Daniel Wong

Discover SIM GE Daniel graduated as the ‘Overall Best Student’ at SIM-University of Stirling. While many choose to enjoy sports by taking part in sporting events or watching them on television, Daniel Wong chooses to take his passion a step further as a Student Development Officer for Sports at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. His strong devotion to sports has paid dividends as Daniel graduated as the ‘Overall Best Student’ in Sports Studies and Marketing at SIM-University of Stirling. Finding Passion And Purpose In Sports “I started off as a spectator who enjoyed watching sports on television. I later took up sports such as football and hockey. But what really got me interested in a career in sports was when I got into football refereeing and officiated S-League games. That was when I gained exposure to tournaments and event management and realised that sports is something I wanted to pursue as a career.” The Best Of Both Worlds “I enjoyed sports and the business aspects of the SIM-University of Stirling Sports Studies and Marketing programme. I felt that it was the best of both worlds for me. Furthermore, the programme was unique because each module started with a lecture and the lecturers were from overseas countries such as Scotland, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. They brought different perspectives and shared different sports experiences from their respective countries. For tutorials, we were taught by local tutors so the programme was well-balanced as we got to understand sports in both a local and overseas context. “One of the highlights for me was hearing from Ms Leigh Robinson, who worked in international sport organisations such as the International Olympic Committee. She had many real life experiences to share and hearing from an expert like her was very beneficial.” Daniel (centre) with Indonesian beach volleyball players who were gold medallists of the South East Asian beach volleyball championships. Career Contentment “Upon finishing the course, I took up a job in sports event and marketing at the Volleyball Association of Singapore. During my time there, I gained a first-hand experience of what it was like to work in a National Sport Association. “After gaining some experience, I progressed and took up the role of Student Development Officer for Sports in Ngee Ann Polytechnic where I currently get to plan sports development programmes such as inter-school competitions as well as manage sports CCA clubs. All my daily tasks are geared around sports so it’s been very enjoyable thus far.” Gaining First Hand Experiences “One of the things that I learned about a career in sports management is that you will need good communication and management skills as you will be constantly talking to people as there are many stakeholders involved. The management skills will come in handy as people in sports usually have very strong opinions. Hence, you will need to be tactful and manage expectations.” “If you are planning to venture in the sport industry, the SIM-University of Stirling programme is a very good stepping stone as it enables you to pick up important skills that are in line with most job requirements in this field. It is also important to get yourself exposed as much as possible at sporting events whether as a volunteer or spectator as this is something valuable that will add up to your experiences.” Posted online, 25 May 2018