Seizing every opportunity
Louis Low
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Louis Low is an undergraduate in the School of Information Systems at the Singapore Management University, majoring in Cybersecurity and Software Development. A Quantedge Foundation Scholar since 2018, Louis has gone on to excel in his studies and co-curricular activities and is currently a recipient of the Singapore Digital (SG:D) Scholarship (Undergraduate) from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which aims to groom aspiring infocomm media talent for a career in the industry. Louis is an avid climber and represented the SMU Softball Team as well. He hopes to be an Offensive Security Certified Professional in the next 5 years and contribute to Singapore’s Cybersecurity scene in the future. |
You have a diploma in Chemical Engineering from Singapore Polytechnic but decided to pursue a degree in Information Systems after your stint in army. Why the switch?I chose a Cybersecurity major after learning about its importance in protecting people and their data. The decision for a second major in Software Development came after I had the chance to utilise different IT tools and develop a platform to enhance the operations of my church. Quantedge Foundation’s support allowed me the financial freedom to excel in my first year. Now, as a recipient of the IMDA Singapore Digital (SG:D) Scholarship (Undergraduate), I will have the opportunity to connect with experts, enhancing my global exposure and local network. This will help me in my goal of using IT to contribute to the progress of the community and Singapore’s future. |
You are an avid climber. Why the interest in climbing? Climbing is a sport that tests one’s perseverance and resilience. It is not about brute force, but problem-solving as we climb. As a beginner, I struggled and was tempted to give up, but with each try, I got closer to my goal. Finishing a difficult project on the wall is exhilarating. It also trained me to have a mentality to hang on, to not quit easily when I face a problem.
This year, I also joined the softball team. There is no superstar in softball because every team member has to be good and aware of their role for the team to win the game. Playing softball has taught me that innovation is a team effort. "There is no superstar in softball because every team member has to be good and aware of their roles for the team to win the game. Playing softball has taught me that innovation is a team effort."
With my SMU Softball teammates at a Friendly Match against the Cardinals at Monfort Secondary School.
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Along with other Quantedge Foundation Scholars, you volunteered at Stamford Primary School over the past year to help financially disadvantaged students strengthen their communication and problem-solving skills. Tell us more about your experience.
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What advice and tips do you have for a new QF scholar on how to navigate the first semester in SMU?To the freshmen QF Scholars, my advice would be to plan your time wisely and figure out what you want to accomplish in your university journey. Take time to meet new people and learn from their experiences. Plan out your daily routines to create a rhythm that will keep you on track amid the busyness. Explore your passion and dreams while at SMU to make the most of your 4 years.
“Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from succeeding at things that matter to you.”
Another advice would be a quote from William Carey: “I am not afraid of failing. I am only afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.” Embrace your failures and learn from them to grow and better yourself. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from succeeding at things that matter to you. Choose to make decisions by faith, and not out of fear. Your university journey will be extraordinary if you take that leap of faith. |
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.