1. Why did you choose the MSc ISE programme?

With a background in an interdisciplinary undergraduate programme, I have always found systems thinking to be essential, particularly in understanding, designing, and operating complex systems. I chose the National University of Singapore’s MSc ISE programme because it strikes the perfect balance between rigorous engineering methodologies and flexible real-world applications. The programme cuts across industries such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and IT, offering students both breadth and depth. It is an ideal programme for those who aspire to work with strategy, systems design, and cross-disciplinary innovation.

2. How has the programme benefited you?

MSc ISE has built a solid foundation in systems structure for me and instilled in me a strong awareness of system-level thinking. This has been invaluable in my current role in the financial services sector, particularly within a family office, where operations are inherently complex and multifaceted. The course equipped me with tools to quickly grasp the logic of large systems and propose structured solutions.
It also helped me sharpen my coordination and communication skills, which the curriculum touched on as part of large-scale systems. Learning to manage stakeholder expectations, balance priorities, and orchestrate value exchanges — communication has been one of the most crucial soft skills I gained through the programme. Many skills learnt in the project course can be applied not only to complex systems engineering, but also to ourselves. Namely, from the instrumental point of view, balancing tasks with different levels of importance and urgency, using scales of rational analysis to eradicate anxiety, and persevering but not letting loose with important yet non-urgent work and studies. After all, we are living and working in a complex system that is society.

3. What do you currently do, and how did you transition from intern to full-time?

I currently work as a Business Development Manager at FMFO Services Pte. Ltd. It is a joint family office where I am involved in cross-border asset planning, identity structuring, and project implementation for high-net-worth clients, covering client-side, operations-side, and management-side processes. During my internship, I was involved in a number of strategic projects, including connecting with the resources of local business associations, setting up the structure for Chinese enterprises to go overseas, and facilitating the implementation of capital consolidation projects in Southeast Asia. Because of my outstanding performance, I was eventually formally employed by the company.
My conversion experience is summarised as follows:
Do not hyperfixate on the end results. Deliver value consistently, and opportunities will naturally arise.
Of course, not focusing on the end result does not mean that I had it easy during the process. In fact, I completed my studies, handled operations-side and management-side work during my internship, attained relevant professional certificates, acquired industry knowledge independently, as well as explored and took up business opportunities all at the same time.
When I felt uncertain from not grasping these opportunities, I continued to put in maximum effort in my work and focused on creating value. This is a good mindset to have, be it with my clients or my company.

4. Any fun facts about yourself, and where do you see yourself in three years?

I have a wide range of interests as I try to live in the moment and enjoy my life. I sing occasionally on social media, was in a band in high school, and I am currently learning the drums and dabbling in boxing. I'm also an avid pilates practitioner, a home baker, and a certified sommelier. When I have the time, I visit wineries in Ningxia, China, to try my hand at winemaking.
I love to act as a bridge between people and between systems, with a strong sensitivity to structure. I always take the non-conventional path when it comes to my academic and career journey, or what I call a “steep shortcut.” Three years from now, I hope to be a high-end resource integrator who can find new ways of connecting Southeast Asian family capital, technology investments, and global compliance frameworks.
I also believe that there is no shortage of tools in this day and age; what is lacking are people who have vision, judgement and aesthetic sense. I hope to develop into such an individual.