On 23 November 2024, Curtin University Singapore hosted a vibrant Open House event, drawing in prospective students eager to learn more about the Curtin experience. A highlight of the day was an engaging sharing panel led by three esteemed executive committee members from the Curtin University Singapore Alumni Chapter (CUSAC): James Chen, PBM, President; Kemmy Koh, Secretary; and Cliff Goh, Membership Director. Each panelist also brought their professional expertise to the discussion, as leaders in their respective industries. James Chen is the CEO of Athena Best Financial, Cliff Goh is a Partner at Assurance Partners, and Kemmy Koh is the CFO of Richz Holdings.
This interactive session offered a glimpse into the personal and academic journeys of these alumni, who shared how their time at Curtin University—spanning full immersion at the Bentley campus and semi-immersion experiences in Singapore and Malaysia—shaped their futures. The panel explored key questions from prospective students, such as:
Is Curtin more project- or academically-based?
Why did you choose Curtin for your undergraduate studies?
What did Curtin teach you beyond academics?
James Chen: A Blend of Flexibility, Campus Life, and Community Strength
As President of CUSAC and CEO of Athena Best Financial, James Chen highlighted the flexibility of beginning his degree in Singapore, with the unique opportunity to spend his final semester at the Bentley campus in Perth. This allowed him to immerse himself fully in campus life while managing his studies in a way that suited his goals.
James also emphasized the strength of the Curtin community, which extends beyond graduation. He shared a personal experience where being part of the Curtin alumni network proved invaluable. When faced with a challenging business problem, he reached out to the alumni community and received support from none other than Cliff Goh, now a fellow CUSAC executive member and Partner at Assurance Partners. This connection underscores the lifelong benefits of being part of the Curtin family.
Kemmy Koh: Embracing Diversity and Building Resilience
Secretary Kemmy Koh, currently the CFO of Richz Holdings, shared how Curtin’s inclusive and diverse environment influenced her personal and professional development. She spoke about how Curtin helped her build resilience and adaptability—essential traits when she took on the challenge of a CFO role based in China.
Kemmy described how her time at Curtin provided her with transferable skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and communication, which laid the groundwork for her career. These skills played a crucial role in her entrepreneurial journey, where she combined her business acumen with creativity to launch her own ventures—a skincare beauty business and a lab-grown diamond enterprise.
Cliff Goh: The Power of Double Majors and Strategic Career Choices
Membership Director Cliff Goh, now a Partner at Assurance Partners, shared how Curtin’s wide array of academic options was instrumental in his decision-making process. He chose a double major in Marketing and Accounting, which equipped him with skills to navigate both the technical and strategic aspects of business. Cliff advised prospective students to carefully consider their choice of majors and career paths, emphasizing the importance of aligning their studies with long-term goals.
He noted that shifting career directions midway can often result in wasted resources and time, a common scenario he has observed throughout his professional journey.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The informal yet insightful session created a dynamic platform for prospective students to gain firsthand perspectives on the Curtin journey. Attendees appreciated the openness of the alumni and were inspired by their stories of academic exploration, personal growth, and professional achievements.
Curtin University continues to nurture a strong alumni network, demonstrating the lasting impact of its education across borders. For those considering Curtin as their next academic destination, the Open House provided not just answers, but a vision of what their own future could hold.
Comments