challenge myself in a safe space.” Her SMU journey was transformative—not only did she master accounting and data analytics, but she also developed leadership skills and the confidence to navigate an industry reshaped by AI and automation.
Initially drawn to accounting for its stability, Regina soon realised the profession was rapidly evolving. AI, automation, and data analytics were redefining audit, creating opportunities to move beyond compliance into strategic advisory roles.
To stay ahead, she pursued a second major in Accounting Data and Analytics. Through hands-on SMU-X projects, including a capstone with UOB Kay Hian, she tackled real-world industry challenges. An internship at Deloitte reinforced her understanding of AI’s role in audit. Unlike traditional internships, she was actively involved in real client work, witnessing firsthand how AI and analytics enhance auditing processes.
Beyond academics, Regina took on leadership roles that helped her overcome her introversion. As President of SMU’s Chinese Orchestra, she led the club’s first live performance since COVID-19, honing teamwork and communication skills. As a Peer Tutor in Accountancy, she learned how to break down complex concepts—an essential skill as auditors shift towards providing business insights. Most unexpectedly, she became a Communication Coach under SMU’s Centre for English Communication.
“People often assume accountants are quiet and inexpressive, but my experience at SMU proved otherwise. As an auditor, I now realise that strong communication is just as important as technical skills—whether it’s explaining audit findings to clients or collaborating with internal teams.”
Regina credits SMU for giving her the confidence, industry exposure, and future-ready skills needed to thrive in an evolving profession: “SMU has so many opportunities for everyone, regardless of their interests, one might even get carried away. While we have the ownership to customise our learning experience, we are never alone on this journey, especially when our professors are easily approachable and there are frequent networking events to participate in. SMU allowed me to curate a holistic university experience, which guided me to find my path and readied me for my future beyond the classroom.”
SMU’s Commitment to Future-Ready Graduates
SMU’s graduates continue to be highly sought after, with more than 60% securing employment before graduation. The university’s strong industry linkages and hands-on learning approach have played a pivotal role in ensuring students are workforce ready.
“SMU’s education model is designed for relevance,” says SMU Provost, Professor Timothy Clark. “Our graduates are adaptable, purpose-driven, and equipped with the skills to navigate a rapidly changing job market.”
The traditional career ladder is no longer the only way up. SMU’s graduates aren’t just climbing—they’re also building new ladders, forging their own paths, and rewriting the rules of success along the way.
