Journal Christopher Theodore Koesasih

From the 14th to the 25th of January 2026, we had the opportunity to attend the Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Young Scholars Programme at Singapore Management University (SMU), an experience that allowed us to explore university life, academic learning, and cultural exchange in Singapore.

On the first day, we arrived in Singapore and checked in at Hotel Royal @ Queens. After settling in the room, we went to a welcome dinner where we watched many performances made by SMU students. It was our first chance to interact with scholars and students from diverse backgrounds, which made us excited for the days ahead.

The second day marked the official start of the programme at SMU. We attended an orientation session that included a welcome address by the Director of Admissions, icebreaking games, and a campus tour. Later, we were introduced to the programme structure by the School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) and formed our project teams.

On the third day, we participated in academic lessons conducted by SMU SCIS lecturers. We learned about data visualization and how AI can help businesses make decisions. Through participating in discussions, we can gain clearer knowledge on how data plays an important role in modern businesses.

The fourth day focused on experiential learning outside the classroom. We visited Gardens by the Bay, enjoyed a Singapore River Cruise, and explored Marina Bay Sands. These activities helped us better understand Singapore’s urban planning, sustainability efforts, and economic development.

On the fifth day, we attended a morning workshop that encouraged creativity and teamwork. In the afternoon, we visited the National Gallery Singapore and learned more about the country’s cultural and artistic heritage. The day provided a balance between academic reflection and cultural appreciation.

The sixth day brought us back to SMU for lessons by SCIS. We learned how smart solutions and Internet of Things (IoT) technology can improve business productivity. We were also introduced to the basic steps of building an online business and explored a sample coding application.

On the seventh day, we attended a lesson on AI prompting for business innovators, which demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be used effectively for problem-solving and idea development. In the afternoon, we attended a personal branding workshop that focused on professional communication and self-presentation. We ended the day by experiencing Singapore’s MRT system through a guided ride.

The eighth day was mainly dedicated to project development. We received consultation sessions that helped us refine our ideas and improve our project direction. We also joined the SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business Learning Journey and continued collaborating with our teammates.

On the ninth day, we visited the SMU School of Accountancy to learn about accounting education and financial decision-making. The session gave us insights into how financial knowledge supports business sustainability. The rest of the day was reserved for protected time to finalize our projects.

The tenth day was one of the most important moments of the programme. We presented our projects in front of judges and received valuable feedback. The whole day ended with award announcements and a networking lunch, marking the completion of the programme.

On the eleventh day, we spent the entire day at Universal Studios Singapore. It was a relaxing and enjoyable experience that allowed us to celebrate our achievements and strengthen friendships formed throughout the programme. The day served as a joyful closing activity before departure.

On the final day, we checked out of the hotel and prepared to return home. The Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Young Scholars Programme became a meaningful journey that broadened our perspectives and inspired our future academic goals.

 

Journal Ardhy Prasetya Nyoto Wijaya

The first week of this prestigious programme focused on the immersion of students in a real life university environment and the attending of several technological workshops to deepen understanding of technology effects on businesses.

We arrived at Singapore in the afternoon at around 1-2PM and immediately was picked up by our chaperones. While waiting for other participants, we were given the opportunity to network and bond with the other participants from different parts of the country and abroad from Malaysia. I took this opportunity to network with everyone and got to know my team for a group project we will be presenting on the final day. After everyone had already arrived at Changi Airport, we were taken to the hotel to settle down and unpack our luggage. We were given time to rest for a few hours in our rooms before we headed off to the SMU Connexion building for a welcoming dinner by the committees and students of SMU. This was when I got to know several students currently studying in SMU and alumni of last year’s programme. I also got the opportunity to get to know an accounting professor there who is actually Indonesian and we talked a bit in regards to how studying in SMU is like.

The next day, we gathered at the hotel lobby at 8.30 PM and went to the SMU Connexion building again for a welcoming speech done by the director of admissions, Mrs. Linette Lim and bonding session with our own teammates and student leaders. After these sessions were done, we were given a special tour around the whole campus by the students of SMU who are specifically tasked with tours. I got to see multiple faculty buildings and was also shown a bit of history on influential historical figures that helped a great deal in the founding of some faculties. After the tour, lunch was served and it was also doubled as another networking session with some admission officers attending the lunch and we talked a lot on the application process and what we needed to do to stand out. The final activity of the day was a small introduction done by the school of computing with two students and Professor Jason Chui who gave us demo workshops and also assigned us projects that we needed to complete by the end of the program.

Day three was filled with classes. We went to SMU at 8.30 PM and did a data analytics workshop under a different professor that lasted until the afternoon. This was when I learned that different statistics usually require specific types of graphs and the importance of graphical integrity in the corporate world. After class, lunch was served in simple bento boxes and we continued on the afternoon class by Prof. Jason Chui who taught us how to investigate sample data to find actionable insights. We were also given some time to discuss our projects and we headed back to the hotel after dinner in a Vietnamese restaurant.

The weekends were a period to refresh our minds. Thus, we did not visit campus at all during these times. Instead, we went travelling to various famous places in Singapore. On Saturday, we went to Gardens By the Bay in the morning and explored the various indoor gardens and attractional sites together. We were also given detailed explanations and histories regarding these sites by the guides and after hours of exploration, we had lunch at a nearby restaurant. After this, we went to Marina Bay Sands where we were given some free time to go shopping and explore. My friends and I shopped for items and explored the entire place from top to bottom and we met back with the rest of the group at around 4-5 PM. We had a boat ride as the last activity of the day to see the beauty of Singapore and wrapped things up with dinner at a local chinese restaurant before going back to the hotel.

On Sunday, we visited the National Gallery of Singapore where we were given insight by the guide on Singapore’s rich history, especially the efforts made by the former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to improve Singapore as a nation. We were also given insight on the old law system in Singapore and got the opportunity to witness important documents saved in the museum. After the visit, we then went for lunch at a Thai restaurant before heading to a Batik Workshop where we made our own individual mini batik portraits and the Indonesians even collaborated together to make a larger batik frame with the theme of our country while the Malaysians did the same. We then wrapped up by eating dinner at an Indian restaurant before heading back to the hotel.

The first day of the week, we returned back to campus for lectures and a deep dive into learning to boost business productivity using technology. As well as techniques to do “Vibe Coding”, which served as a practical introduction to building an online business. We were also given time to continue the group project. This was when I got to connect with my student leaders more because of the significantly long break we had. We and the student leaders decided to go out and buy some coffee, specifically Luckin Coffee which is not available in Indonesia. My student leader gave me information on how tense the competition is between Luckin Coffee and Starbucks which I noted in my mind for future business reference. We ended the day with dinner and headed back to the hotel.

By day 7, we attended a sample class by a famous SCIS professor, Professor Jason Chan. He taught us AI Prompting for Business Innovators, teaching us how to effectively leverage AI to solve problems and get the results we wanted. After the session ended, Professor Jason Chui offered us a storytelling practice session to refine our public speaking skills and pitching so that we may come prepared on the presentation day. We were then brought onto a personal branding workshop. This was when the speaker provided crucial information regarding university applications that most applicants would not know and it truly gave me meaningful insights on my applications. After it ended, we headed to Bugis where we were given some free time to explore around before going back to the hotel through an MRT ride.

Wednesday was one of the crucial days because we had a lot of time to work on our projects and to finish them up. My team was already nearing completion and we were then given a learning journey from the school of business who also gave us information about the programs the business faculty provided. After it ended, we were also given a workshop about how to write an effective resume and CV which lasted until late afternoon which ended with dinner and we headed back to the hotel.

Thursday was also project time day. We had a good portion of the day focused on projects and we were also given a learning journey by the school of accountancy. During this period, we were given the chance to visit the school of business and do a mock pitch inspected by Professor Jason Chui who gave us valuable feedback on each of our projects and we used that feedback to improve each of our sections of the presentation. We ended the day with some dinner and headed back to the hotel.

Journal Marvel Sulianto Wang

The first week focused on integrating into the SMU environment and understanding the intersection of technology and business.

We arrived in Singapore at noon and checked into Hotel Royal @Queens, located at 12 Queen Street. After settling down, we attended a welcoming event held by SMU. The evening served as a warm welcome to Singapore’s academic culture with a Buffet Dinner by SMU. This was a vital networking opportunity where I mingled with current SMU students from Malaysia and Indonesia who participated in the DKHM programme last year, gaining first-hand insights into university life while enjoying performances by SMU student groups.

The next day, we gathered by 8.30 AM to go to SMU and started with a formal Welcome Address by the Director of Admissions, followed by ice-breaker games, which function as an activity to increase chemistry in groups as well as getting to know other students. After all the games, we proceed with a campus tour around SMU. Then, lunch was served at roughly half past 12. After feeling nourished, we were introduced to the School of Computing & Information Systems (SCIS). We were introduced to the programme’s roadmap, viewed sample project demos, and were assigned the group project that we have to present a business idea on the 23rd of January.

Day 3 had a Data Visualization workshop. Under the guidance of SCIS faculty, I learned about graphs and how to visualise data effectively. In the afternoon session, we moved from theory to practice by investigating sample data to find actionable insights. We then went back to the hotel early and rested for the night.

During the weekends, there were no classes. On this special Saturday, we visited Gardens by the Bay in the morning. There, we were exposed to lots of different plants and flowers. The afternoon was filled with exploration, including a Singapore River Cruise and a visit to the Marina Bay Sands area, allowing us to see the beauty of Singapore.

Sunday morning, it began with a visit to the National Gallery Singapore. There we were told the history of Singapore and how important people revolutionised the country, balancing our technical studies with cultural literacy. After lunch, we headed straight to a batik workshop, where we were exposed to the batik culture from Indonesia and Malaysia. We were also encouraged to make ourselves a piece of original art with the batik techniques.

The first day of the week, we returned to SCIS for a deep dive into learning to boost business productivity using technology. As well as techniques to do “Vibe Coding”, which served as a practical introduction to building an online business. We were also given time to continue the group project.

By day 7, we attended the morning session, which focused on AI Prompting for Business Innovators, teaching us how to effectively leverage AI to solve problems and get the results we wanted. In the afternoon, we attended a Personal Branding Workshop led by the OAFA, which helps us to effectively make university applications and to leave a great experience. Next was a workshop with Professor Jason to exercise our improv and storytelling. After all the classes are finished, we head to Telok Ayer to have dinner. We then ended the day by taking an MRT ride from Telok Ayer to Bencoolen Station–back to our hotel.

On Wednesday was a critical day for our group projects. We had the whole day to refine our business ideas. We also had Project Consultation sessions where every team pitched their ideas to mentors for feedback. Followed by a Learning Journey about the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) in SMU.

The ninth day was the last day to finish our projects. We first received insights on the School of Accountancy to understand the courses and lessons available at SMU regarding accountancy. The remainder of the afternoon was “Protected Time,” where my team and I worked intensively on our final presentation, refining our slides and rehearsing our delivery.

The tenth day was the final effective day of the programme. We pitched our business ideas to the judges, which consists of SMU high-ranking officials, presenting our team’s solution to a global issue. Following the presentations and panel deliberation, we attended the Award Announcement and a Buffet Lunch. We visited the SMU Shop to pick up university souvenirs. After everything was done, we headed back to the hotel to get dressed for a dinner with Mr. Dato, who funded our scholars programme in SMU. There, we networked and chatted with Dato to gain insights and enlightenment.

After the intensity of the project week, we spent the entire day at Universal Studios Singapore. This was a great bonding experience for all the participants. We played intense rides together–screaming together and having fun together. We ended the day with a final group dinner at Sentosa Island.

The last day came, and we checked out of the hotel by 09:00 AM. A chaperone accompanied us to Changi Airport, ensuring we cleared immigration safely for our flights back home.

During these 12 days in Singapore, I have gained lots of valuable insights and growth. I also networked with a bunch of high-value individuals. An understanding of how AI, modern technology, and Data Visualization intersect with modern business was brought to me. Other than that, living in Singapore, even though only for such a short amount of time, taught me the difference in the culture present and cultural exchange effectively.

Journal Michelle Graciella Soegiarto

Day 1

The programme began with our arrival in Singapore at noon, followed by check-in at Hotel Royal @ Queens on Queen Street. Later that evening, SMU hosted a welcome event with a buffet dinner. This session marked my first exposure to SMU’s academic environment and student culture. It also became my first real step outside my comfort zone, as I had to communicate fully in English with students from different backgrounds. During the networking session, I connected with SMU students from Malaysia and Indonesia who had joined the DKHM programme the previous year. Through these conversations, I gained early insights into student life at SMU while enjoying performances by SMU student groups.

Day 2

We reported to SMU at 8.30 AM for a formal Welcome Address by the Director of Admissions, followed by ice-breaker games aimed at building group chemistry and encouraging collaboration. These activities pushed me to speak up and interact confidently with new people. After the ice-breakers, we went on a campus tour to better understand SMU’s city campus concept. Lunch was served around midday, and in the afternoon, we were introduced to the School of Computing and Information Systems. We learned about the programme roadmap, viewed sample project demonstrations, and received our group project brief, which required us to develop a feasible, technology-driven business model addressing a real societal problem.

Day 3

The third day featured a Data Visualization workshop led by Prof Jason Chui from SCIS faculty. We learned how to transform large datasets into clear and engaging visual representations. More importantly, we were taught how data should tell a story that supports business decisions. In the afternoon, we applied these concepts by analysing sample datasets to extract actionable insights, which later became highly relevant for our final project.

Day 4

Saturday was reserved for exploration. We visited Gardens by the Bay in the morning, where I observed how sustainability and innovation are integrated into Singapore’s urban design. There, we visited both Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. In the afternoon, we went on a Singapore River Cruise and explored the Marina Bay Sands area, allowing us to appreciate the city’s balance between modernity and nature.

Day 5

On Sunday, we began the day at the National Gallery Singapore, learning about Singapore’s history and how visionary leaders transformed the nation through long-term planning and strategic governance. After lunch, we attended a batik workshop, where we were introduced to traditional batik culture from Indonesia and Malaysia. We were encouraged to create our own batik artwork, making the session a meaningful cultural exchange experience.

Day 6

We returned to SCIS to explore how technology can enhance business productivity. One highlight was an introduction to “Vibe Coding,” which provided a practical foundation for building online businesses. These sessions encouraged me to think critically about how technology can be applied to real-world business challenges. We were also given time to further develop our group project, during which I took on an active leadership role in coordinating ideas and direction.

The day concluded with dinner at Chinatown, where we also got the chance to explore this area.

Day 7

The morning session focused on AI Prompting for Business Innovators, where we learned how to leverage AI effectively to solve problems and generate targeted outputs. This significantly reshaped my understanding of AI as a strategic business tool. In the afternoon, we attended a Personal Branding workshop conducted by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, followed by an improv and storytelling workshop with Professor Jason, which strengthened my confidence in public speaking and persuasion. The day concluded with dinner at Lau Pa Sat, Telok Ayer before returning to the hotel.

Day 8

On Wednesday, we had a data analytics class by Prof Jason Chan, in which he explained how it can be applied to many aspects of human life. The rest of the day was dedicated entirely for our group projects. We refined our business ideas, conducted market analysis, and evaluated feasibility from operational, cost, and funding perspectives. During the Project Consultation sessions, each team pitched their concept to mentors and received feedback. This process trained us to think more realistically and strategically. The day ended with a Learning Journey at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business.

Day 9

On the ninth day, we received insights into the School of Accountancy and the skill sets emphasized at SMU. We also had a workshop by Dato’ Kho Hui Meng Career Centre regarding how to write a CV and ace the work interview. The remainder of the afternoon was allocated as Protected Time. My team and I worked intensively on our final presentation, refining our data visualizations and rehearsing our pitch to ensure clarity and impact.

Day 10

The tenth day marked the culmination of the programme. We presented our final business proposals to a panel of judges consisting of SMU senior officials. My team proposed a smart waste management solution aimed at diverting food waste from landfills. Our concept involved smart bins that not only sort food waste but also process it into two outputs: compost and partially colonized biomass, which can later be used for the production of bio bricks. Through this project, we demonstrated how technology can support sustainability while remaining feasible and scalable. After the presentations and deliberation, the results were announced, and my team was awarded Second Place. The day continued with a buffet lunch, a visit to the SMU Shop, and an evening networking dinner with Dato’ Kho Hui Meng (who funded this scholars programme), where we gained valuable insights from his experiences.

Day 11

After the intensity of the project week, we spent the day at Universal Studios Singapore. This served as the last bonding experience for all participants, strengthening friendships through shared excitement and memorable moments. We ended the day with a group dinner at Sentosa Island, where we also got some free time to explore Siloso beach.

Day 12

On the final day, we checked out of the hotel at 9.00 AM. Our chaperone, Uncle Cheng and Aunty Lim, accompanied us to Changi Airport to ensure a smooth departure process before our flights home. It was truly bittersweet to say goodbye, knowing we might not see each other again for the next few years.

Reflection

Throughout these twelve days in Singapore, the programme consistently pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I had to adapt to communicating in English in all settings, and even in Mandarin during casual interactions with Malaysian peers. I was encouraged to actively participate in class discussions and to lead my group during the final project. Through our business proposal, I learned how to design a realistic and sustainable business model by integrating technology, market analysis, cost structures, and funding considerations. I also developed strong data visualization skills, learning how to transform complex data into compelling narratives that support business decisions and persuade stakeholders.

Beyond academics, I built meaningful connections with student leaders currently studying at SMU and other high-calibre individuals. Most importantly, my mindset towards business planning evolved. I now approach business models with greater realism, detail, and strategic thinking, understanding how to convincingly present ideas to judges who role-played as investors evaluating the viability of our solution.

 

Journal Kendrych Marvellino Chandra

The first week focused on integrating into the SMU environment and understanding the intersection of technology and business.

We arrived in Singapore at noon and checked into Hotel Royal @Queens, located at 12 Queen Street. After settling down, we attended a welcoming event held by SMU. The evening served as a warm welcome to Singapore’s academic culture with a Buffet Dinner by SMU. This was a vital networking opportunity where I mingled with current SMU students from Malaysia and Indonesia who participated in the DKHM programme last year, gaining first-hand insights into university life while enjoying performances by SMU student groups.

The next day, we gathered by 8.30 AM to go to SMU and started with a formal Welcome Address by the Director of Admissions, followed by ice-breaker games, which function as an activity to increase chemistry in groups as well as getting to know other students. After all the games, we proceed with a campus tour around SMU. Then, lunch was served at roughly half past 12. After feeling nourished, we were introduced to the School of Computing & Information Systems (SCIS). We were introduced to the programme’s roadmap, viewed sample project demos, and were assigned the group project that we have to present a business idea on the 23rd of January.

Day 3 had a Data Visualization workshop. Under the guidance of SCIS faculty, I learned about graphs and how to visualise data effectively. In the afternoon session, we moved from theory to practice by investigating sample data to find actionable insights. We then went back to the hotel early and rested for the night.

During the weekends, there were no classes. On this special Saturday, we visited Gardens by the Bay in the morning. There, we were exposed to lots of different plants and flowers. The afternoon was filled with exploration, including a Singapore River Cruise and a visit to the Marina Bay Sands area, allowing us to see the beauty of Singapore.

Sunday morning, it began with a visit to the National Gallery Singapore. There we were told the history of Singapore and how important people revolutionised the country, balancing our technical studies with cultural literacy. After lunch, we headed straight to a batik workshop, where we were exposed to the batik culture from Indonesia and Malaysia. We were also encouraged to make ourselves a piece of original art with the batik techniques.

The first day of the week, we returned to SCIS for a deep dive into learning to boost business productivity using technology. As well as techniques to do “Vibe Coding”, which served as a practical introduction to building an online business. We were also given time to continue the group project.

By day 7, we attended the morning session, which focused on AI Prompting for Business Innovators, teaching us how to effectively leverage AI to solve problems and get the results we wanted. In the afternoon, we attended a Personal Branding Workshop led by the OAFA, which helps us to effectively make university applications and to leave a great experience. Next was a workshop with Professor Jason to exercise our improv and storytelling. After all the classes are finished, we head to Telok Ayer to have dinner. We then ended the day by taking an MRT ride from Telok Ayer to Bencoolen Station–back to our hotel.

On Wednesday was a critical day for our group projects. We had the whole day to refine our business ideas. We also had Project Consultation sessions where every team pitched their ideas to mentors for feedback. Followed by a Learning Journey about the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) in SMU.

The ninth day was the last day to finish our projects. We first received insights on the School of Accountancy to understand the courses and lessons available at SMU regarding accountancy. The remainder of the afternoon was “Protected Time,” where my team and I worked intensively on our final presentation, refining our slides and rehearsing our delivery.

The tenth day was the final effective day of the programme. We pitched our business ideas to the judges, which consists of SMU high-ranking officials, presenting our team’s solution

to a global issue. Following the presentations and panel deliberation, we attended the Award Announcement and a Buffet Lunch. We visited the SMU Shop to pick up university souvenirs. After everything was done, we headed back to the hotel to get dressed for a dinner with Mr. Dato, who funded our scholars programme in SMU. There, we networked and chatted with Dato to gain insights and enlightenment.

After the intensity of the project week, we spent the entire day at Universal Studios Singapore. This was a great bonding experience for all the participants. We played intense rides together–screaming together and having fun together. We ended the day with a final group dinner at Sentosa Island.

The last day came, and we checked out of the hotel by 09:00 AM. A chaperone accompanied us to Changi Airport, ensuring we cleared immigration safely for our flights back home.

During these 12 days in Singapore, I have gained lots of valuable insights and growth. I also networked with a bunch of high-value individuals. An understanding of how AI, modern technology, and Data Visualization intersect with modern business was brought to me. Other than that, living in Singapore, even though only for such a short amount of time, taught me the difference in the culture present and cultural exchange effectively.