From Classroom to Newsroom: Tian Tian Chua’s Journey Through SMU
Introduction
In the competitive world of media and communications, making your mark requires not just strong academic credentials but also a keen ability to adapt and innovate. Tian Tian Chua, a graduate of the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) at Singapore Management University (SMU), exemplifies how a nurturing and flexible academic environment can launch a graduate into a thriving career.
SMU’s Interdisciplinary and Flexible Curriculum
At the heart of Tian Tian’s educational journey was the opportunity to explore a wide array of topics and disciplines. Initially pursuing a double degree in Business Management and Accounting, Tian Tian soon realised that Accounting wasn’t the right fit for her, as the balance sheets never seemed to balance. She decided to shift her focus to Finance and Communications instead. This double major combination offered her a more creative and dynamic approach, better suited to her evolving career aspirations.
This flexibility is a hallmark of SMU’s curriculum, providing a safety net for students to experiment and discover their passions without the pressure of immediate specialisation.
Lasting Influence of SMU Faculty
Tian Tian’s academic choices not only defined her study path but also laid a robust foundation for her personal and professional life. If not for changing her majors, she wouldn’t have met Professor Neo Kok Beng and Professor Augustine Pang.
Professor Neo, a subject-matter expert in technology and entrepreneurship, imparted a mix of practical knowledge and invaluable insights in his lessons. Upon discovering Tian Tian’s interest in flying, he engaged with her beyond the classroom and shared his experience of obtaining his private flying licence. He even introduced her to his acquaintance, an astronaut at the International Space Station.
Professor Pang, a former journalist with The New Paper, brought not only his academic expertise but also his extensive real-world experience in media management to the classroom. For Tian Tian, a communications module with Professor Pang became much more than just another class. The open dialogues ignited a latent passion for journalism that she hadn't fully acknowledged before.
“I don't know whether to call it passion back then, but what I do know is that there is this thrill about journalism, about trying to seed something, and it became something that's at the back of my head.”
These interactions underscore the significant impact that SMU’s faculty can have on its students, not just academically but also in personal and professional development.
Developing Relevant and Applicable Skills
In her coursework, Tian Tian engaged with a variety of subjects that honed her analytical and strategic thinking—skills that are indispensable in the fast-evolving field of journalism. For instance, the module 'Fundamentals in Media Management' taught by Professor Pang provided her with a nuanced understanding of the media landscape, which proved crucial when navigating her roles in business journalism.
Similarly, Professor Neo’s teachings on 'Technology and Entrepreneurship' equipped her with the ability to view business strategies through a multifaceted lens, enhancing her capability to report and analyse complex financial narratives.
These educational experiences were not merely academic; they directly influenced her day-to-day professional decisions and strategies. Whether it was interpreting market trends or dissecting corporate strategies, Tian Tian found her SMU education an invaluable asset—even the accounting modules that she initially struggled with. She applied the frameworks and principles learned in class to real-world situations, enabling her to produce insightful, well-informed content that stood out in her field.
Conclusion
Tian Tian’s journey from a student at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business to a respected professional in the media industry underscores the transformative power of an SMU education. Her experiences reveal how the right mix of academic rigour, exploratory learning, and supportive mentorship can not only shape a student's career path but also inspire a lifelong passion for their work.
