Why I Chose SMU: Accountancy Undergraduate Andy Soh
SMU Accountancy student Andy Soh was drawn to SMU’s seminar-style classes, industry exposure, central location, and wide range of scholarships. With an interest in finance, he currently leads the SMU Financial Advisory and Compliance Team (SMU FACT), monitoring the compliance of the University’s student bodies—an experience that offers insights he believes will serve him well in his future career.
What factors would you consider when choosing a university? From seminar-style classes and industry exposure to scholarships, SMU offers plenty of opportunities for students to grow and thrive. For SMU School of Accountancy student Andy Soh, the University’s close ties with the finance industry were a key reason for choosing SMU. Dive into Andy’s SMU experience as he shares how he’s developing his skills both in the classroom and beyond.
What made you choose SMU when you were deciding on a university?
SMU stood out to me for its strong emphasis on interactive learning, industry exposure, and central location.
I was drawn to SMU's seminar-style teaching, which encourages active participation and discussions. The University’s close ties with the finance industry also aligned with my interest in finance and strategic consulting.
Lastly, I was impressed by the wide range of scholarships offered by SMU, which signalled to me that the University actively supports student development. With that, I knew SMU would give me the right environment to grow both professionally and personally.
What do you recall of your first month in SMU?
My first month was a whirlwind of activities, from navigating new modules to bonding with peers over shared confusion about readings and deadlines. I still remember how welcoming the community was, and how quickly I found myself adapting and becoming part of the vibrant campus community.
Q:
What has been your favourite course so far, and why?
A:
Corporate Finance has been my favourite course so far. It introduced me to financial decision-making from the perspective of firms and investors. I found the real-world application of concepts like valuation and capital structure fascinating. Not only did the course reinforce my passion for finance, but it also equipped me with essential skills that I’ve applied in internships and case competitions.
Tell us about your CCA.
I’m involved in the SMU Financial Advisory and Compliance Team (SMU FACT), where I currently serve as President. FACT supports the Dean of Students by monitoring the compliance of SMU’s student bodies with the University’s financial and operational guidelines.
We also provide recommendations to improve the standards in student-run organisations, ensuring they align with the broader mission of SMU and the SMU Student Association.
Being part of FACT has given me a unique perspective on governance and accountability within a student ecosystem. This is something that I believe will serve me well in my future career.
What is one quality that you have been able to nurture at SMU that would likely have a lasting impact in your life?
Leadership. As President of SMU FACT, I’ve learnt how to manage a team, handle project deadlines, and create meaningful events that engage our student community.
Leading my peers while balancing academic demands taught me the value of empathy, delegation, and staying calm under pressure. These are skills I know will continue to shape how I navigate future teams and challenges.
What sort of global exposure programmes have you embarked on?
I recently completed an overseas internship with AWR Lloyd in Bangkok, where I was immersed in the fast-paced world of strategic and corporate finance across Southeast Asia. The firm operates in niche sectors like energy, natural resources, and infrastructure, which gave me the opportunity to support and develop investment pitches for renewable energy companies.
One of the most rewarding aspects was supporting a cross-border fundraising deal, where I helped conduct valuation work, build trading comparables, and curate a targeted list of potential investors.
What made the experience even more unique was that I helped bridge communication gaps between Mandarin-speaking stakeholders and the English-speaking team. I translated key documents into Mandarin and facilitated internal alignment, which made me realise the value of bilingualism in cross-border transactions.
Being based in Bangkok added a rich cultural dimension to the experience. I worked alongside professionals from diverse backgrounds and learnt to navigate cross-border collaboration. It pushed me to be more adaptable, detail-oriented, and mindful of languistic and culture nuances.
How are you financing your education?
I am grateful to be a recipient of the W&H Scholarship, which has supported my educational journey financially and affirmed my academic and personal growth. It has allowed me to focus on excelling in my studies while actively taking on leadership roles and internships.
How has SMU prepared you for your career aspirations?
SMU has prepared me through its academic rigour and the many hands-on opportunities to apply what I’ve learnt.
From case competitions to internships in finance and strategy, I’ve been able to translate classroom concepts into practical applications. The University’s emphasis on communication, critical thinking, and networking has also boosted my confidence.
Complete this sentence: Five years from now…
I hope to be in a role where I can drive meaningful impact, whether in strategic advisory, corporate finance, or a sustainability-focused field. Whatever path I take, I know I’ll be building on the foundation SMU gave me, not just academically, but also in terms of character, leadership, and perspective.
I’ll always be grateful to SMU for shaping not only my career path but also the person I’ve become—someone more confident, curious, and open to challenges I never imagined taking on.
Ready to embark on a transformative journey at SMU? Accept your offer now!
