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Finory raises funding to enhance AI-powered lending and personal finance solutions

Finory co-founder Kee Hui Jiang

Finory, a Malaysian startup providing AI-powered solutions for personal finance and lending assessment, has received investment from 1337 Ventures to broaden its fintech solutions suite.

The transaction details remain undisclosed.

Finory was initially designed to help users organise their financial lives by consolidating credit card and bank statements into a single, unified view. The company currently provides AI-powered solutions like statement parsing, transaction categorisation, and transaction enrichment APIs.

The app allows users to consolidate credit card and bank statements, providing a unified view to help them manage spending, track multiple accounts, and maximise cashback opportunities.

Also Read: How Finory aims to improve financial literacy — one credit card at a time

“Managing multiple accounts and credit cards can be overwhelming for many Malaysians, which is why we created Finory. While our app simplifies personal finance, we saw an opportunity to extend the same technology to empower banks and fintechs. By providing enriched financial data and insights, we are now helping financial institutions streamline lending assessments and better serve their customers,” said co-founder Kee Hui Jiang.

Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO and founding partner of 1337 Ventures, praised Finory’s ability to innovate and scale, evolving from a personal finance solution to a platform that empowers financial institutions with deeper insights and smarter tools. This expansion into fintech and banking services marks a significant milestone for Finory.

Established in 2012, 1337 Ventures invests in pre-seed and seed-stage startups in Malaysia. The firm has accelerated over 4,000 startups through Leet Academy, using Design Thinking Methodology and Design Sprints.

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Key insights for tech startups: 6 essential tips to thrive in the industry

In the fast-paced world of technology and startups, successful entrepreneurship demands a unique blend of tenacity, expertise, and strategic thinking. As founders and entrepreneurs, it is imperative to equip ourselves with proven knowledge and actionable insights that set us apart in this dynamic landscape.

This article delves into invaluable strategies and expert advice to help you build a solid foundation, secure funding, execute effective marketing campaigns, and scale your startup. Prepare to embark on a journey of entrepreneurial mastery in the ever-evolving tech sphere.

Begin with a strong market understanding

The bedrock of a thriving startup lies in identifying and validating market needs and problems. Rigorous market research and comprehensive analysis empower entrepreneurs to unearth lucrative opportunities that align with their vision and expertise.

Crafting a meticulous business plan is a strategic compass encompassing crucial elements such as goals, target market, competitive analysis, financial projections, and growth strategies. Just as an architect’s blueprint guides the construction of a masterpiece, a well-crafted business plan paves the way for a successful entrepreneurial journey.

Assemble a dream team

No entrepreneurial endeavour can reach its zenith without a cohesive and talented team. The process begins by handpicking passionate individuals who not only complement the founder’s strengths but also possess the specific expertise required for the venture.

The alchemy of talent, shared vision, and diversity in skills fuels collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Cultivating a positive company culture establishes an environment where team members are motivated and inspired to contribute their best.

Have a clear fundraising strategy

In the nascent stages, bootstrapping becomes a viable strategy for entrepreneurs to maintain control and retain equity. Personal savings, loans, and support from family and friends act as the fuel to ignite their entrepreneurial journey.

Also Read: How business leaders can utilise generative AI in employee communications

However, for startups poised for significant growth, venturing into the realm of securing funding becomes essential. Crafting a compelling pitch deck supported by comprehensive market research and financial projections is pivotal in attracting venture capitalists.

Engaging with specialised investors who have a profound understanding of the industry and showcasing a unique value proposition, untapped market potential, and a scalable business model can elevate the chances of securing crucial capital.

In the quest for financial backing, entrepreneurs should also explore alternative funding sources. Angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, and government grants provide supplementary avenues for entrepreneurs to tap into. Each source possesses its own unique set of requirements and potential benefits. Adapting their approach to align with these funding sources not only expands the opportunities but also diversifies the financial backing, reducing reliance on a single channel.

Be clear about your brand message

In the ever-competitive tech sphere, successful marketing and branding strategies are paramount to stand out from the crowd. Precise and meticulous targeting takes centre stage as entrepreneurs define their ideal customers through the creation of comprehensive buyer personas and meticulous market segmentation. Understanding the needs, pain points, and aspirations of the target audience empowers entrepreneurs to tailor their products or service effectively, optimising their chances of success.

Crafting a compelling brand identity forms the cornerstone of a winning marketing strategy. A diligent investment of time and resources in developing a strong and memorable brand is a non-negotiable step. From a captivating logo to consistent branding across all touchpoints, an effective brand identity resonates deeply with the audience. Apple’s iconic branding, synonymous with simplicity and elegance, stands as a testament to the profound impact a well-crafted brand can have on consumer perception and loyalty.

Harnessing the power of digital marketing

In the digital age, entrepreneurs possess a treasure trove of marketing channels to amplify their reach. Through social media, content marketing, search engine optimisation (SEO), and targeted email campaigns, entrepreneurs can create engaging and relevant content that establishes a strong online presence. The versatility and potential of digital marketing lie in its ability to drive organic traffic, foster customer engagement, and cultivate brand awareness.

Also Read: Dear tech startups, it’s never too early for PR!

Scaling your startup

As entrepreneurs navigate the scaling phase, the ultimate key to success lies in prioritising customer satisfaction and success. By providing exceptional customer service, actively gathering feedback, and continuously iterating and improving their product or service based on customer needs, entrepreneurs forge strong bonds with their customer base. These satisfied customers become brand advocates, spreading positive word-of-mouth referrals and fueling organic growth.

Strategic partnerships are another vital component of scaling a startup. Collaborating with complementary businesses or strategic allies can unlock new markets, expand reach, and provide access to additional resources and expertise. Seek out partnerships that offer mutual benefits, enhancing both parties’ growth trajectories.

Innovation and adaptability are indispensable qualities for entrepreneurs in the tech sphere. The landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve requires a culture of innovation within the organisation. Encourage employees to think creatively, embrace calculated risks, and foster an environment that nurtures and rewards bold ideas.

Conclusion

Mastering entrepreneurship in the tech sphere is an exhilarating and challenging endeavour. By building a strong foundation rooted in market understanding, assembling a stellar team, and securing adequate funding, entrepreneurs can position themselves for success.

As startups scale, prioritising customer success and forging strategic partnerships become the cornerstones of sustainable growth. In the ever-evolving tech sphere, embracing innovation and adaptability ensures that entrepreneurs stay one step ahead.

As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that perseverance, resilience, and a growth mindset are key attributes of successful founders. Continuously seek knowledge, learn from both successes and failures and surround yourself with mentors and peers who can guide and inspire you.

The path may be challenging, but with the right strategies and a passion for innovation, you can thrive in the exciting world of entrepreneurship and make a lasting impact in the tech sphere.

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

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This article was first published on May 29, 2023

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Breaking the cycle: How Paywatch grows your business while taking care of your employees

Financial stress is a silent productivity killer that affects employees worldwide. According to the VISA Earned Wage Access 2022 survey, 84 per cent of employees experience financial stress, often resulting in borrowing at high-interest rates and reduced productivity.

Employers can now break this cycle with Earned Wage Access (EWA), an innovative solution that provides employees with on-demand access to their earned wages anytime, anywhere. Paywatch is a financial services company that offers EWA in Malaysia and South Korea and is at the forefront of this trend in Asia.

Empowering employees with flexible payroll

EWA, also known as flexible payroll, allows employees to access their earned wages without incurring any interest or fees. The global EWA market is predicted to reach US$20 billion by 2027, and Paywatch is leading the way towards financial inclusivity in Asia.

What sets Paywatch apart from other EWA solutions is that it is the only bank-backed and regulator-approved EWA solution in Asia, which ensures fair pricing and consumer protection. By working with banks, Paywatch provides employees with access to financial services from these institutions.

Also Read: Why earned wage access is the future of pay

Productivity boost for employers

Paywatch is dedicated to creating a sustainable workforce while reducing rehiring fees for employers. By providing EWA, employers can give their employees the financial security they need to be empowered and perform at their best without worrying about their long-term financial health.

Kai Zen Au, Managing Director at Kenny Hills Hospitality Group, said, “If we can remove some of the financial pressures that employees face in their daily lives, it allows them to be more productive and happier at work. Paywatch helps them just be a little bit more happy, mindful, and present at work, which obviously increases productivity.”

The success of Paywatch’s EWA has been proven to improve employee retention rates for both SMEs and MNCs in Malaysia. Businesses have reported reduced turnover rates of up to 75 per cent, resulting in saving over US$500,000 in annual rehiring fees.

Real-life user story: Stand under EWA umbrella

At Paywatch, they understand that life is not always sunshine and rainbows, but EWA acts like an umbrella providing a safety net for employees during tough times.

For Mohd, a lorry driver in Malaysia, Paywatch’s EWA solution came in handy during a family emergency. “There was an emergency to go back to my hometown when my mother-in-law wasn’t well,” he shared. “With Paywatch’s EWA solution, I was able to access my earned wages instantly without having to borrow money from anyone else.”

By providing financial flexibility and stability through EWA, Paywatch is helping employees to manage their finances better, deal with emergencies, and avoid high-interest loans.

More than a financial service

“EWA is more than a financial service; it’s a force for positive change.”

Paywatch’s commitment to providing convenient, accessible financial services has earned them the trust of large brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and Lotus’s, as well as growing brands like Kenny Hills Bakers and BilaBila Mart.

Also Read: Malaysian earned wage access startup Paywatch bags US$9M for Philippines, HK expansion

In just two years, Paywatch’s EWA solution has achieved rapid growth, serving more than 200,000 employees globally and processing over US$1,200,000 in monthly wages through its app. Paywatch has set the foundation for its expansion throughout Southeast Asia in 2023, with recent initiatives including a Shariah-Compliant endorsement in Malaysia, a digital partnership with VISA, and bank partnerships in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Looking towards a financially inclusive tomorrow

Paywatch’s commitment to transforming the landscape of employee benefits is positively impacting both employees and employers. With their EWA solutions, Paywatch is not only taking care of the financial health of employees but also creating a sustainable and fulfilled workforce.

As we move towards a future that values employee well-being, Paywatch is leading the way towards a financially inclusive tomorrow.

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

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This article was first published on June 9, 2023

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AI in banking: Unlocking success with ChatGPT and embracing the future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the banking industry, revolutionising numerous sectors incredibly. ChatGPT, an OpenAI-developed generative pre-trained transformer language model, is one well-known AI technology that has attracted much attention.

ChatGPT and the debate

However, some argue that implementing AI in banking may lead to job losses and decreased personalised customer service. While ChatGPT and other AI technologies bring both opportunities and challenges to the banking industry, it is essential for banks and financial institutions to carefully evaluate their potential impact and effectively incorporate them into their operations and service offerings.

Generative AI, including ChatGPT, has notably contributed to the banking sector, particularly commercial lending. It has revolutionised lending processes by automating certain tasks and enabling faster and simpler lending decisions. However, as with any technological advancement, it also introduces new challenges.

One concern is the increased potential for sophisticated fraud, such as creating phoney images or false information. Large banks have already taken measures to address these concerns by banning the internal use of ChatGPT to ensure data privacy, cybersecurity, and system access.

Moreover, the rise of generative AI has sparked anxiety about replacing human employees in creative and cognitive roles. While AI tools like ChatGPT can significantly streamline processes, it is crucial to recognise that they lack empathy and emotional intelligence, essential for successful deals and customer interactions. Human expertise, experience, and emotional intelligence still play a significant role in credit assessment, loan management, and other crucial banking functions.

ChatGPT in commercial lending: Streamlining processes and driving Efficiency

To fully capitalise on the potential benefits of generative AI in commercial lending, lenders need to address these concerns and find ways to integrate AI tools harmoniously with their human workforce.

Generative AI can serve as a valuable asset in identifying problems early, assessing creditworthiness, detecting fraud, generating products, providing feedback on credit applications, and making financial analysis and forecasting decisions. It is important to view it as an addition to human knowledge, not a replacement.

ChatGPT, specifically designed as a chatbot for fintech, offers tremendous potential for commercial lenders to streamline their processes and enhance customer experiences. ChatGPT can produce responses to user inputs and questions that resemble those of a human by utilising sophisticated machine learning algorithms.

Also Read: Is ChatGPT a great invention or is it being ‘hyped’?

This makes it possible for programs to generate content, translate languages, and respond to inquiries. Clear and concise prompts, providing context, and understanding the model’s limitations are crucial for effectively utilising ChatGPT to its fullest potential. In addition to its language capabilities, ChatGPT can be integrated with other technologies, such as voice assistants and chatbots, to create seamless and personalised customer interactions.

With its ability to continuously learn and adapt to new data, ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionise how businesses interact with their customers. However, companies must prioritise transparency and ethical considerations when implementing AI technologies like ChatGPT.

Ensuring user data is protected, and the model is not perpetuating harmful biases is essential for building customer trust. ChatGPT is a powerful tool for enhancing customer experiences and improving business operations through intelligent automation.

It is important to note that ChatGPT should be part of a larger decision-making process and should not be relied upon solely. Evaluating ChatGPT’s results in the context of other information and expert opinions is necessary to ensure accurate and informed decisions.

Additionally, staying updated on ChatGPT and other AI technologies is crucial, as new use cases and applications may emerge, offering even greater value to users.

The potential benefits of ChatGPT in the financial services industry are substantial. By processing vast amounts of data and providing personalised financial advice and support, AI tools like ChatGPT have the power to revolutionise the banking industry.

It is projected that by 2025, the AI market in banking will exceed US$20 billion. Experts predict that chatbots and AI-powered virtual assistants, like ChatGPT, will significantly impact the expansion of the financial industry. These powerful tools offer customers a personalised and seamless experience while saving financial institutions significant money.

Chatbots and virtual assistants have already become popular features in the banking industry, allowing customers to access information and complete transactions through a simple conversation easily. With AI technology constantly improving, these chatbots will become even more sophisticated, able to handle complex inquiries and offer personalised financial advice.

In addition to improving the customer experience, AI-powered chatbots can help financial institutions reduce costs by automating routine tasks such as account balance inquiries and fraud detection. As the demand for these services continues to grow, we can expect to see more financial institutions adopt AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to stay competitive in the market.

With projections showing exponential growth in the AI market for banking, it’s clear that these technologies are here to stay and will continue to shape the industry’s future for years to come.

Some of the key benefits of ChatGPT include personalised customer service, assistance in decision-making, and automation. It can deliver real-time assistance, leading to higher customer satisfaction, lower churn rates, and increased loyalty. Financial advisors and investment managers can leverage ChatGPT to make informed decisions about clients’ portfolios, considering risk tolerance, investment goals, and market trends.

ChatGPT’s automation capabilities can streamline processes such as account opening and onboarding, reducing manual labour and increasing efficiency. The platform’s personalised customer service can enhance the client experience by providing tailored recommendations and solutions to meet individual needs.

With ChatGPT, financial institutions can offer a seamless and modernised approach to wealth management that caters to the demands of today’s digital-savvy consumers. By leveraging cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence and natural language processing, ChatGPT can help financial advisors and investment managers stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.

Also Read: Adapting to automation: Embracing no-code platforms for job security

Ultimately, ChatGPT is poised to revolutionise how financial institutions interact with their clients by providing a comprehensive solution combining automation, personalisation, and informed decision-making.

Addressing concerns and maximising the potential of AI

The applications of ChatGPT in the banking industry are diverse, including customer service, investment advice, portfolio management, risk management, compliance, insurance underwriting, and content generation for marketing and advertising.

By harnessing the power of AI, financial institutions can unlock new possibilities and improve various aspects of their operations. ChatGPT can assist banks in delivering personalised customer service by analysing customer data and providing tailored solutions to their needs.

It can also provide investment advice by analysing market trends and predicting future market movements. Portfolio management can be improved by using ChatGPT to monitor investments and make real-time adjustments based on market changes.

Using AI to recognise potential risks and proactively mitigate them can improve risk management. Using ChatGPT to keep track of regulatory changes and update policies as necessary can ensure compliance.

Insurance underwriting can be streamlined using AI to assess risk factors and determine appropriate coverage levels. Finally, ChatGPT can also generate content for marketing and advertising purposes, helping financial institutions reach their target audience more effectively.

Overall, the applications of ChatGPT in the banking industry are vast, and its potential benefits are significant for both financial institutions and their customers.

It is imperative to acknowledge that ChatGPT and other AI technologies have limitations and challenges. One of the most significant concerns is the possibility of bias in the data and algorithms utilised by ChatGPT, which can result in unfair or inaccurate outcomes.

Addressing this issue requires close monitoring and scrutiny of the training data, ensuring complete transparency and clarity regarding the algorithms and models used, and implementing robust security measures to safeguard against data breaches and other security risks.

At OpenAI, the usage and sharing of ChatGPT’s model are strictly regulated to ensure a helpful, fair, and safe experience for all users. Any content involving hate speech, discrimination, pornography, urging violence or illegal behaviour, or the unauthorised sharing of personal information is forbidden.

Their policies are strictly followed through human oversight of generated content and using filters and algorithms to identify and delete inappropriate content. They assure us they always maintain a positive and secure user environment.

So finally, to sum it all up, ChatGPT and other AI technologies hold immense potential for the banking industry. By effectively integrating generative AI into their processes and systems, banks can enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and unlock new growth opportunities.

However, banks and financial institutions must address concerns related to data privacy, cybersecurity, bias, and ethical considerations. AI should be viewed as a complement to human expertise and experience, and banks must find ways to leverage both AI tools and their human workforce harmoniously. By doing so, banks can navigate the evolving landscape of AI and position themselves for success in the digital banking era.

Final thoughts

AI has the potential to revolutionise the banking industry, enabling banks to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences. However, it is important to recognise that AI does not replace human intelligence and judgment. Instead, banks should view AI as a tool to augment their human workforce and enhance their capabilities.

This requires a strategic approach integrating AI into existing processes and workflows while investing in employee training and development programs. By doing so, banks can create a culture of innovation and collaboration that enables them to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market.

Ultimately, the key to success in the digital era of banking will be finding the right balance between AI and human expertise, leveraging both to deliver superior value to customers while also driving operational efficiency and growth.

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

Join our e27 Telegram groupFB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

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This article was first published on May 30, 2023

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Marketing in the AI era: Going fast isn’t going far enough

For marketing to be more than just a blur of micro-interactions, brands must confront the paradox that speed alone doesn’t guarantee acceptance. If I were starting over, here’s how I’d approach the profession.

Twenty years ago, when I started my career as a brand analyst, marketing moved at a vastly different pace. Back then, a single minute might have sufficed for sending an email, returning a phone call, or preparing the next print campaign. Social media platforms were either nascent or non-existent, and artificial intelligence was little more than an intriguing concept in academic papers. 

Today, that same 60 seconds powers an entire marketing ecosystem — 200 million emails sent worldwide, 700 hours of video uploaded to YouTube. And by the time you’ve finished reading this sentence — one minute — it has all happened again.

AI-driven campaigns now personalise messages in real time, contributing to a digital advertising spend of US$700 billion, which now accounts for 73 per cent of total ad revenue. Programmatic advertising — where machines handle auction-based ad placements — dominates 90 per cent of digital display ads.

This is not just a question of scale; it is also one of speed and sophistication. Short-form video platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels claim 70 per cent higher engagement than long-form video, and 73 per cent of Gen Z consumers discover new brands first through social media. 

In many ways, marketing has never been more efficient — content marketing can produce three times more leads than traditional outbound approaches like cold calling, often at 62 per cent lower cost. Yet amid these statistical triumphs, a vital question lingers: does greater efficiency translate to true effectiveness? The short answer is, not always. 

Acceleration vs acceptance

Metrics of digital trust reveal a more complex reality — only 50 per cent of US consumers trust the brands they engage with online. Meanwhile, traditional media still commands significantly higher credibility, with print advertising at 82 per cent trust, television at 80 per cent, direct mail at 76 per cent, and radio at 71 per cent.

Closer to home, the Edelman Trust Barometer highlights a similar divide. Despite the ubiquity of social media in Singapore, concerns over data privacy and misinformation persist, with trust levels hovering at just 37 per cent. In contrast, traditional media enjoys a far stronger standing, with 67 per cent trust — well above the global average of 62 per cent .

Amid the digital cacophony, brand trust has become a rare quality. For marketing to be more than just a flurry of micro-interactions, brands must confront a crucial paradox: acceleration alone does not guarantee acceptance. In fact, to truly thrive in this era of relentless speed, we may need to slow down — to go far, not just fast.

Also Read: Preparing for the unexpected: Succession planning and legal considerations for startup founders

Going further with social intelligence, cultural capital and a builder’s mindset

First, no matter how many data points we analyse or channels we leverage, the most sophisticated campaigns can still fall short without one crucial element: social intelligence. This is the ability to read human contexts, empathise with diverse perspectives, and align technology with real, lived experiences.

Ironically, it is exactly this “slower,” more observant approach — listening before broadcasting, observing before optimising — that builds the trust that technology alone cannot supply.

Secondly, if I could rebuild my circle of competence from the ground-up, I would devote more hours to studying history, economics, and linguistics — disciplines that illuminate how societies evolve and interact. Technology does not exist in a vacuum; it is launched into cultures shaped by centuries of tradition, policy decisions, and linguistic conventions.

By studying the broader context into which a product or campaign enters, marketers can better predict how it will be received or why it might fail to resonate. In a digital race for share of voice, context — not just content — truly is king.

Thirdly, marketers are often told, “We don’t make products; we tell stories.” While that may have been true for an earlier era, the democratisation of digital tools now empowers even non-technical marketers to engage directly in design and engineering fundamentals.

Today’s brand custodians must speak the language of wireframes, user journeys, data dashboards and code repositories, enough to collaborate meaningfully with low-code developers and UX designers. When marketers have a hand at building the brand experience from inception, they can ensure brand storytelling truly remains coherent across platforms.

How to think about your career in marketing 

Given these reflections, how should you approach your own path as an aspiring marketing professional? Here are three general principles that I subscribe to:

  • Long-termism over quick wins

When people ask whether investing in team members is “worth it” if they might leave, I always recall the saying: The greater danger is not training them and having them stay. For young professionals entering the marketing industry, the reverse is also true.

The real challenge isn’t just chasing quick wins, seeking immediate gratification, or job-hopping in pursuit of rapid advancement. It’s about building a reputation and carrying yourself in a way that makes you a worthwhile investment—one that employers like me recognise as invaluable.

Also Read: Hiring for your startup: The 5 key attributes of entrepreneur archetypes

  • A purpose larger than self

Man’s search for meaning is ultimately a yearning for significance, not just success. True significance comes from being part of something larger than yourself – whether it’s a cause, a purpose, or a mission. Choose an employer not just as a place to work, but as a platform, a giant on whose shoulders you can stand to contribute to something greater.

I was fortunate to lead communications and public affairs for Asia Pacific at Tableau Software (now part of Salesforce) where we helped more people across the region see and understand data. At PSB Academy, Asia’s leading private education group, we championed greater access to quality education for those overlooked by the mainstream system.

Now, at Temus, a homegrown digital services start-up, I’m part of a leadership team building a tech multinational enterprise that Singapore might proudly call our own, one that also creates digital opportunities for locals with no prior IT background through our novel tech career conversion program, Step IT Up Singapore. Recruitment for the program’s next intake starts later this month. Remember that whatever path you choose, anchor yourself to work that matters. 

  • Know-who wins

Someone at my parent firm, Temasek Holdings once shared, “Knowledge is great, know-how is better, but know-who is best.” Meritocracy should reward competence, but in reality, relationships extend your professional reach and open new doors. That said, whether it is forging alliances with industry peers or connecting with mentors who have walked your path, recognise that your network is a tangible reflection of your merit – people believe in you enough to partner with you. 

“Compete with the Immortals!”

David Ogilvy, a founding father of modern advertising, famously said, “In the modern world of business, it is useless to be a creative, original thinker unless you can also sell what you create.”

In that spirit, bridging the gap between academia and industry comes down to application — build a portfolio, volunteer for causes that matter to you, and pursue internships that stretch your abilities. Surround yourself with people who challenge you — professors, mentors, colleagues — and as Ogilvy himself put it, “compete with the immortals!”

By approaching a career in marketing with social intelligence, cultural capital, and a builder’s mindset, I hope that you’ll position yourself not just to keep pace with change, but to add to a purposeful profession that effectively shapes it.

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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