Theme: The Art of Play

In this year’s edition, “The Art of Play,” we are looking to share stories of individuals who approach any aspect of life with a playful dexterity, empowering the wider SMU Community to rediscover the sheer joy and value of ‘Play’ through every stage of life.

Singapore Management University
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Singapore

Ishita Parbat

Product Leader and Kathak Dancer

Ishita Parbat is a problem solver and an artist. For over a decade, she has pioneered tech solutions in mobility, education and food delivery sectors in South East Asia. She has honed her creativity not just at work but also on the dance floor; she expresses herself through Kathak, an Indian Classical dance form she's been mastering for 20 years. Passionate about crafting imaginative solutions, Ishita leverages technology to combat SEA's toughest challenges and, through her dance, channels art as a medium to manifest her authentic self.

Joline Tang

Treehugger & Changemaker

Joline Tang is a passionate environmental conservationist and the founder of "The Sustainability Project," a sustainable living start-up that has empowered thousands to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle and reduce plastic usage. Her Zero Waste Packaging initiative and pre-loved book initiative, have given thousands of items a second life and planted trees with the profits. Joline's unwavering dedication serves as an ongoing source of inspiration for all to take a step towards sustainable living.

Kevin Quah

AI, Data and Gaming Advocate

Kevin is the CEO and Co-founder of Tictag, an AI startup based in Singapore that aims to solve AI problems starting with data, making it easy for businesses everywhere to deploy AI. He graduated from SMU in 2015 with a double degree in Law and Information Systems, before being called to the bar in 2016. He then joined an AI startup for 4 years, before moving onwards to found Tictag with two of his close colleagues. Kevin enjoys trying to apply what he's learnt gaming into both business and life.

Tamas Makany

Design Researcher & Educator

Dr. Tamas Makany is a design researcher and educator interested in how people use technology to learn, communicate, and play. Specifically, his current research focuses on conversational design, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. Tamas teaches user experience, design thinking, and product innovation based on his decade-long industry experience at Silicon Valley companies such as Netflix, Microsoft, and several start-ups.