Article Publish On: 23 October 2010
After a rigorous interview process, Co-founder Algene Tan beat out hundreds of hopeful applicants to be one of only 13 students offered the prestigious SMU’s University Scholarship Programme (USP) scholarship.
2010 was the first year SMU offered its USP scholarship. Under this scholarship, scholars would complete a fully-sponsored co-terminal bachelors and master’s programme. During the course of the programme, scholars would have to take liberal arts modules regardless of their course of study. They would also have to complete an exchange programme as well as an overseas community service mission. The scholarship programme was aimed at grooming future thought leaders by equipping students with a cutting edge education that is relevant to a changing and competitive world.
It took Algene 4.5 years to complete a bachelors and masters of laws. Although he read law, he undertook modules in interdisciplinary studies, psychology, natural sciences, economics, business and statistics. Looking back, Algene admits that it was a challenging experience but one he felt was extremely worth the hard work. The USP programme has definitely shaped his thinking and made him a more confident and well-rounded person.