Startups are facing hard times and need all the help they can get. Directors with diverse skillsets, good networks, and a strong grounding in corporate governance can steer the company through turbulent times to emerge stronger on the other side of Covid-19.

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J.R.R. Tolkien was right when he once said that “Courage is found in unlikely places”. For SMU Business alumna Crystal Cheng (BBM 2019), she finds that there is no room for courage in safe places, where the odds were not stacked against her. 

During this period of uncertainty with the coronavirus pandemic, many would cling on to their jobs. Not to say the fear is unwarranted – the global economy has taken a hit and the F&B industry was one of the heavily impacted businesses. 

And that was the kind of business Crystal decided to pursue. 

With its international reputation for economic growth and high salaries, it’s no surprise that Singapore is a top destination for young professionals entering the world of business. 

However, according to a 2018 survey by international firm, Manpower Group, over half of Singaporean employers are struggling to fill positions due to shortages in relevant skills and experience. Among the jobs facing these shortages, product managers, user experience designers and marketing professionals are toward the top of the list. 

Are you ready for a topic that will leave you feeling inspired? We had the pleasure to interview SMU alumna, Vanessa Paranjothy, Founder of Freedom Cups. We have to say, the topic of our interview opened our minds and left us feeling free. The topic of this article? Periods.   

Vanessa insists there should be no discomfort while discussing a very natural process that 50% of the population goes through and we think she’s right! 

Plastic waste is a growing problem and according to the Singapore NEA website, Singapore generated 949,300 tons of plastic in 2019 itself. With only a 4% rate of that being recycled, the remainder of that plastic is shipped out to be dumped, which is not sustainable or a long term solution.

In comes Magorium, a technology company founded by SMU student, Oh Chu Xian from School of Business. With their solution, they are trying solve two problems at once: addressing the issue of plastic waste, and improving the lifespan of roads.

Compare successful founders; what do they have in common?

It might be wishful thinking, wanting the secret to success, but unfortunately, it is an instinct that can’t be trained. You either have it or you don’t, it’s the spark and this spark is ineffable.

You know that feeling you get when you meet someone and you feel immediately in awe and impressed for some reason or another?

This is not in reference to overly coiffed individuals or the trappings of the rich. Sure, those people could have the spark too, but it’s not something that pertains only to the wealthy.

The idea started in Cuba. As an avid traveler, Jun took a trip to Cayo Coco in search of an amazing native colony of pink flamingos. roaming next to pristine beaches and turquoise water.

While perspiring in the heat, a rash appeared on her underarms, leading her to look closer at the ingredients in her new deodorant. To her shock, she found the product she willingly put on her body contained chemicals that posed a threat to both humans and the environment.  

What is the cycle of poverty?

It is defined as a cycle where families living in poverty remain impoverished for more than 3 generations. This cycle begins when a child is born into a poor family whose parents do not have the ability or resources to advance their position in life.

It isn’t easy breaking this cycle involving multiple complicated and entrenched factors.