David Lo

What made you decide to join the Singapore Management University?

Close to the end of my PhD days, I was fortunate to receive several job offers. The offer from School of Information Systems (SIS), Singapore Management University (SMU) is the most attractive one. Compared to my other options, SMU best facilitates my growth as a researcher and educator. SMU small classroom size allows me to interact closely with students. Additionally, SIS also strongly encourages collaboration among faculty members which I highly value. These and several other factors attracted me to join SMU.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love doing research and interacting with students -- both undergraduates and postgraduates. Research allows me to explore and improve latest technologies. There is never a dull moment! My research activities allow me to meet and work with many fellow researchers from across the globe; these opportunities are generously supported by SMU through conference travel funding. Additionally, being able to help students acquire new skills and get good jobs after their studies (be it bachelor's or doctorate's program), makes my role as an educator a rewarding one.

What is it about Singapore that delights you?

I have stayed in Singapore for 16 years -- close to half my life. Singapore is a great place to stay. It is a clean, safe, and beautiful city. The public transportation is great -- it is easy to get from one point to another in a short period of time. Singapore also offers a wide selection of great food. One extra perks for me is its close proximity to my home town (i.e., Jakarta); I can stay close to my family, while am able to get excellent support for doing research as a faculty member in a top Asian university.

Tell us about your favourite place on campus and why.

My favourite places on campus (aside from my office and the SIS research lab, which I spend the most time in) are the two cafes close to SMU Campus Green (i.e., 1983 and 7 Kickstart). I frequently work there (yes, even for hours) while enjoying a nice cup of coffee and being immersed in the hustle and bustle of students, faculty members and staffs at the heart of SMU.

What is the most important learning you have acquired while at SMU?

In my 8.5 years at SMU, I've learned how to teach, guide PhD students, and do research better. Prior to my days at SMU, I had little teaching experience aside from a few semesters serving as a teaching assistant. SMU has helped me to learn how to give an interactive lecture, design course materials, create assessments, mentor students, etc. I've also learned skills needed to guide PhD students to complete their theses and get excellent academic/industry positions. Compared to my PhD days, I have also improved my skills as a researcher -- solving more difficult, diverse, and realistic problems.

What would you say to someone considering applying to the Singapore Management University?

SMU is a great place to be a part of! Don't hesitate to apply and join us! It is a great place to teach (with small classroom size and interactive seminar-style lectures) and do excellent research.