From Ambition to Achievement: Girisa’s Transformative Journey with SIM
From earning top academic honours to graduating with distinction in her hometown, Girisa Lakshmi Ramavong has consistently excelled. Now pursuing a degree with SIM-University of London, Girisa's academic achievements and campus contributions have earned her the prestigious SIM Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund.
Growing up in Laos around her family's business, Girisa developed an early awareness of financial responsibility. Over time, this translated into a more focused and intentional approach to her education, reflected in her consistent effort and commitment to learning. Girisa started by paying closer attention in class and completing her assignments diligently, before progressing to extra tuition and consistent self-study.
Her efforts soon bore fruit. Girisa earned multiple academic distinctions in her hometown across various subjects and was named top student in her cohort in one year.
Beyond academics, she challenged herself in new ways. Despite her initial fear of public speaking, she participated in an English public speaking competition in her hometown and won.
"That experience changed me," she says. "It gave me confidence and made me realise I could do more than I thought."
Girisa was equally active in co-curricular activities. As Editor-in-Chief of her school publication, she led a team under tight deadlines while navigating creative differences. She was also involved in Student Council, where she served first as Secretary and later as Vice-President. In these roles, she organised school events, coordinated fundraising initiatives, and addressed student concerns—all while balancing her academic commitments.
"I learnt that being a good leader means listening, collaborating and helping others move towards a common goal," she explains. "Even if we couldn't incorporate certain suggestions immediately, I made sure my team members felt heard and valued."
Through her roles in student leadership, publications, and community initiatives, Girisa developed strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills — key attributes that complement her academic achievements.
Reflecting on her journey, Girisa notes how much she has changed. She credits her experiences in shaping her into a motivated and curious learner.
LEARNING BEYOND BORDERS
After completing high school in Laos in 2023, Girisa chose to pursue higher education overseas. Among options such as Australia and Thailand, Singapore stood out for its strong education system and safe environment.
"When I first arrived in Singapore, I visited several universities to understand the environment and student life," she says. "SIM stood out to me as a vibrant campus with plenty of opportunities to get involved in."
She began with a Diploma in Accounting at SIM Global Education, graduating with distinction, before progressing through a bridging course to the University of London's Bachelor of Accounting and Finance programme, where she is currently in her second year. Her academic pathway at SIM provides a clear progression toward ACCA certification, positioning her strongly for a professional career in accounting and finance.
Moving to Singapore introduced her to a new academic and cultural environment. Determined to find her place, Girisa actively immersed herself in campus life.
As a Student Ambassador, Girisa has made meaningful contributions to the SIM community by actively representing the school and supporting both prospective and current students. She participated in ambassador showcases where she engaged with agents from different countries that were interested in learning more about student life at SIM. By sharing her experiences as an international student in Singapore, discussing her academic journey, and answering questions about campus life, she helped prospective students gain a clearer understanding of what SIM offers. This role was also extended through The Ambassador Programme (TAP), SIM's online ambassador platform. These contributions helped both current and prospective students stay informed and connected with the SIM community.
Girisa also played her part in creating a welcoming environment for visitors through campus tours and student engagement activities. She guided visitors around the SIM campus, introduced them to various school facilities and student services, and addressed their inquiries. Through these interactions, she represented SIM with pride and contributed to building a positive image of the institution internationally.
These experiences exposed her to a diverse, international student community, strengthening her ability to work across cultures — an increasingly important skill in the global finance industry.
Beyond campus, Girisa contributed to community initiatives like iCare where she assisted people with disabilities and Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL), which allowed her to receive guidance and support others academically. These experiences helped her develop greater empathy and strengthened her sense of social responsibility.
Inspired, Girisa said, "In the future, I hope to contribute more to SIM whether through academic support or community involvement activities."
Outside of her academic and extracurricular commitments, Girisa turned to journalling to reflect on her experiences and track her personal growth.
"When I look back at my journals, I can see how much I've grown," she smiles.
A ROLE MODEL FOR ALL
At the heart of her perseverance is her family. As the eldest sibling, she feels a strong responsibility to guide her younger brother and sister.
"I want to show them that anything is possible and that they should be brave enough to step out of their comfort zones," she says.
This sense of purpose has shaped her mindset. She now approaches new environments with openness and a willingness to learn.
In recognition of her achievements, Girisa was awarded the SIM Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund.
Given to outstanding local and international students who demonstrate both academic excellence and strong leadership, the SIM Award reflects SIM's commitment to recognising talent and supporting students in achieving their academic and professional goals.
Looking ahead, Girisa hopes to continue building her expertise in accounting and finance and to pursue professional qualifications such as ACCA. More importantly, she remains driven by a clear purpose: to support her family and create opportunities for those who come after her.
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. Backed by the SIM Impact Fund — a $60 million, 10-year initiative that creates pathways and boosts employability of learners — it supports students to pursue their ambitions and work towards their goals in confidence.