Jaasir Mahsom, an incoming law student at SMU, thrives on new experiences—whether it’s exploring cultures, playing sports, or connecting with new people. As he begins his university journey, he’s most excited about building friendships, both in class and through CCAs.
National swimmer Carol Rachmadi knows a thing or two about balance—between training, studies, and chasing big goals. The incoming freshman at SMU School of Accountancy is excited to embrace a new chapter packed with seminar-style learning, a buzzing city campus, and a student life that’s just as vibrant as her swim meets.
Em’re Hamka, an incoming SMU Social Sciences student majoring in Politics, Law, and Economics, is passionate about travel, sports, and uplifting marginalised communities. As he steps into a new chapter at SMU, he’s excited to make new friends and explore the diverse range of subjects offered by his major.
Incoming freshman Lauren Lock is passionate about racquet sports, clay sculpting, and watching films and K-dramas. The flexibility in module selection, holistic teaching approach, and student-centric environment attracted her to SMU. As the new academic year approaches, Lauren is excited to begin her undergraduate studies at the city campus and dive into the vibrant student life.
Passionate about speed and aviation, incoming freshman Joash Law has earned his pilot credentials at Singapore Youth Flying Club and spends his time flying. Beyond the skies, he’s excited to join SMU’s diving club to earn his open-water certification and explore marine life.
Incoming student Punitha Bhanu, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Management at SMU, loves staying active. Her interests include baking, crossword puzzles, and bowling. She believes SMU’s seminar-style classes will foster meaningful discussions and help her build stronger connections with both professors and peers.
Aiken Teo, an incoming SMU freshman majoring in Psychology, Political Science, and Sociology, is always eager to explore new experiences. The avid Dungeons and Dragons player values SMU’s seminar-style classes and guaranteed global exposure. As the school year approaches, he looks forward to making new friends and trying out CCAs at SMU.
Incoming freshman Lingesh Ganesh has always been interested in the application of technology in urban development. This led him to choose SMU for its Smart-City Management and Technology major, part of the Bachelor of Science (Information Systems). Beyond his interest in prototyping new ideas, he spends his free time jamming to Korean and Japanese rock bands.
Incoming Economics student Joshua De Souza has been building LEGO models since childhood, transforming his home into a personal LEGO gallery. As a self-professed introvert, he’s eager to step out of his comfort zone at SMU, looking forward to the seminar-style classes and exploring the diverse CCAs and student clubs on offer at SMU.
Jarrett Chan, an incoming Computing and Law student at SMU, is passionate about music, sports, Japanese culture, and tech. As a self-professed conversationalist, he’s excited about SMU’s seminar-style classes, which offer plenty of opportunities for dynamic discussions with professors and peers.
Sam Huang, an independent and passionate investor in stocks and cryptocurrency since age 15, is an incoming freshman at SMU. He chose SMU for its unique blend of computing and law courses, anticipating the demand for expertise in both fields due to the rise of AI and other technologies. Sam is excited about SMU’s vibrant campus life, its location, and the career opportunities it offers. He looks forward to studying subjects he loves and engaging with new peers and experiences.
Nicole Sim, an incoming SMU freshman, is passionate about mental health advocacy and community service. Attracted by SMU’s strong employment prospects, hands-on learning, and interactive seminar-style classes, she aims to weave her advocacy into her academic and extracurricular activities. Nicole is eager to develop critical thinking skills, engage with professors and peers, and immerse herself in SMU’s vibrant campus life.
Benjamin Mathew, a Chinese-Indian incoming SMU freshman, studied Malay as a second language. He is passionate about music, playing multiple instruments, and leading his church’s youth ministry. Attracted to SMU's vibrant and accessible campus in the city, Benjamin appreciates the seminar-style classes and interactive learning environment. He looks forward to immersing himself in the SMU community, making new connections, and participating in campus life.
Irdina Jayni, an incoming SMU freshman, has a keen interest in insects and art, visiting insect museums on her travels and photographing rare specimens for her projects. She values SMU’s seminar-style classes for their interactive nature and looks forward to the diverse opportunities for global exposure, such as overseas exchanges and internships. Eager to expand her knowledge and engage with the SMU community, Irdina is excited about the personal and academic growth opportunities ahead.
Zen Ho, an incoming SMU freshman, is dedicated to promoting mental wellness. He founded a mindfulness start-up offering activities like meditation, nature bathing, and ceramic painting. Zen is passionate about philosophy, particularly Daoism, and enjoys reading extensively on the subject. Drawn to SMU's interdisciplinary curriculum at the College of Integrative Studies, he looks forward to exploring various courses and designing his own major.
Ally Tan, an incoming freshman at SMU, enjoys playing the drums and appreciates the employability of SMU graduates, which she believes reflects the holistic education offered. She is drawn to SMU's central location in the city for its vibrant energy and opportunities. Ally is looking forward to engaging in university life and participating in various campus activities.
Ng Zhe Bin, an incoming freshman at SMU, is passionate about shuffle dance, jump rope, and history, particularly WWII and the Cold War. Drawn to SMU for its seminar-style classes and small class sizes that foster active debates and discussions, he also values the university’s emphasis on communication skills. Zhe Bin looks forward to engaging in campus activities and building lasting friendships.
Loh Kar Wei, an incoming freshman at SMU, is a self-taught game developer and cybersecurity gamification startup founder. Passionate about addressing the talent gap in cybersecurity, she was drawn to SMU's guaranteed second major programme, and plans to pursue legal studies as a second major. After two years away from books, Kar Wei looks forward to meeting peers who share her interests.
Incoming freshman Lai Teck Yong is returning to school after spending several years in the police force. The stock and crypto enthusiast was drawn to SMU’s seminar-style classes and the vibrant student community. After years of working, he looks forward to heading back to the classroom and making new connections at SMU.
Incoming freshman Joseph Khoo enjoys cycling, weightlifting, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He shares that he chose SMU because of its strong employment prospects, focus on practical applications, and internship opportunities. Joseph was also drawn to SMU’s guaranteed second major and central location. He looks forward to forging lasting bonds at SMU.
Passionate about programming, incoming freshman Isaac Koh has previously helped develop a digital stamping application during his time at Nanyang Polytechnic. Drawn to SMU’s seminar-style classes and focus on real-world experiences, Isaac hopes to develop strong communication skills and lasting friendships during his time at SMU. He also looks forward to exploring the various food options around the campus.
