UWA and me
I graduated from UWA with First Class Honours in Economics and returned to Singapore to start my career with EY Consulting. After a few years, I got an offer to join Standard Chartered Private Bank before moving to HSBC where I am at today!
My years in UWA were some of the best of my life. I went with no expectations, and four years later I made life-long friends along with gaining a fantastic experience. I managed to study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark and Brasov, Romania. That taught me independence, mental strength (when you're alone in a foreign land and do not speak the local language); and not to take life too seriously!
“You live to work/study, not work/study to live” is something that I hold in good stead.
I made friends from all across the world at UWA, and I keep in contact with them both on a professional and personal level. Talk about study-life integration!
I was also fortunate to be an academic tutor in the UWA Business School, University Hall and St Catherine's College. One of my fondest memories is of Financial Accounting (ACCT 1101), which I taught for 6 semesters in University Hall and set my own final year exam paper! Through this, I found my passion for teaching and mentoring, which led me to the UWA Singapore Alumni Network Executive Committee when I returned to Singapore.
Mentoring is my passion
In my academic tutor days, I found immense joy tutoring students who at first were out of sorts and not wanting to come to tutorials (say financial accounting) to a point where they were learning and understanding, and even getting a Distinction/High Distinction.
The impact wasn't only in subject's grades' I saw that learning gives students self-belief and motivation that would serve them well throughout their time at UWA, in their professional and personal lives and beyond. Plus, they became my friends.
What is the most interesting aspect of your career? Where could it go from here?
In my professional work, I initiate and deliver projects to improve the bank. I may have a say in how banking operates in the future!
Given how fast-paced the banking world is, you just don't know where you will be tomorrow! I take it one day at a time and never say no to an opportunity. Life is about taking some risks. I try and fail, and learn from that experience. I don't want to regret I never tried!
About Kenny
Kenny is a Vice President at HSBC Singapore where he leads and drives strategic digital initiatives for the bank. Outside of work, Kenny is an Executive Committee member of the UWA Singapore Alumni Network. Holding a First Class Honours degree in Economics from the University of Western Australia (UWA), he was awarded the C.A. Vargovic Memorial Scholarship and the Study Abroad Scholarship during his time at UWA. Kenny is also a trained economist and has published research papers including his honours thesis.
You can connect with Kenny on LinkedIn.