Singapore alumni ambassadors
Get connected with other UQ Business, Economics and Law Alumni living in Singapore. There is a vibrant community of UQ alumni living in Singapore, including a team of dedicated volunteer ambassadors who are eager to build the community and remain connected to UQ. There are opportunities to connect with fellow alumni at events and through social media platforms, providing key industry contacts, mentors and employment opportunities from the wider business community.
Philip Forrest
Chair, Singapore Ambassador Council
Non-Executive Director, FAICD, Member of the Governing Council of the Singapore Institute of Directors
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce 1968
Philip Forrest’s area of specialty is within Commercial and Investment Banking, and more recently a variety of Non-Executive Director roles. He has worked for Citibank in New York, Manila, Jakarta and Bangkok and has also had opportunities in Singapore with Westpac and ANZ.
His Professional Association Memberships include AustCham Singapore (Board Member and Former President), Singapore Institute of Directors (Director and Council Member), Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, CPA Australia and Singapore Business Federation (Former Member of Council).
Philip is a proponent of new graduates considering Asia as a starting point to begin their careers due to the high growth of the region. His favourite UQ Professor was Herb Qualls; in Philip’s words: “Herb definitely told the best jokes. But they weren’t printable then and probably still aren’t.”
A morning jog through Singapore’s Botanic Gardens as the sun rises, and the vast networking opportunities available in Singapore are activities Philip highly values.
Chair, Singapore Ambassador Council
Non-Executive Director, FAICD, Member of the Governing Council of the Singapore Institute of Directors
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce 1968
Philip Forrest’s area of specialty is within Commercial and Investment Banking, and more recently a variety of Non-Executive Director roles. He has worked for Citibank in New York, Manila, Jakarta and Bangkok and has also had opportunities in Singapore with Westpac and ANZ.
His Professional Association Memberships include AustCham Singapore (Board Member and Former President), Singapore Institute of Directors (Director and Council Member), Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, CPA Australia and Singapore Business Federation (Former Member of Council).
Philip is a proponent of new graduates considering Asia as a starting point to begin their careers due to the high growth of the region. His favourite UQ Professor was Herb Qualls; in Philip’s words: “Herb definitely told the best jokes. But they weren’t printable then and probably still aren’t.”
A morning jog through Singapore’s Botanic Gardens as the sun rises, and the vast networking opportunities available in Singapore are activities Philip highly values.
Ian Lim
Deputy Chair, Singapore Ambassador Council
CEO, FJ Benjamin Group
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce 1994
Ian Lim has been the Chief Executive Officer of F J Benjamin (Singapore) since 1 September 2012. He has over 18 years of experience in the retail and fashion industry, with a proven track record in business development, sales and strategy implementation.
He feels very fortunate to have been able to build and develop his career in an industry which he is passionate about. A highlight for him is being able to lead and manage a team of equally passionate people.
The advice Mr Lim has for new graduates is to “Challenge convention and take some early risk in your career development. The head will tell you to do one thing, your heart may tell you to do another. It's easier to recover and build an alternative path early in the journey. My advice - do what you love and follow your intuition!!!”
Cycling and listening to music are two of his favourite pass time activities. He has many fond memories from his time at UQ and says that the friendships he made while studying will last forever.
Deputy Chair, Singapore Ambassador Council
CEO, FJ Benjamin Group
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce 1994
Ian Lim has been the Chief Executive Officer of F J Benjamin (Singapore) since 1 September 2012. He has over 18 years of experience in the retail and fashion industry, with a proven track record in business development, sales and strategy implementation.
He feels very fortunate to have been able to build and develop his career in an industry which he is passionate about. A highlight for him is being able to lead and manage a team of equally passionate people.
The advice Mr Lim has for new graduates is to “Challenge convention and take some early risk in your career development. The head will tell you to do one thing, your heart may tell you to do another. It's easier to recover and build an alternative path early in the journey. My advice - do what you love and follow your intuition!!!”
Cycling and listening to music are two of his favourite pass time activities. He has many fond memories from his time at UQ and says that the friendships he made while studying will last forever.
Suyin Lee
Managing Director, Buffalo Tours
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce 1989, MBA 2001
Suyin’s area of specialty is within travel management and retailing, particularly start-up ventures and new market entry. She spearheaded Flight Centre Travel Group’s entry into China and Singapore and helped establish the Group’s travel businesses in these markets. Suyin in a Member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives.
She has some wise words of wisdom for new graduates, “Be passionate about what you do, set realistic expectations and be prepared to work hard as all employers value a good work ethic. Don’t be afraid to take risks as your career is a journey, not a destination. Resilience and tenacity will get you far.”
Professor Victor Callan whom she studied under as part of her MBA program at UQ was her favourite professor. Travel, walking/hiking and being in the company of friends and family is how Suyin enjoys her time away from work.
Managing Director, Buffalo Tours
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce 1989, MBA 2001
Suyin’s area of specialty is within travel management and retailing, particularly start-up ventures and new market entry. She spearheaded Flight Centre Travel Group’s entry into China and Singapore and helped establish the Group’s travel businesses in these markets. Suyin in a Member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives.
She has some wise words of wisdom for new graduates, “Be passionate about what you do, set realistic expectations and be prepared to work hard as all employers value a good work ethic. Don’t be afraid to take risks as your career is a journey, not a destination. Resilience and tenacity will get you far.”
Professor Victor Callan whom she studied under as part of her MBA program at UQ was her favourite professor. Travel, walking/hiking and being in the company of friends and family is how Suyin enjoys her time away from work.
Hoon Sun Loh
Senior Advisor, Phillip Securities
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Economics (Hons) 1964
Hoon Sun Loh is a Senior Advisor at Phillip Securities Pte Ltd, and was previously Managing Director for 27 years. He graduated with a first-class honours degree in Economics from The University of Queensland in 1964. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and CPA Australia and is a Member of CFA Singapore.
Hoon Sun has had a diverse work experience in various industries including auditing, plantation, mining, timber, oil, banking and finance. Before Phillip Securities, he was Executive Vice-President and Head of Overseas Union Bank’s Treasury and Investment Banking and Chairman of OUB Investment Management Ltd. He has served as Chairman of the Gold Exchange of Singapore, Board Member of the Singapore International Monetary Exchange (SIMEX), Stock Exchange of Singapore, Securities Industry Council, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and GST Board of Review. He is also a Past President of CPA Australia, Singapore Division and Australian Alumni Singapore.
He is on the Regional Advisory Committee of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, Industry Advisory Committee for the Accounting Program, Singapore Institute of Technology and the Advisory Panel, Governance and Transparency Index, National University of Singapore Business School.
He was awarded the Life Membership by CPA Australia (2005), International Alumnus of the Year by The University of Queensland (2005), Gold Medal by Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (2010) and Leadership Award by CFA Singapore (2012).
Senior Advisor, Phillip Securities
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Economics (Hons) 1964
Hoon Sun Loh is a Senior Advisor at Phillip Securities Pte Ltd, and was previously Managing Director for 27 years. He graduated with a first-class honours degree in Economics from The University of Queensland in 1964. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and CPA Australia and is a Member of CFA Singapore.
Hoon Sun has had a diverse work experience in various industries including auditing, plantation, mining, timber, oil, banking and finance. Before Phillip Securities, he was Executive Vice-President and Head of Overseas Union Bank’s Treasury and Investment Banking and Chairman of OUB Investment Management Ltd. He has served as Chairman of the Gold Exchange of Singapore, Board Member of the Singapore International Monetary Exchange (SIMEX), Stock Exchange of Singapore, Securities Industry Council, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and GST Board of Review. He is also a Past President of CPA Australia, Singapore Division and Australian Alumni Singapore.
He is on the Regional Advisory Committee of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, Industry Advisory Committee for the Accounting Program, Singapore Institute of Technology and the Advisory Panel, Governance and Transparency Index, National University of Singapore Business School.
He was awarded the Life Membership by CPA Australia (2005), International Alumnus of the Year by The University of Queensland (2005), Gold Medal by Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (2010) and Leadership Award by CFA Singapore (2012).
Shahir Muaz
Associate, Grant Thornton Singapore
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce 2014
Shahir Muaz graduated from UQ in 2014 with a Bachelor of Commerce. Shortly after graduation and upon his return to Singapore, Shahir connected with the UQ alumni network – a move which he does not regret, as it led him to current position as an Associate at Grant Thornton Singapore.
As an auditor in a firm with an international presence, Shahir has audited companies of a wide and diverse range, allowing him to be familiar with the intricacies of many business areas.
Shahir is excited to be a new member of the BEL Alumni Ambassador Council in Singapore and is looking forward to helping other recent graduates in the way that the UQ alumni network has helped him.
Shahir’s favourite memory of UQ was the time he spent with friends in the sprawling grounds of the Great Court and having a good laugh between classes.
Associate, Grant Thornton Singapore
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce 2014
Shahir Muaz graduated from UQ in 2014 with a Bachelor of Commerce. Shortly after graduation and upon his return to Singapore, Shahir connected with the UQ alumni network – a move which he does not regret, as it led him to current position as an Associate at Grant Thornton Singapore.
As an auditor in a firm with an international presence, Shahir has audited companies of a wide and diverse range, allowing him to be familiar with the intricacies of many business areas.
Shahir is excited to be a new member of the BEL Alumni Ambassador Council in Singapore and is looking forward to helping other recent graduates in the way that the UQ alumni network has helped him.
Shahir’s favourite memory of UQ was the time he spent with friends in the sprawling grounds of the Great Court and having a good laugh between classes.
Dr Angelo Venardos
CEO and Founder, Heritage Trust Group
UQ Qualifications
MBA 1983
With a specialty in Trust & Fiduciary Administration and Wealth Management, Dr Venardos founded Heritage Trust Group in 2002. Under his leadership as CEO, the business now boasts offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands. Some of his greatest challenges have resulted in his greatest triumphs, in Angelo’s words, “When Heritage was established, the execution of the business plan did not include the Iraq war in 2002, SARS in 2004, H1N1 epidemic in 2009 or competitor litigation. Each event strengthened our resolve to succeed”.
He is a member of a variety of professional organisations including the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) where he has served as a STEP Worldwide Board Member since 2013, STEP Worldwide Council Member since 2012 and as President of the STEP Singapore branch during 2009 – 2011. Other associations include the Association of Independent Asset Managers (AIAM) 2012, Australian Chamber of Commerce Singapore (AustCham) 2011, Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) 2006, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) 2005, Singapore Trustees Association (STA) 2003, Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) 2002 and Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) 2002.
The advice he has for new graduates is that “The characteristics of humility, integrity and patience are fundamental to succeeding in Wealth Management”. Professor Geoff Kiel was a favourite of Angelo’s while studying at UQ. He is an avid collector of antiques and enjoys reading in his down time, some of his ‘must reads’ include @War: The Rise of the Military-Internet Complex by Shane Harris, Treasury’s War: The Unleashing of a New Era of Financial Warfare by Juan Zarate and Chinese Ceramics: From the Palaeolithic Period through the Qing Dynasty edited by Li Zhiyan.
CEO and Founder, Heritage Trust Group
UQ Qualifications
MBA 1983
With a specialty in Trust & Fiduciary Administration and Wealth Management, Dr Venardos founded Heritage Trust Group in 2002. Under his leadership as CEO, the business now boasts offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands. Some of his greatest challenges have resulted in his greatest triumphs, in Angelo’s words, “When Heritage was established, the execution of the business plan did not include the Iraq war in 2002, SARS in 2004, H1N1 epidemic in 2009 or competitor litigation. Each event strengthened our resolve to succeed”.
He is a member of a variety of professional organisations including the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) where he has served as a STEP Worldwide Board Member since 2013, STEP Worldwide Council Member since 2012 and as President of the STEP Singapore branch during 2009 – 2011. Other associations include the Association of Independent Asset Managers (AIAM) 2012, Australian Chamber of Commerce Singapore (AustCham) 2011, Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) 2006, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) 2005, Singapore Trustees Association (STA) 2003, Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) 2002 and Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) 2002.
The advice he has for new graduates is that “The characteristics of humility, integrity and patience are fundamental to succeeding in Wealth Management”. Professor Geoff Kiel was a favourite of Angelo’s while studying at UQ. He is an avid collector of antiques and enjoys reading in his down time, some of his ‘must reads’ include @War: The Rise of the Military-Internet Complex by Shane Harris, Treasury’s War: The Unleashing of a New Era of Financial Warfare by Juan Zarate and Chinese Ceramics: From the Palaeolithic Period through the Qing Dynasty edited by Li Zhiyan.
Kwok Yen Wong
Assistant Vice President, Corporate Finance, Genting Singapore
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Economics (Hons) 1988
KY Wong is currently Assistant Vice President, Corporate Finance of Genting Singapore PLC, a SGX-listed integrated resort developer, owner and operator. His current responsibilities cover Group Treasury and Corporate Finance.
He has a broad experience in a diverse range of corporate advisory and financial management roles, including corporate finance, M&A, strategic planning, corporate development and insolvency. He has been involved in international M&A activities in the Asia-Pacific region, which has led to various work stints in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and New Delhi as well as in Australia. His area of specialty is International M&A, strategic planning and group treasury.
Mr Wong is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (F FIN). His advice to new graduates is “It is important to find your calling so that you are excited to wake up every morning to face the challenges which may come and maintain your drive throughout your career.” He is thankful to many UQ professors and lecturers who mentored him along the way and is particularly grateful to Dr. George Docwra, who “not only made microeconomics come alive, but also encouraged me to pursue my Honours year.” Leisure time for KY involves plenty of reading, surfing, skiing and scuba diving.
Assistant Vice President, Corporate Finance, Genting Singapore
UQ Qualifications
Bachelor of Economics (Hons) 1988
KY Wong is currently Assistant Vice President, Corporate Finance of Genting Singapore PLC, a SGX-listed integrated resort developer, owner and operator. His current responsibilities cover Group Treasury and Corporate Finance.
He has a broad experience in a diverse range of corporate advisory and financial management roles, including corporate finance, M&A, strategic planning, corporate development and insolvency. He has been involved in international M&A activities in the Asia-Pacific region, which has led to various work stints in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and New Delhi as well as in Australia. His area of specialty is International M&A, strategic planning and group treasury.
Mr Wong is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (F FIN). His advice to new graduates is “It is important to find your calling so that you are excited to wake up every morning to face the challenges which may come and maintain your drive throughout your career.” He is thankful to many UQ professors and lecturers who mentored him along the way and is particularly grateful to Dr. George Docwra, who “not only made microeconomics come alive, but also encouraged me to pursue my Honours year.” Leisure time for KY involves plenty of reading, surfing, skiing and scuba diving.