Yap Xiu Hui Salin

How has the SMU scholarship benefitted you so far?

The Lee Kong Chian Scholar’s Programme community is one I am grateful to be a part of. The SMU community is already pretty small, so having another community I can be a part of gives me comfort, especially when I meet them in any of my modules. We share resources such as seniors’ notes and career opportunities. One of the most beneficial aspect of a scholarship, besides the monetary assistance, would be the buddy programme. My LKCSP senior/buddy is always there to give me any advice I have about bidding, module planning, exchange, friendship and even just the pressures of being a scholar.

Please share your internship experience.

I applied for a leave of absence to do a 6 month-long internship with Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Marketing department, and I have absolutely no regrets. My internship experience taught me a lot about my own preferences, as well as my strengths and weaknesses. The internship was also a good networking opportunity as I met students from other schools and seniors and was able to pick up some good advice.

What is the one thing you wish more people knew about SMU?

SMU is competitive but not in a negative way. I wish people would see this as a strength of SMU since it equips students well for the work life.

Any advice for prospective students who are thinking of applying to SMU?

One advice I would give is to not dwell on what you like or dislike, or what you are comfortable or not comfortable with. Instead, think about how you envision your future self 4 years later.