Tianrui Mao

Why did you choose to come to SMU?

After graduating from high school (Gaokao), my academic goals were already very clear to me. Growing up with a father who works in the maritime shipping sector and a mother in finance, I was naturally drawn to these two interconnected worlds. I actively looked for a global destination that stands as a premier powerhouse in both fields, and Singapore immediately stood out as the ideal choice—it is a leading international financial centre and the undisputed maritime capital of the world.

On a practical note, I personally prefer to avoid long-haul flights, so Singapore’s proximity to home made it an even more natural fit.

How has your high school experience prepared you for university life in SMU?

While the transition from an exam-oriented system demanded a sharp mindset shift toward becoming proactive, my high school Gaokao preparation laid a rock-solid foundation in two crucial ways: relentless resilience and analytical discipline.

First, surviving the sheer intensity and high stakes of the Gaokao built an exceptional work ethic and grace under pressure. In SMU, the academic cadence is notoriously fast—juggling multiple 3-hour seminars, tight project deadlines, and midterm assessments in quick succession. The stamina and focus I cultivated in high school taught me not to panic when the pressure mounts, but instead to break complex deliverables into manageable daily tasks.

Second, the rigorous quantitative training in high school sharpened my ability to digest massive amounts of technical data efficiently and approach problems with logical precision. This proved to be an immense asset when tackling advanced modules in Finance Analytics and Corporate Disclosures. The rigor of high school gave me the fundamental grounding, while SMU gave me the dynamic stage to apply it.

Please share two key highlights of your student life in SMU

(1) Building Community & Cultural Bridges with ConnectChina:

Joining SMU ConnectChina was a defining highlight of my student life. Being part of this dynamic student body allowed me to step up as an active contributor to campus culture rather than just a participant. Whether it was organising festive celebrations like our campus Lantern Festival, curating riddle games, or hosting cultural exchange initiatives, working alongside fellow student leaders taught me how to bridge diverse perspectives. It gave me a strong sense of home and belonging, while forging friendships that extend far beyond graduation.

(2) The Post-Class "Sprint" for Fresh Waffles & Campus Food Quests:

A lighter, yet quintessentially SMU daily highlight is the shared ritual right after a gruelling 3-hour seminar: rushing with classmates to beat the crowds at our favourite food stalls! From eagerly queuing up for freshly baked, crispy piping-hot waffles at the underground concourse, to grabbing quick bites, bakery treats, and hearty meals scattered across every corner of the campus buildings. SMU is truly a foodie’s paradise—navigating the vibrant concourse food spots with project mates to celebrate finishing a presentation isn't just about grabbing fuel; it’s where our best conversations and core university memories are made.