As a market leader in
Asia’s communications
industry, the Singtel
Group is constantly
evolving and
changing the ways we
communicate with
each other. Singtel
Undergraduate Scholar
Jessica Chow tells us
more about this dynamic
organisation.
Singtel prides itself on being a dynamic organisation that continually seeks
new ways to innovate. As Asia’s leading communications group, it knows
that it cannot afford to be complacent in today’s rapidly-evolving society.
Constantly searching for new ways for people and businesses to communicate,
Singtel continues to shape and drive the information age.
Beyond delivering reliable mobile and data connectivity, Singtel has made
signifi cant changes to the way it engages customers. It now has three main global
business units structured along customer segments – Consumer, Group Enterprise,
and Group Digital L!fe. This allows Singtel to have a more focused approach while
delivering next-generation digital, multimedia, and ICT solutions to customers.
Singtel attracts and nurtures talent through a multitude of programmes such as
the SHINE Internship, the Management Associate Programme (MAP), and the Singtel
Undergraduate Scholarship (UGS). Through such programmes, Singtel grooms its
employees to become future movers and shakers in the telecommunications industry.
Jessica Chow Ka-Yan, a recent graduate of Singapore Management University
(SMU) with a Bachelor of Business Management, is one of the lucky few to have
received the prestigious Singtel UGS. We talk to her and fi nd out more about her
journey with Singtel.
An illustrious organisation
When it came to choosing a scholarship, Jessica knew exactly what she wanted
– one from a dynamic organisation that would allow her to reach her full potential.
A few scholarships caught her eye while browsing through the BrightSparks portal,
but she was ultimately drawn to all the possibilities that Singtel offers.
Jessica Chow Ka-Yan
Singtel Undergraduate Scholar
Studied:
Bachelor of Business Management,
Singapore Management University
“The diversity of the organisation played a huge role in helping me come to a
decision. Singtel provides a wide range of services including mobile, data, internet,
television and infocomms technology, as well as digital solutions. I knew that if I were to join Singtel, I would be able to learn a
lot from my exposure to the various aspects of
Singtel's operations,” Jessica recounts.
The progressive nature of the organisation was
another facet she was attracted to. She shares,
“Although it is a leading communications provider,
Singtel is always trying to better itself. I like how
forward-thinking and innovative it is. Being part
of a company like this will only reflect well on all
its employees.”
Exploring interests
Jessica tells us that the best thing about Singtel
UGS is that scholars are given the freedom to
explore their interests. She shares, “Initially, I
wanted to work in the finance industry but I was
also keen to explore other aspects of the business
world so I chose to pursue a general business
degree in the end. In Business Management, I
had the opportunity to study a variety of subjects
– management, business law, finance, and most
notably digital marketing.”
During her undergraduate studies, Singtel
provided Jessica with the financial support to
participate in an overseas exchange programme in the Hong Kong University of Science and
Technology. She enthuses, “While I was there, I took
a module on digital marketing, 'Communications
in the Digital Era'. It was then that I realised my
passion did not necessarily lie in finance, and digital
marketing was something I was more interested
in. I’m glad Singtel UGS gave me the freedom to
explore my interests.”
To Jessica's delight, she discovered that there
was indeed an opportunity to apply for a digital
marketing internship position at Singtel. She found
this out during a Singtel networking session. She
explains, “I had the opportunity to meet many
senior management members at the networking
session. I got to speak to the head of Sales and
managed to learn more about the digital marketing
unit.”
"Although it is a leading communications provider, Singtel is always trying to better itself. I like how forward-thinking and innovative it is."
Her internship at Singtel Digital Sales intensifi ed
her passion for digital marketing and allowed her
to gain essential insights into her future at Singtel.
She shares, “I was primarily trained in Finance so
my internship was a huge learning opportunity. I
remember being clueless about many industry-specific terms and acronyms. I am so grateful that
my colleagues were all very helpful and patient –
they even went out of their way to teach me the
basics of digital marketing. I had such a fulfilling
internship experience, thanks to them.”
Collecting varied experiences
With her academic qualifications and a positive
attitude, Jessica is primed for an exciting career
with Singtel. She will be offered the opportunity
to serve three cycles under different departments
and gain an in-depth understanding of their various
functions. She has, naturally, chosen the digital
sales department for her first cycle, a decision
made after the digital marketing module she
took in Hong Kong and her incredible experience
with the digital marketing team during her Singtel
internship.
When asked to offer a word of advice for
future scholars, Jessica is quick to emphasise
the importance of adopting an open mind. She
says, You must always be hungry to learn. It is
important to be confident in your abilities, but you
should never be arrogant. Be humble and know
your limitations – only then will you truly grow
as a person.”