Leveraging technology for good

Ma Siew Hong

Siew Hong is the recipient of the 2022 Quantedge – Lee Kuan Yew Masters Scholarship. With a background in engineering, technology management and experience in the e-commerce industry, Siew Hong hopes to pursue an MPhil in Technology Policy to address the complex challenges faced by firms today. He aspires to work at the intersection of policy and product management, to help firms create and operate useful products more responsibly.

As a first-generation student of immigrant parents, Siew Hong hopes to encourage others to aspire for what is seemingly “out of reach”, and not be afraid to seek advice or help from good mentors.​

Tell us more about yourself.

I am an engineering student with a passion for leveraging technology to improve society. I strive to achieve this through technological advancement, as well as the diffusion of technology through useful products and services. In the last few years, I have worked at Shopee in a product management role, where I tackled technical and business challenges to benefit both consumers and retailers.
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During my time at Shopee as a Product Manager, I had many opportunities working across functions and geographies to solve challenging problems, and that has brought much fulfilment.

Why did you choose to pursue an MPhil in Technology Policy at Cambridge?​

After working at Shopee, I became more aware of the potential negative impacts of technology and its products. The sale of dangerous goods, fraud, and packaging waste are just a few examples. I believe that addressing these issues requires collaboration between industry partners and government agencies.  With my background in engineering, management, and e-commerce, I believe technology policy can play a crucial role in making our society better. I am interested in understanding how governments formulate policies to regulate the development and use of technology, how businesses navigate and influence the legislative process, and the impact that these policies have on society.
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At the matriculation event during my first week at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.
"With my background in engineering, management, and e-commerce, I believe technology policy can play a crucial role in making our society better."

What experiences do you hope to gain at Cambridge?

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Hiking on El Chaltén, Argentina. It is an 8-hour day hike and I enjoyed challenging my physical and mental limits on the trail.

​At Cambridge, I plan to interact with people from different backgrounds and remain open-minded.
Outside of school, I hope to explore hiking areas like the Snowdonia National Park in Wales to connect with nature. I developed this interest during my overseas exchange and recent work assignment in South America.
"At Cambridge. I plan to interact with people from different backgrounds and remain open-minded."

What are your career aspirations/plans post-graduation?

I  am open to new interests and aspirations at Cambridge. I am considering a role that combines policy and product management, such as product policy to help firms operate responsibly. My undergraduate course emphasised combining multiple disciplines to address complex challenges, and I am thinking of working at such an intersection.

Did you face any challenges growing up? What advice would you give to others from similar backgrounds?

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With my tutor and classmates during a homecoming event at Jurong JC.
As a first-generation student of immigrant parents, I felt that it was comparatively harder for my parents, despite their best intentions, to guide me on my educational and professional pathways.  As my parents were not financially well off, their priorities understandably leaned towards near-term needs, such as sustaining our daily expenses and keeping up with the rising cost of living. However, these circumstances motivated me to work harder towards achieving my goals and better life outcomes.
"To others who come from challenging backgrounds, I suggest recognising what we can and cannot change, making the best of our circumstances, and seeking out good mentors for guidance. "
* This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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