Berlyn Koh Is Redefining Leadership From Setback to Strength
From balancing academics, work, and student leadership roles to discovering her passion for the tax industry, Berlyn Koh’s journey in the Accounting and Finance programme under the SIM-University of London has shaped her growth beyond the classroom. As a recipient of the SIM Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund, Berlyn continues to pursue her aspirations with discipline, purpose, and a commitment to creating meaningful impact.
For Berlyn Koh, growth did not come from a single defining moment, but from learning how to navigate the many demands of student life with discipline, adaptability, and purpose.
As a student in the Accounting and Finance programme under the University of London at SIM Global Education, her days are often divided between lectures, part-time work, leadership responsibilities, and training with the SIM Titan Touch Rugby. While balancing these commitments was not always easy, the experience became an opportunity for her to develop not only academically, but also personally. Over time, what emerged was not just balance, but a growing sense of control over her journey.
"At SIM, I developed strong time management skills as I had to balance multiple commitments—maintaining good academic performance, working part-time, and actively participating in my CCA," she shares.
Studying became a space for focus and discipline, where she learned to minimise distractions and make the most of her time. Rugby taught her accountability, consistency, and teamwork, while work became a meaningful way to remain productive while giving herself the space to recharge.
Taking ownership of her studies and actively sourcing internship opportunities on her own encouraged her to take on new challenges with confidence. It required initiative, persistence, and the willingness to navigate uncertainty, qualities that are not always taught but learned through experience.
Growing Through Leadership and Adaptability
Beyond the classroom, these experiences began to shape Berlyn into a more independent, self-driven person. Alongside managing her responsibilities, she also stepped into leadership roles that would further shape her confidence and perspective.
During her first year, Berlyn served as the Sponsorship In-Charge for the Student Initiatives Committee under the UOL Student Representative Council. The role introduced her to the realities of leadership early on, requiring her to juggle event coordination, stakeholder communication, sponsorship discussions, and team collaboration while adapting to university life.
As one of the younger members in the team, she initially found it challenging to have her ideas heard and taken seriously. But instead of letting those experiences discourage her, Berlyn gradually learned to build trust through consistency, preparation, and reliability.
"Over time, I learned how to prioritise, delegate when necessary, and communicate more efficiently with stakeholders," she reflects. These experiences also taught her that leadership is often less about authority and more about adaptability and growth.
That lesson became even more evident in her role as Marketing Executive for SIM Titans Touch Rugby. Tasked with increasing the team's visibility and attracting new members, Berlyn found herself navigating a challenge entirely different from academic work - creativity.
At first, she struggled with creative block and uncertainty over how to engage students effectively. Rather than remaining stuck, she took the initiative to study how sports clubs and student communities used social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to connect with audiences. She independently picked up design and editing skills through Canva and CapCut, experimenting with different forms of content to strengthen the team's outreach efforts.
What began as trial and error eventually evolved into something meaningful. The team's recruitment efforts saw encouraging responses, with several juniors joining after engaging with the content she created. More importantly, the experience taught her the value of being proactive, resourceful, and open to learning beyond the classroom.
"Leadership is not about being the loudest in the room, or the most senior. It's about consistency, adaptability, and being willing to grow through discomfort," she shares. Through these experiences, Berlyn developed more than just technical or academic knowledge. Skills such as communication, teamwork, initiative, and digital adaptability became second nature, preparing her for the realities of an evolving workplace where collaboration and continuous learning are increasingly important.
Discovering Purpose Through Learning
Alongside leadership, Berlyn also began to gain greater clarity about her career aspirations. Her interest in the tax industry was sparked during the Singapore Tax and Law module at SIM-UOL, where she became fascinated by the field's constantly evolving nature.
"Tax regulations are constantly evolving, which means there is always something new to learn," she says. For Berlyn, the appeal lies not only in continuous learning but also in the opportunity to create practical impact. Looking ahead, she hopes to use her knowledge to support individuals and small business owners who may find tax matters complex or overwhelming. "Even simple guidance can make a difference in helping them stay compliant and make better financial decisions," she explains.
Creating Meaningful Impact Beyond Herself
Her desire to contribute extends beyond the workplace. Through her involvement in student councils and sports, Berlyn has seen firsthand how peer support and student initiatives can shape the university experience. She hopes to continue creating welcoming and inclusive spaces where students feel encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, participate actively, and build meaningful connections.
"University can be overwhelming, especially for new students, and I want to help others feel a sense of belonging—just as I was welcomed when I first joined," she shares.
Receiving the SIM Award marked another meaningful milestone in her journey. Beyond supporting her educational journey, the award reinforced her motivation to continue striving for excellence and remain consistent in her efforts.
Supported by the SIM Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund, Berlyn is empowered to continue building on these aspirations. More than just pursuing a degree, she is shaping a future grounded in discipline, purpose, and meaningful contribution, one where she hopes to uplift others through the knowledge, leadership, and experiences she continues to gain along the way.
About the SIM Award
The SIM Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund, recognises high-achieving local and international undergraduates who combine academic excellence with leadership. Supported by the SIM Impact Fund, a $60 million, 10-year initiative dedicated to creating pathways and enhancing the employability of learners, the award empowers students to pursue their aspirations and achieve their goals with confidence.