Celebrating 40 Years of SIM-UoL: Alumni Stories of Impact and Achievement (Part 4)

For 40 years, the Singapore Institute of Management and the University of London (SIM-UoL) partnership have brought an international dimension to education in Singapore, giving learners the opportunity to engage with ideas and perspectives from beyond our shores. This feature explores careers at the intersection of international affairs, public policy, and regional developments, where understanding the wider world is central to the work.
 

Yiu Bin Hao
Assistant Director at National Security Coordination Secretariat
BSc International Relations | 2020

 
Bin Hao at the ASEAN trade negotiating table

My experience at SIM gave me valuable lessons that continue to guide my career today. The environment cultivated independence, resilience and self-motivation. It taught me to take ownership of my learning, pursue opportunities beyond the classroom, and recognise that growth and success depend on personal initiative and discipline. SIM also gave me opportunities to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, strengthening my ability to communicate across different perspectives.

Participating in the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) was particularly memorable and transformative. Working with delegates from around the world deepened my understanding of diplomacy, negotiation and compromise. It also taught me the importance of balancing competing interests and collaborating to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

These lessons proved invaluable when I joined the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), where I represented Singapore in ASEAN trade negotiations and contributed to the negotiations on Free Trade Agreements. I saw directly how our work could affect Singapore’s economy and the wider ASEAN community. At the negotiating table, every discussion and agreement had the potential to deliver tangible benefits for Singaporean businesses.

Beyond my professional work, I remain actively involved in community service. As Chairman of the Bukit Batok East Youth Network, I lead a team of committed young people in planning and delivering initiatives for the community. I also serve on the 25th People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM) Council, where I facilitate collaboration between PAYM and national youth organisations, and help bridge the Government and young people. In addition, as a Curator with the National Youth Council’s Young Changemakers, I support youth-led projects that create positive social impact. I am committed to giving back by supporting youths, strengthening communities, and contributing my skills and experience towards Singapore’s continued progress.
 

Amanda Yeo
Founder and Managing Partner at Brighten Sphere Consultancy PLT
BSc Economics and Finance | 2015

Amanda sharing insights on how SMEs could start implementing ESG during a panel discussion at the Selangor Techsphere Summit in November 2025

“I first learned about SIM at an education fair in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and was immediately drawn to its vibrant campus life, strong co-curricular culture and the opportunity to obtain an international degree through a reputable partner university.”

Choosing Economics and Finance gave me a strong foundation in understanding how economies, markets and financial systems influence business decisions and societal outcomes. More importantly, my time at SIM became a period of significant personal growth. Student activities, corporate exposure trips to Taiwan and China, and a two-month exchange programme at the University of Cambridge broadened my worldview and developed my confidence, adaptability and leadership skills.

One of the experiences that had the greatest impact on my career direction was a corporate trip to Taiwan, where I discovered my passion for social entrepreneurship. Inspired by this experience, I later pursued a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) internship in Taiwan during my final year of study. This first overseas internship affirmed my career aspirations and provided me with valuable insights into sustainability, which continue to inform my current engagements with the private sector.

After graduating, I began my career in politics and public policy. Although this was not the path I initially expected, it equipped me with a strong policy-oriented perspective, enabling me to analyse systemic issues and develop more effective, industry-specific solutions. Standing as a parliamentary candidate for Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia during Malaysia’s 15th General Election in November 2022 further deepened my understanding of governance, stakeholder engagement and the real-world challenges faced by communities.

The experience marked a major turning point in my life, prompting me to reassess my long-term career direction. I subsequently transitioned into sustainability, began freelancing in April 2024, and a year later established my own company, Brighten Sphere Consultancy PLT.

Entrepreneurship has brought uncertainty and steep learning curves, but it also strengthened my resilience and confidence. I continue to move forward with the belief that challenges are an essential part of growth. Looking back, SIM prepared me less for a specific job and more for navigating complexity and uncertainty. It taught me to learn independently, manage pressure, ask the right questions and adapt quickly, capabilities that continue to guide me today.

 

Michelle Eldyn Yauw
Associate at Secretariat International
BSc International Relations | 2022

 
Michelle and her parents at SIM-UoL graduation

Studying International Relations at SIM-UoL gave me a strong academic foundation while also encouraging me to think globally and step beyond my comfort zone. The LSE-designed curriculum, together with CCAs such as the HNMUN, helped develop the adaptability, discipline and confidence that have continued to shape my career.

Since graduating, I have worked across risk advisory, investigations and financial services in Singapore, including roles at a global consulting firm and a major international investment bank. Today, I work in risk and investigations, supporting clients on pre-transaction due diligence, investigations for disputes, and strategic intelligence for clients’ interests across the region.

Looking back, SIM-UoL played an important role in preparing me for a career that has taken me into industries and environments I had not originally imagined for myself. I’m grateful to have been part of the SIM-UoL community and would like to congratulate SIM and the University of London on 40 years of partnership and the generations of past (and future) students and alumni it has supported.


Across international affairs, policy and regional affairs, SIM-UoL alumni are making their mark on the issues shaping our world. Their diverse experiences offer a glimpse into the work being done across borders and the many ways they are contributing to their fields.

This is Part 4 of the SIM-UoL 40th Anniversary series. Catch up on the stories here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3