The SIM EDGE Award

Launched in 2017, the SIM EDGE Award is a prestigious award developed in partnership with employers, to recognise your cumulative achievements in your learning journey.

Through your journey at SIM, we aim to provide a conducive and supportive environment by creating many opportunities to foster:

• Core attributes of resourcefulness, resilience and responsibility

• Deep professional competencies in your chosen disciplines and equip you with the ability to continue learning throughout your lives

• Corporate-readiness by being confident leaders in your own right, being good team-players, taking the initiative to solve problems, and being able to communicate effectively across all levels

While working towards the award, you will get the opportunity to demonstrate your learning experiences and skills to potential employers via:

1. University Involvement

2. Community Engagement

3. Work/Voluntary Experience

4. Global Awareness

5. Additional Skills

While this opportunity is open only to final year undergraduate students, you should start building your portfolio from Day One on campus in order to consolidate your best experiences.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) International Business

Patrik was the President of the SIM-UOB Student Council. On top of that, he was also the Exco (Student Welfare) of the Student Ambassadors, and held memberships in the Esprimere Singing Club and SIM Taekwondo Club. He is currently a Business Development Executive at Aventis Wellness.

What was your motivation in applying for the award?

The SIM EDGE Award has always been an interest since I enrolled in SIM’s Diploma Programme. After learning more about it, I decided that I would dedicate my efforts to achieving that award.

Aside from its prestige, I wanted to prove myself that I could do anything that I set my mind to. I developed my soft skills through the student council, expressed my feelings through singing and kept my physical body in shape through martial arts. This was only possible because SIM facilitates the environment for us to pursue a great work-life balance.

What is one quality that you think made you stand out from the other applicants?

My positive attitude definitely played a major role. I do not shy away from being rejected, so I just tried out for as many things as I could! There were times where clubs rejected my applications, and I was denied opportunities. There were even moments where I scored very poorly for my assignments.

However, I would brush it off and make sure I learnt from my mistakes. I am incredibly lucky to have made amazing lifelong friends that supported me through tougher times. They have my back, and I have theirs.

How do you think this award will give you a competitive edge?

I have no doubt that SIM’s EDGE Award will be useful as a testament to my achievements. However, I would like to stress that the journey behind the award is far more valuable. What you learnt throughout your academic career will be apparent through your actions and presentation in the professional world.

Having the EDGE Award is a great accomplishment, but what truly gives one a competitive edge is whether they can apply what they have learnt in their pursuit of the award.

Some words of advice

Do your best to experience a holistic education. I define a “holistic education” as one that covers the following five aspects: academic, social, sports, arts and service. SIM has so many clubs and talented individuals who can help you develop in all those areas. The biggest struggle you will face is managing your time, and keeping a constant check on your mental and physical health.

Just remember that the pursuit of the award should never be your identity. The EDGE Award is not the only path to success. That being said, I encourage all of you to strive for this award!

Sumair Jalan

Bachelor of Arts (Economics)

SIM-UB

Sumair Jalan is the current President of the SIM Economics Society. On top of that, he is also a member of the Publications department in the UB Student Council and a SIM Peer Mentor, where he provides academic and emotional support to his peers.

What was your motivation in applying for the award?

The SIM EDGE Award is the highest student recognition one can receive at SIM. It is symbolic of the nine qualities that the award stands for, and it provides a sense of validation and accomplishment that each student strives for. At the onset of my journey, I challenged myself to achieve this award, and in pursuit of it, I leveraged all the resources at hand and lived my university life to the fullest.

What is one quality that you think made you stand out from the other applicants?

Adaptability and resourcefulness. Despite the transition to an online setting, I adapted to a grim situation, and took it as an opportunity to evolve as an individual.

As someone who was a shy and reserved person, I was determined to step out of my comfort zone and participate actively in the student community to become a more confident leader. Turning every situation into an opportunity that I could leverage to grow and achieve my goals, helped me stand out.

How do you think this award will give you a competitive edge?

Receiving the most prestigious award at SIM is a testament of all the nine qualities that I possess, which will enhance my chances of employability. Being part of a select group of students who have attained this award will also enhance my visibility and credibility to the recruiters.

This award also provided me with the confidence to continue on the path that I am treading, and has given me the perfect platform to kickstart the next phase of my life.

Some words of advice

According to Naeem Callaway, “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.” Do not restrict yourself to academics. Embrace everything that SIM has to offer to you. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Step out of your comfort zone, and leverage all the opportunities and resources that the university provides to overcome your fear. Strengthen your weaknesses, and evolve as an individual.

Lastly, do not hesitate to reach out to past awardees to understand their journeys, and seek any assistance you may need with your application. Good luck!

Since its inception in 2011, SIM Alumni Engagement office seeks to broaden and deepen alumni linkages so as to cultivate mentorship, internship and employment opportunities for both students and alumni alike.

Membership is automatic and free for life for all SIM graduates, and alumni can tap into career support initiatives, networking platforms, access campus facilities, or partake in reunions and gatherings at our local events – such as Homecoming and CEO Dialogue – and regionally through Overseas Alumni Chapters China, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

All new and existing SIM alumni will be progressively onboarded to our newly-launched, one-stop community portal to connect with fellow alumni, access learner programmes, participate in alumni activities and receive latest updates on SIM.