Detail

Meet Mr Xavier Low, a Singapore Polytechnic (SP) alumnus who co-founded a startup, managed the social media channels of his parents’ business, and served as the president of the SP Chinese Orchestra (SPCO)— all while pursuing a Diploma in Business Information Technology (DBIT).

Inspired by his experiences at SP, Xavier is on a mission to use his skills in both business and technology to make a positive impact on society.

Currently continuing his studies at Singapore Management University, Xavier is also the Chief Executive of Cyber Youth Academy, a local charity that advocates cyber security, digital wellness and digital literacy to secondary school students.

More than a lecturer

When asked about memorable classes in SP, Xavier was quick to mention Mr Neelesh Bhatia and his Business Opportunity Module. Xavier vividly remembers the first lesson, where Mr Neelesh immediately told the class to come up with three business ideas and pitch them to him the following week.

“During the pitching session, he was very straightforward. He would say ‘this idea would not work’ and then tell us all the reasons. I found value in not beating around the bush, and that has become a part of my personality both inside and outside of work.”

Mr Neelesh had such an influence on Xavier’s personality that his classmates even started calling him a “mini Neelesh Bhatia”. At the time, Mr Neelesh was also the Director of SP’s entrepreneurship centre SPiNOFF, and mentored Xavier and his fellow co-founders when they were developing their startup SAYOCODE.

“Mr Neelesh was the one who always grounded us. Making things user-centric helped us to filter out a lot of ideas and eventually created a product that was more catered to the needs of our target audience. This is something that is important in any start-up.”

A new perspective

Another unique activity that Xavier participated in during his time in SP was the Overseas Social Innovation Programme (OSIP), where he travelled to the Philippines with a group of volunteers to help a community using design thinking. For Xavier, it was an eye-opening experience that completely changed the way he approached problems.

“Coming from an IT school, I always thought that technology was the solution to an issue. But all of our initial ideas were not valid because the community did not have access to the Internet or electricity. I realised that you have to understand the user’s needs and pain points first, before trying to think of a solution. In the end, the solution that we designed employed no technology at all.”

Xavier also formed close friendships with both the locals and his fellow volunteers, and says that he still receives Facebook messages from them to this day.

Turning students into advocate

In his current role as Chief Executive of Cyber Youth Academy, Xavier believes that educating Singapore’s youth is the key to achieving a digitally literate society.

“When the older generation has a question about technology, they will usually ask the younger people in their household. We want every secondary school student to be equipped with the proper knowledge, so that they will teach the right things.”

Not one to rest on his laurels, Xavier also has plans to extend Cyber Youth Academy’s reach to other groups in 2023.

“Next year, we will reach out to vulnerable communities as well. We will visit homes directly, host sessions where they can come together to learn, and help them to get digital access more readily.”

Advice for SP alumni

Looking back at his own experiences, Xavier thinks that SP alumni should never be afraid to communicate their ideas in the workplace, and believes that it will give them an edge over their peers.

“I think in the workforce, having the ability and courage to speak your mind and convey your ideas is important. Those are the people who are able to bring true value to an organisation.”

As a final piece of advice, Xavier also stressed the importance of keeping calm in the face of adversity.

“If you are able to pause, think things through logically, and come up with the most appropriate solution at that point, you will emerge as a natural leader in those circumstances. That is something powerful.”

Mr Xavier Low
Chief Executive, Cyber Youth Academy
Diploma in Business Information Technology (DBIT), 2020