![Ben Toh Zhi Sian](/sites/admissions.smu.edu.sg/files/our-community/Profile%20Picture%202_1.jpg)
What is one key lesson you learned at SMU that is still relevant to you today?
Believe in myself and the ability to improvise. Other than the academic portion, I have had the opportunities to set up my own CCA, chair numerous organizing committees of university-wide events and create new initiatives. Every single activity was a new challenge. I had to improve my leadership, planning, organizing, and management capabilities with every single step. This still holds through in my current role in a regional management capacity.
What’s your fondest memory of your time at SMU?
Setting up Strategica and recruiting 100+ members in just 3 months. It was a brainchild with 5 friends who shared the love of boardgames and we were happy that so many people came along with us. It is still very much active even after 10+ years. Check it out when you join SMU!
If you had to start college all over again, what would you do differently?
The new College of Integrative Studies (CIS) offers a unique pathway for undecided students to try their hand at different disciplines before committing to a major. It would be great to just enjoy campus life and the joy of learning new knowledge with the stress of selecting a major pushed back by a year or two. I would have applied to CIS if I were to start my SMU journey today.