Celebrating Innovation and Resilience: The Inaugural Kajima Book Prize in Innovation
The Kajima Book Prize in Innovation recognises graduating SMU students who have shown resilience and adaptability while in university, reinforcing the University’s mission of fostering innovation and collaboration. The inaugural award was presented to James Tee, who was VP of SMU Product Club, and Daniel Soh, who co-founded Feel Fresh. Here, they share more about their innovation and entrepreneurship experiences at SMU.
At SMU, innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) are more than just buzzwords – they are integral to the institution's identity. The newly established Kajima Book Prize in Innovation recognises graduating students who embody these qualities, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership during their university journey.
This prestigious Prize not only honours individual achievements, but also reinforces SMU’s role as a hub for forward-thinking leaders and groundbreaking ideas. By celebrating students who rise above challenges to drive impact, the Prize underscores the university’s mission to foster innovation and collaboration on a global scale.
To be awarded annually, recipients are selected through a rigorous process, comprising community voting and evaluations by a panel of esteemed entrepreneurs, alumni, and academics. The inaugural Kajima Book Prize was awarded on 15 November 2024 to James Tee from the School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) and Daniel Soh from the School of Accountancy (SOA). Each awardee received a $5,000 cash award for their exceptional contributions to SMU’s I&E ecosystem.
We speak to James and Daniel about their time at SMU, approach to innovation, and advice for students looking to leave their mark in the I&E space.
Building communities of innovation
James Tee, ex-Vice-President of SMU Product Club, made a lasting impact on SMU’s I&E scene. Under his leadership, Singapore’s first student-led product management club launched the Product Management Experience (PME) programme – a holistic initiative aimed at equipping aspiring product managers with practical skills and real-world product development exposure.
The PME programme included a seven-week curriculum with industry experts, hands-on projects with local startups, and an Internal Product Competition. Its success extended beyond SMU, inspiring similar programmes at NUS and NTU, and fostering a collaborative network across the universities.
“I wanted SMU Product Club to be a space where groups of like-minded individuals work together to solve problems and innovate, rather than simply attending seminars or coffee chats. We aim to forge the new generation of product leaders,” James says, reflecting on his vision.
“I had an ambitious vision of creating our very own deep-dive curriculum with a focus on hands-on projects and knowledge transfer from industry professionals.”
Besides spearheading SMU Product Club, James constantly innovates by participating in various business case competitions and hackathons, winning seven of them. He has also made significant contributions to student life at SMU, holding leadership roles such as Committee and Resident Senior at Prinsep Street Residences, Programme Director of ACF Arts Camp, and performing arts member of SMU VOIX and SMU Komunitas Indonesia's Gelar Budaya.
Winning the Kajima Book Prize is a meaningful milestone for James. “It validates the hard work and growth I’ve experienced during my time here. It motivates me to continue pushing boundaries to make an impact beyond university.”
Turning failures into stepping stones
For Daniel Soh, the entrepreneurial journey began with Feel Fresh, a personal care and beauty brand leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver premium products at affordable prices.
Building the brand came with challenges, from responding to market feedback to tackling supply chain issues. However, Daniel’s perseverance and innovative mindset helped him overcome these setbacks—a quality recognised by his peers and the judges of the Kajima Book Prize.
“The mentorship I received through the SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s BIG Incubation Programme was invaluable,” Daniel shares. “It taught me how to turn obstacles into opportunities and move closer to my vision.”
Daniel sees the Kajima Book Prize as a reflection of his resilience and adaptability. “Entrepreneurship is about staying the course, learning from failure, and continuously improving. This award is a powerful reminder to keep pushing forward.”
Lessons in resilience and adaptability
James and Daniel credit their time at SMU for shaping their growth in the I&E space.
For James, the IS Project Experience proved transformative. As part of the SMU-X course, James embarked on a five-month project with Singapore General Hospital, where he navigated client demands, software bugs, and tight deadlines. “This experience taught me resilience and adaptability, specifically with the uncertainties of real-world projects – skills that are invaluable in the I&E space.”
Daniel found his taxation module with Associate Professor of Accounting Jimmy Lee particularly impactful on his entrepreneurial journey. “The module was highly relevant to real-world business concepts. It gave me a strong foundation in financial responsibilities, which has been crucial for both personal and professional success.”
Collectively, their classroom learnings emphasise the development of resilience, adaptability, and a solid foundation for success in the I&E space. Beyond the classroom, SMU IIE's programmes, including the Global Innovation Immersion (GII) and Business Innovations Generator (BIG), offer students invaluable opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings. Through GII, James interned with Pomelo Fashion in Vietnam, while BIG provided Daniel with mentorship to accelerate the growth of his startup.
Advice for aspiring innovators
For students hoping to make their mark in I&E, both Kajima Book Prize recipients emphasise the importance of tenacity.
“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone or experiment with untested approaches,” James advises. “The lessons you gain will be invaluable for your growth.”
Daniel echoes this sentiment, highlighting resilience as a cornerstone of success. “Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure, but learning how to navigate through it. Keep pushing forward, even when things don’t go as planned. The toughest challenges lead to the most meaningful growth.”
