Ian KOH '19: Discover My Roots and Learn from the Best

Release time：2021-01-26    

Hi, my name is Ian Koh. I am a third-generation Singaporean. Having grown up under paternal grandparents’ care, I was naturally curious about my Chinese heritage from a young age. This desire to discover more about my roots and heritage played a significant role in my decision to pursue my postgraduate studies in China – a decision that I take great pride in. In my time spent in China, I am deeply inspired by three main observations.

Collision of Brightest Minds

My Chinese counterparts are a true symbol of ambition and grit. As a Master of Finance student at Fanhai International School of Finance, Fudan University, I have had the fine opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in this nation of 1.4 billion individuals.

From working together on group assignments to simply sharing career advices with one another, I quickly realize that my Chinese counterparts are highly motivated, as reflected by their adept ability to juggle their full-time studies, internships and personal commitments such as the pursuit of different professional accreditation.

With such a driven and motivated populace, it is little wonder how China became the world’s second largest economy within the short span of three decades.

Strong Commitment Government

I am in awe by how the Chinese government shaped the nation’s world-leading success in digital payments, blockchain initiatives and artificial intelligence. As part of a research team commissioned jointly by the Fudan Fanhai Fintech Research Center and KPMG China, I researched on China’s unique blockchain landscape and the existing applications of blockchain technology in China’s banking industry. I came to discover that many of these state-of-the-art blockchain applications were hitherto unheard of in other parts of the world, and the prime reason for their success lies in the government’s strong commitment in working with industry players to develop Blockchain as a national core competency.

The Chinese government bravely takes on a leadership role in changing Fintech from a wave of the future to the reality of today’s modern financial systems. I believe this is a clear indication of China’s increasing relevance and influence on the global arena.

Warm and Hospitable Chinese

I am also impressed by the amount of warmth and hospitality extended to me by the Chinese people. One individual who really impressed upon me was the housekeeper at this student accommodation. She had taken particular care of me as she was aware that I was an international student.

From our conversations, I learnt that her son was studying in another city and she told me how she understood from her son the struggles of adapting to a whole new foreign environment as a youth. Even on the day that I moved out, she told me to go back and visit her often and that she will whip up a sumptuous meal in honor of my visit.

Ah Yi （the housekeeper）is just one of the many individuals in China that I have since crossed paths with who have showed me immense generosity and kindness and made me feel like I am always being rooted for even in a home away from home.

These valuable lessons and observations only served to affirm my decision to pursue my postgraduate studies in China. While I had initially come to learn more about Chinese culture, history and traditions, I have taken away so many more practical life lessons than I could possibly imagine. This is why whenever I share my experience in China with anyone who is looking to study or work in China, I would highlight my top three reasons why they should absolutely come:

1.You learn from the best.

2.You develop a unique perspective and gain a competitive edge in a world where China is only going to play an increasingly important role.

3.You enjoy a holistic development, and the experience allows you to be a more open-minded person who is flexible and ready to adapt.