SIM-INC had the honour of co-organising an exciting and educational event on 8th July 2025 alongside CFA Society Singapore, SUSS, and Yale-NUS College, focusing on the real-world career aspects of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), and Corporate Development.

Our sincere gratitude to our panellists — Matt Goncerzewicz CFA, Gladys Lee CFA CA, and Lim You Sheng CFA CA — for generously sharing their knowledge and experiences in the industry. A special thank you also goes to Sophiah Repha’ee, Associate Director at CFA Society Singapore, for providing a deeper understanding of the CFA Programme and its value in the industry.

Last but not least, a big thank you to all our attendees for your enthusiastic participation!

What happens when you gather a minister, a tech lawyer, a media expert, an ethics consultant and a room full of curious students? You get one of the most dynamic, eye-opening events SAS has ever hosted.

Held on 26 February 2025, the SAS Forum 2025, themed “Freedom of Speech and Media Regulation: Governance in the Digital Age”, brought together a diverse lineup of voices to unpack one of the most complex challenges of our time: how do we govern speech in a world where everyone has a platform?

A Conversation Worth Having

As students, we’re constantly told that we live in a digital age, one shaped by tweets, reels, and instant news. But how often do we pause to consider who gets to draw the lines around what’s permissible, ethical, or even safe?

That was the purpose of this forum: to create space for real, unfiltered conversation about media regulation and the future of free speech. More than a policy talk, it was about listening, questioning, and seeing an issue from perspectives we may not normally encounter.

A Powerful Lineup

We were honoured to hear from Minister K Shanmugam, who opened the session with an unflinching look at the role of governance in digital spaces, from combating fake news to protecting social harmony. His keynote set the stage for an engaging panel featuring Mr. Selvakumar Simon, who spoke about ethics in the information age, Ms. Dymples Leong, who shared real-life industry challenges from the media side, and Mr. Bryan Tan, who added depth from a legal and cyber policy angle.

The discussion was skilfully moderated by Mr. Nicholas Fang, who ensured that the conversation stayed both grounded and accessible. And our audience? They came prepared. The questions ranged from censorship and algorithmic control to the philosophical limits of freedom in a connected world.

The success of the forum has sparked ideas for what’s next. There’s clearly an appetite for more conversations that dive into the “grey areas”, where law, ethics, and society intersect. And we’re excited to explore those frontiers in future SAS events.

For me, organising this forum was more than a leadership exercise, it was a lesson in listening, collaboration, and purpose. From curating the topic and speaker list to troubleshooting behind-the-scenes hiccups, I learnt how to balance details with the bigger picture. Most importantly, I saw firsthand how a student-led platform can open space for serious, impactful dialogue.

Because in the end, that’s what democracy in the digital age needs: more people willing to ask the hard questions, and more spaces where those questions are truly heard.

This article was written by Vaitheswary D/O Pragash, President of SIM Singapore Affairs Society AY24/25.

What happens when you gather a minister, a tech lawyer, a media expert, an ethics consultant and a room full of curious students? You get one of the most dynamic, eye-opening events SAS has ever hosted.

Held on 26 February 2025, the SAS Forum 2025, themed “Freedom of Speech and Media Regulation: Governance in the Digital Age”, brought together a diverse lineup of voices to unpack one of the most complex challenges of our time: how do we govern speech in a world where everyone has a platform?

A Conversation Worth Having

As students, we’re constantly told that we live in a digital age, one shaped by tweets, reels, and instant news. But how often do we pause to consider who gets to draw the lines around what’s permissible, ethical, or even safe?

That was the purpose of this forum: to create space for real, unfiltered conversation about media regulation and the future of free speech. More than a policy talk, it was about listening, questioning, and seeing an issue from perspectives we may not normally encounter.

A Powerful Lineup

We were honoured to hear from Minister K Shanmugam, who opened the session with an unflinching look at the role of governance in digital spaces, from combating fake news to protecting social harmony. His keynote set the stage for an engaging panel featuring Mr. Selvakumar Simon, who spoke about ethics in the information age, Ms. Dymples Leong, who shared real-life industry challenges from the media side, and Mr. Bryan Tan, who added depth from a legal and cyber policy angle.

The discussion was skilfully moderated by Mr. Nicholas Fang, who ensured that the conversation stayed both grounded and accessible. And our audience? They came prepared. The questions ranged from censorship and algorithmic control to the philosophical limits of freedom in a connected world.

The success of the forum has sparked ideas for what’s next. There’s clearly an appetite for more conversations that dive into the “grey areas”, where law, ethics, and society intersect. And we’re excited to explore those frontiers in future SAS events.

For me, organising this forum was more than a leadership exercise, it was a lesson in listening, collaboration, and purpose. From curating the topic and speaker list to troubleshooting behind-the-scenes hiccups, I learnt how to balance details with the bigger picture. Most importantly, I saw firsthand how a student-led platform can open space for serious, impactful dialogue.

Because in the end, that’s what democracy in the digital age needs: more people willing to ask the hard questions, and more spaces where those questions are truly heard.

This article was written by Vaitheswary D/O Pragash, President of SIM Singapore Affairs Society AY24/25.

Microsoft x SIM Data Analytics Club (DAC) Presents: Singapore’s First-Ever Power Platform Hackathon – A Groundbreaking Collaboration Between DAC and Microsoft

The NextGen SG: Power Platform Student Bootcamp & Hackathon, presented by the SIM Data Analytics Club (DAC) in partnership with Microsoft, has received overwhelmingly positive participant feedback. Supported by SIM Student Development, this pioneering event was hosted on SIM campus, bringing together students eager to explore the potential of low-code development and automation.

This was a groundbreaking milestone—Singapore’s first-ever Power Platform hackathon and Microsoft’s first school-led collaboration. DAC was honored to partner with Microsoft for this initiative, marking a significant step in equipping students with industry-relevant digital skills.

Meticulously planned by a team of 7 DAC Exco members in collaboration with Microsoft, the hackathon featured 80 participants divided into 15 groups of 3 to 6 individuals. The event also welcomed members from SIM Innovation and Networking Society (SIM IONS), fostering cross-club collaboration and creating a dynamic learning environment.

The hackathon was part of a two-day initiative, starting with the Power Platform Bootcamp on 1 February 2025, followed by the Power Platform Hackathon on 8 February 2025. The bootcamp introduced participants to the Microsoft Power Platform—a suite of tools including Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI—allowing them to gain hands-on experience in building websites, creating dashboards, and developing bots in a single day. These interactive sessions provided students with practical exposure to streamlined development tools that simplify application creation without extensive coding knowledge.

On Hackathon Day, participants took their skills to the next level, tackling a real-world problem statement using Power Platform tools. Teams worked under time constraints to transform their ideas into functional prototypes, showcasing creativity, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. The event concluded with team presentations, where participants demonstrated their innovative solutions and critical thinking under pressure.

Beyond technical learning, the hackathon provided valuable networking opportunities. Participants engaged in panel discussions and networking sessions with Microsoft MVPs, who offered industry insights, mentorship, and real-world advice. These interactions reinforced the practical applications of low-code solutions and highlighted the growing demand for such skills in the workplace.

To recognise outstanding teams, prizes were awarded to the top two most innovative projects. All participants received certificates of participation, which they can showcase on LinkedIn or in their professional portfolios, further enhancing their credentials.

Beyond hackathons, DAC remains dedicated to fostering innovation, learning, and professional growth. The club runs a structured curriculum spanning an entire semester, featuring intensive three-month workshops, internal & external projects, and industry collaborations. DAC members get to work with external companies on real-world projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Such companies include major industry players like UOB, FDM, and ST Engineering. DAC also collaborates with leading tech companies like AWS to host industry-relevant workshops, ensuring members stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of data analytics and science.

The NextGen SG: Power Platform Student Bootcamp & Hackathon marks a significant milestone for DAC, reinforcing its commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills and fostering meaningful industry partnerships.

With hands-on learning, professional networking, and cutting-edge technologies at its core, DAC continues to empower the next generation of data-driven innovators, setting the stage for even more exciting collaborations ahead.

Meet the Team Behind DAC

At the heart of DAC’s initiatives is a dedicated Executive Committee team of 7 members, each running a key department. While taking charge of their individual roles, the team also collaborates on a variety of responsibilities to secure valuable opportunities for members. From conducting training programs to organizing external collaborations—spanning both industry-led workshops and real-world projects—alongside networking sessions, hackathons, and other professional development initiatives, they ensure a well-rounded experience that fosters both technical excellence and career growth.

With 100 members—70 in the Data Analytics track and 30 in the Data Science track—the team provides a structured learning journey that equips members with the skills and industry exposure needed to thrive in the data-driven world.

The team remains committed to empowering students with real-world experiences and fostering a dynamic learning environment to empower the next generation of data professionals. Stay connected with DAC for future events and initiatives!

Connect with DAC & The Team

SIM Data Analytics Club: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simdac

President, Yeo Jun Yeow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junyeow

Vice President, Cheryl Ong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylongc

Partnerships Director, Luqman Nurhakim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luqm4n

Marketing Director, Kaavya Murugan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaavya-m

Events Director, Genevieve Chin Wan Qi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-chin-wan-qi-992b54295

Operations Director, Jaryl Liew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarylliewjw

Finance Director, Abhishek Bhadkamkar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishek-bhadkamkar-45ba59294

Microsoft x SIM Data Analytics Club (DAC) Presents: Singapore’s First-Ever Power Platform Hackathon – A Groundbreaking Collaboration Between DAC and Microsoft

The NextGen SG: Power Platform Student Bootcamp & Hackathon, presented by the SIM Data Analytics Club (DAC) in partnership with Microsoft, has received overwhelmingly positive participant feedback. Supported by SIM Student Development, this pioneering event was hosted on SIM campus, bringing together students eager to explore the potential of low-code development and automation.

This was a groundbreaking milestone—Singapore’s first-ever Power Platform hackathon and Microsoft’s first school-led collaboration. DAC was honored to partner with Microsoft for this initiative, marking a significant step in equipping students with industry-relevant digital skills.

Meticulously planned by a team of 7 DAC Exco members in collaboration with Microsoft, the hackathon featured 80 participants divided into 15 groups of 3 to 6 individuals. The event also welcomed members from SIM Innovation and Networking Society (SIM IONS), fostering cross-club collaboration and creating a dynamic learning environment.

The hackathon was part of a two-day initiative, starting with the Power Platform Bootcamp on 1 February 2025, followed by the Power Platform Hackathon on 8 February 2025. The bootcamp introduced participants to the Microsoft Power Platform—a suite of tools including Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI—allowing them to gain hands-on experience in building websites, creating dashboards, and developing bots in a single day. These interactive sessions provided students with practical exposure to streamlined development tools that simplify application creation without extensive coding knowledge.

On Hackathon Day, participants took their skills to the next level, tackling a real-world problem statement using Power Platform tools. Teams worked under time constraints to transform their ideas into functional prototypes, showcasing creativity, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. The event concluded with team presentations, where participants demonstrated their innovative solutions and critical thinking under pressure.

Beyond technical learning, the hackathon provided valuable networking opportunities. Participants engaged in panel discussions and networking sessions with Microsoft MVPs, who offered industry insights, mentorship, and real-world advice. These interactions reinforced the practical applications of low-code solutions and highlighted the growing demand for such skills in the workplace.

To recognise outstanding teams, prizes were awarded to the top two most innovative projects. All participants received certificates of participation, which they can showcase on LinkedIn or in their professional portfolios, further enhancing their credentials.

Beyond hackathons, DAC remains dedicated to fostering innovation, learning, and professional growth. The club runs a structured curriculum spanning an entire semester, featuring intensive three-month workshops, internal & external projects, and industry collaborations. DAC members get to work with external companies on real-world projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Such companies include major industry players like UOB, FDM, and ST Engineering. DAC also collaborates with leading tech companies like AWS to host industry-relevant workshops, ensuring members stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of data analytics and science.

The NextGen SG: Power Platform Student Bootcamp & Hackathon marks a significant milestone for DAC, reinforcing its commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills and fostering meaningful industry partnerships.

With hands-on learning, professional networking, and cutting-edge technologies at its core, DAC continues to empower the next generation of data-driven innovators, setting the stage for even more exciting collaborations ahead.

Meet the Team Behind DAC

At the heart of DAC’s initiatives is a dedicated Executive Committee team of 7 members, each running a key department. While taking charge of their individual roles, the team also collaborates on a variety of responsibilities to secure valuable opportunities for members. From conducting training programs to organizing external collaborations—spanning both industry-led workshops and real-world projects—alongside networking sessions, hackathons, and other professional development initiatives, they ensure a well-rounded experience that fosters both technical excellence and career growth.

With 100 members—70 in the Data Analytics track and 30 in the Data Science track—the team provides a structured learning journey that equips members with the skills and industry exposure needed to thrive in the data-driven world.

The team remains committed to empowering students with real-world experiences and fostering a dynamic learning environment to empower the next generation of data professionals. Stay connected with DAC for future events and initiatives!

Connect with DAC & The Team

SIM Data Analytics Club: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simdac   

President, Yeo Jun Yeow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junyeow  

Vice President, Cheryl Ong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylongc 

Partnerships Director, Luqman Nurhakim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luqm4n 

Marketing Director, Kaavya Murugan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaavya-m 

Events Director, Genevieve Chin Wan Qi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-chin-wan-qi-992b54295  

Operations Director, Jaryl Liew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarylliewjw  

Finance Director, Abhishek Bhadkamkar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishek-bhadkamkar-45ba59294 

Following the successful participation in the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) 2024 in Boston from 15 to 18 February 2024, the International Affairs Society (IAS) MUN team sent its next group of delegates to Taipei from 10 to 14 March 2024, for the Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) 2024.

The Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) conference, held annually in different cities since 1992, provides a global platform for young leaders to discuss pressing global issues. In its 32nd edition, HWMUN aims to instill in delegates fundamental principles like leadership, innovation, and cooperation to effect tangible change.

This marked the inaugural participation of the IAS-MUN team in HWMUN 2024. The 7-member delegation from various SIM GE degree programs, represented the nation-states of Kuwait and Greece across four committees, led by Student Advisor, Ms. Gobinath Atchayah from the SIM-UOL program.

After months of preparation, including research and training, the team gained valuable diplomatic experience. One of the delegates, Ms. Syaqila Binte Suzaini, representing Kuwait in the Economic and Financial Committee, received the Verbal Commendation Award.

Moving forward, the team intends to support future IAS-MUN delegations with their expertise.

Participating students: Angel Lim, Anusha Fatima, Anub Sathia Joshan, Azrah, Fathima (Student Advisor), Chen Yanyou, Chew Kai He Dillon, Dave Aarohi Keyur, Jedidiah Asaf Tallulembang, Rajpal Simran, Siti Hajar Binti Mohd Azam and Yeo Hui Qi.

Syaqila

It was a whirlwind of excitement and growth, constant adrenaline that left an indelible mark on my journey. We delve into intense speech practices and immersed ourselves in research about our respective – Kuwait and Greece. In the Economics and Finance Committee, I found myself diving into fruitful discussion and tackling the intriguing topic of global retirement age. It was challenging, yes, but incredibly rewarding. And the connections made with delegates from across the globe? Absolutely unforgettable. HWMUN 2024 wasn’t just about debates, it was a voyage of discovery. It opened my eyes to the complexities of global issues and diplomacy in ways textbooks never could. It’s not just a conference; it’s a catalyst for change and raising awareness. Reflecting on this experience, one thing stands out: the importance of listening, speaking up and staying true to yourself. Oh, and cherishing the connections you make along the way – they’re what make the journey truly memorable.

Hanan

“My trip to Taiwan to attend Harvard World MUN was definitely one for the books. The rush of being in a foreign land, experiencing a new culture (or many new cultures in this case!), being surrounded by friends all while meeting exciting new people and debating global politics is truly a unique experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity as I learned a lot about myself and hard work, communication and presentation, and how the world works—especially finding commonality where sometimes, you can only see differences. One of the best parts of immersing yourself in such a diverse setting is meeting new people and forging real international friendships! Coming together with that many like-minded, change-driven people is an invigorating, motivating experience. I would truly recommend this experience to anyone, as in many small ways, I am a changed person from this for the better.”

Miraa

“HWMUN sparked my joy in public speaking and debate after so many years of being an introvert. The whole process from research to the actual committee sessions built up my courage and confidence to face others with strong opinions. I was able to speak up despite the fear of what others would think as I felt more confident in how I could add value to the sessions instead of what others thought of me. After HWMUN, I feel like a new person as I find so much joy at even the thought of joining future MUNs. It has truly inspired me to inspire others to speak up and say what they think without worrying about what others think or feel. It helped me navigate social and negotiation skills which has broadened my communication skills with those around me.”