This week, NUS students had the opportunity to gain valuable insights from a diverse group of alumni and industry leaders during a special event focused on entrepreneurship and finance. The session featured presentations from Channon Loh, founder of OmniFi Technologies, Vidurraa Nedumaran, an Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Human Capital Management major graduate, Yi En See, a finance and economics double major, and Colin Chow, an Economics student.
Channon Loh: “Students should prioritise finding opportunities to learn.”
Channon Loh shared his journey from software development to launching his own venture, OmniFi Technologies. He emphasized the importance of internships and hands-on experience, noting that university education provides only the starting foundation for your career. He advised students to make the most of their time by seeking out opportunities for trial and error, particularly in startup ventures. "Don't work hard, work smart," he said, highlighting the need for balance and strategic thinking. Loh also stressed the value of cold emailing and networking, sharing how he successfully secured five clients after reaching out to hundreds.
Vidurra Nedumaran: “In the field of Entrepreneurship, networking and problem-solving are a must.”
Vidurraa Nedumaran, who took up a major in Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Human Capital Management, spoke about the transformative experience of creating something innovative. He encouraged students to look for gaps in the market and use their university years to experiment. "Entrepreneurship is about solving real-world problems," he noted, urging students to take the plunge into startup ventures early. His advice on networking and making connections was also crucial: "Build relationships from day one, whether through orientation or business clubs," he said.
Yi En See: “Application of what is learn is critical to her internships at UBS.”
Yi En See, a Finance and Economics student, shared her experience of navigating internships and coursework while pursuing a strong understanding of financial markets. She highlighted how skills like regression modeling were critical in her role at UBS and emphasized the importance of proactive engagement in CCA groups to gain industry connections. "It's not just about what you learn in class but how you apply it," Yi En noted, advising students to keep in contact with mentors and peers for long-term career growth.
Colin Chow: “Practical experience is what companies are looking for.”
Colin Chow provided insights into the differences between BizEcons and traditional Economics, explaining that BizEcons is more practical and business-oriented, while Economics offers a deeper focus on mathematical models and theories. He stressed that while a high GPA can help with internships at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs, real-world experience and involvement in CCAs often outweigh academic scores. "Networking and practical experience are what companies truly value," he shared.
Across the board, all speakers agreed on several core principles for success:
Start early: Whether it’s internships, networking, or launching a startup, begin taking action as early as possible.
Embrace failure: Resilience is key in both entrepreneurship and career growth—learning from setbacks is just as important as celebrating successes.
Work smart: Focus on strategic learning and gaining practical experience that will set you apart in a competitive job market.
Networking matters: Building strong, authentic connections can open doors and provide invaluable opportunities.
Students were given a chance to connect with the speakers after the Q&A where they could ask their specific questions to the speakers.
The event was a reminder that while university provides a solid foundation, the real learning comes from taking initiative, experimenting, and connecting with like-minded peers and mentors. Students left with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity on how to navigate their academic and career paths with confidence. We would like to thank our speakers for taking the time out of their busy schedules to support our event!
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