What is your definiton of career success?
“When I first started working as an intern at The Straits Times in 1997 (which was at the end of my first semester in NUS), I wanted to change the world because I strongly believe that photographs can make a real difference to people’s lives. Idealism aside, I still believe in that nearly 30 years on, albeit in different ways. I document old and dying places and spaces in Singapore so people can remember what these looked like before they are completely erased or transformed.”
Mr Darren Soh (Arts & Social Sciences '01)
Architecture Photographer and Visual Archivist, Self-Employed
“Success is deeply individual, it cannot be defined by a fixed definition, single path or milestone. For some, it may be leading a company; for others, the opportunity to work across sectors, create real-world impact, or design a balanced life. Over time, I have come to see success as aligning your life with what matters most to you.”
Ms Shruti Singh (MPA '18)
Country Director, India, Canopy
“It is important to me that my work allows me to create impact that is true to me, learn and develop myself holistically, and be inspired by the people around me. I think the approach has evolved quite a bit from thinking about what I want in my career to what I want in my life - before then identifying where my career sits in that.”
Mr Victor Zhu (Science '20)
Executive Director, Kita
What advice would you tell new graduates?
"Stay curious about the latest things in the world today, be it new technology or ideas. Also, maintain a good relationship with the people you've met and will meet - they'll take you further than you think."
Dr Jackie Tan (Science + USP '12)
Product Lead, Circles
“Being an arts entrepreneur in Malaysia is challenging, and the journey is rarely straightforward, but that is exactly what gives it meaning. Real impact is always built through focus, discipline, and the courage to create what does not yet exist, so pursue your passions boldly, because these intersections are not distractions, but your greatest strength in shaping your own future.”
Mr Kenny Ooi Chia Fu (Music '20)
Founder & CEO, Rondo Production; Current PhD student at YST Conservatory of Music
“Focus less on mastering every technical detail and more on cultivating the skill of learning itself. You may not end up an expert in the exact field you studied, but the ability to adapt, stay curious, and pick up new knowledge will make you versatile, resilient and capable of thriving anywhere. Remember that soft skills — communication, empathy, teamwork, emotional intelligence — are just as essential as technical ones, and they will carry you far in the real world. It is completely okay not to have everything figured out. Keep an open mind, ease the pressure to define your path too early and allow yourself room to explore. Most importantly, choose a career that feels meaningful to you. Something that energises you, challenges you and aligns with the person you want to become.”
Mr Britt Ng (Engineering '09)
Wine Director, Marina Bay Sands
“Life has infinite possibilities — a big-name job or a high salary isn't always the right answer. As graduates of a truly global platform like NUS, we have the privilege and responsibility to think beyond convention. My advice to every new graduate is this: have the courage to change the world in your own way and pursue the social impact that truly matters to you.”
Ms Qian Shiyi (Business MSc, CEMS MIM '19)
CEO, LiXiangZaiYe. Co., Ltd (China)
