Leading with passion and conviction
Marcus Wong
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Marcus Wong is a 2nd year undergraduate in the Lee Kong Chian School of Business at the Singapore Management University, majoring in Communication Management. He is also a Quantedge Foundation Scholar since 2018.
Marcus is actively involved in extra-curricular campus activities and was Chairperson of the Organising Committee for the Freshmen Orientation 2019. Recognised for his leadership, he was more recently elected as the incoming 16th President of the SMU Students’ Association Council (SMUSA Council) for AY2020/21. He hopes to give back to the community by reaching out to as many students as possible and aims to focus on mental health awareness in his current term. Beyond SMUSA, he is passionate about events management and aspires to own an ice-cream bar in the future. |
Tell us more about your journey to SMU.
I was only accepted into SMU on my second try. I was not accepted to SMU when I first applied. I was quite dejected when my application was rejected and considered accepting an offer at SIT’s Hospitality Business School since I had studied Leisure and Resort Management in Temasek Polytechnic. However, I decided to give SMU another shot the following year – and, lo and behold, received an offer! I had a hard time choosing between SIT and SMU. I spoke with peers in both universities, did my due diligence and ultimately decided to go with SMU as I wanted to challenge myself. I felt that I was capable of achieving more. Though the learning curve at SMU is definitely steeper, I have no regrets and am enjoying my time in SMU! |
As the Chairperson of the Freshmen Orientation 2019, you and your vice-Chairperson had to oversee nine departments and liaise with both internal and external stakeholders. Tell us more about that experience.When signing up for SMUSA’s event organising committee, I had originally indicated a preference for VIVACE (SMU’s annual CCA Fair) as it was a one-day event and I had experience with similar events while interning at Singapore Expo. However, I was offered a role in the Freshmen Orientation 2019 (“FO19”) instead.
Organising a large-scale event like FO19 turned out to be such an incredible learning experience. Our team was responsible for conceptualising and planning the entire event – a mock camp and coordinating 3 actual runs from Jun to Aug 2019. "Not everything will go according to plan but that is okay. What matters is to go with the flow and adjust your plans accordingly."
As a member of the organising committee, we had to make decisions that would affect all nine departments, 2,000 Freshmen and SMU’s branding. While this seemed daunting at first, it turned out to be a thoroughly rewarding experience. I learnt a lot about event planning and team management. Not everything will go according to plan but that is okay. What matters is to go with the flow and adjust your plans accordingly.
I also found it useful to align our team’s charter and establish a clear team direction at the outset, as we were able to make better decisions with a common objective and clear goals in mind. 
Marcus (front row, 6th from the right), with his Freshmen Orientation 2019 organising committee.
Of course, I did not do all this alone. Though it was my first time organising such a large scale event, I had a strong organising committee to count on - their ability to handle and perform tasks well empowered me to lead with confidence. We worked closely with the Office of Student Life and they were nothing but amazing. They enabled me to perform and encouraged me to continue doing what I do. Being able to work with them again was a key motivation for running for SMUSA Council elections as well. I also had the privilege to host senior management and SMU’s President, Professor Lily Kong, and had a wonderful time sharing with them what our committee had done and how all of FO19 was put together. 
We-fie with SMU's President, Professor Lily Kong and Dean of Students, Professor Paulin Straughan at Freshmen Orientation 2019.
There were some tough moments during the process where I had to confront my insecurities and overcome a lack of confidence. Thankfully, I had an encouraging Vice-Chairperson who was always reassuring and motivated me throughout the journey. I am very grateful for her support. I am most proud of my team for standing behind our objectives wholeheartedly and being able to work together across their departments. Without them, we would not have achieved so much and impacted so many people throughout this journey. |
What would be your priorities as incoming 16th President of SMUSA?The work involved as the President of SMUSA Council is so much more than FO19. I am not just responsible for a single event, or specific group like the Freshmen – but for all other students here in SMU, as well as internal office stakeholders. The stakes are so much higher.
Pursuing an education at universities like SMU is definitely not easy. Nonetheless, I hope that SMUSA can be a student body that adds colour to student life, puts a smile on students’ faces and supports them during their times of trouble, ultimately living up to our tagline of being “With you, for you”. SMUSA consists of 10 other constituent bodies, made up of the 6 Schools (Faculties) in SMU and 4 CCA clusters. This year, I also intend to look at enhancing the collaboration between the 10 constituent bodies. I believe that collectively, we can make a bigger and more meaningful impact for the entire student population. |
Imagine yourself in three years. What do you hope will be different about you then compared to now?Rather than set out big goals, I am one who consistently sets small but achievable goals towards my desired outcomes. Being an introvert, I am currently working towards being more vocal and confident when I speak to large audiences. I plan to eventually major in communication management as I believe that communication is crucial in every organisation.
"Rather than set out big goals, I am one who consistently sets small but achievable goals towards my desired outcomes."
I also have a dream to own an ice-cream bar, so I look forward to learning how to make my own ice cream and perhaps even coming up with a new unique flavour. |
You mentioned in your letter of appreciation that receiving the QFS award has freed up time to be involved in the Freshmen Orientation 2023 camp as the Program Director. Tell us more how you got involved.
I am currently serving as a Program Director for the upcoming Freshmen Orientation Camp at the School of Computing (SoC). This responsibility involves overseeing the entire planning and execution of the event. I had enjoyed working in similar capacities as an exco member of Nanyang Polytechnic’s School Of Information Technology Club and was excited to take on this challenge in university.
Planning the camp has been a memorable experience for me and my team. We faced obstacles, such as the lack of resources and branding for this first-time event at SoC. It was challenging to attract volunteers, but we worked together to raise awareness by putting up posters and distributing flyers around the school. Despite our initial struggles, my team members’ determination and never-say-die attitude kept us motivated to keep going. With the camp just a few weeks away, I am proud that we have persevered as a team and am looking forward to seeing the fruits of our labour. 
Justin and his OGLs for SoC Freshmen Orientation Camp 2023.
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What advice would you give to fellow QF awardees who are about to embark on their university journey?As a recipient of the Quantedge Foundation award, I have had the freedom to explore my interests and try new things without financial worry. Dragon Boating has always been on my bucket list, and I finally got the opportunity to try it. To my fellow awardees, I encourage you to embrace your university journey by stepping out of your comfort zone. Do not just focus on academics, but also explore other interests such as latte art or joining a band.
(From left to right) Justin trying out dragon boating and latte art for the first time.
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One sentence to describe what's important to you.
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"'A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.' I believe that in order to grow and develop, one has to go through tough tides and learn through those experiences!"
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One quote that has always resonated with me: “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” I believe that in order to grow and develop, one has to go through tough tides and learn through those experiences!
To end with another quote “what comes easy won’t last, what lasts won’t come easy.” |
What advice and tips do you have for a new QF scholar on how to navigate the first semester in SMU?
" ...step out of your comfort zone and you’ll see yourself grow beyond what you expected. Fear is inevitable, but courage is all you need to take the first step"
It is definitely fast paced, but remember to take the time to relax and “breathe”!
This might be your last chance to fully experience student life, so step out of your comfort zone and you’ll see yourself grow beyond what you expected. Fear is inevitable, but courage is all you need to take the first step :)
This might be your last chance to fully experience student life, so step out of your comfort zone and you’ll see yourself grow beyond what you expected. Fear is inevitable, but courage is all you need to take the first step :)