Meet our MSc TIP alumnus, Lee Yu Te!

What are the odds of meeting someone who has earned two master’s degrees and pursued postgraduate studies at two NTUs—Taiwan’s National Taiwan University and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University? Eric’s journey is even more remarkable because he was awarded two scholarships to complete a single programme: the MSc in Technopreneurship and Innovation (MSc TIP) at NTU Singapore. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. 

A Leap from One NTU to Another 

Before arriving in Singapore, Eric had already achieved a significant academic milestone: a master’s degree in International Business from National Taiwan University, one of Taiwan’s most prestigious institutions. Recognising his potential, National Taiwan University awarded him a scholarship for further postgraduate study —on the condition that the programme be completed within a year. After careful research and reflection, Eric set his sights on the MSc TIP programme at NTU Singapore. 

Not only was his application successful, but he was also offered a scholarship from NTUpreneur. With support from both institutions, he became one of the rare few to receive dual scholarships for the same programme. “I come from a humble background,” he shared, “so these scholarships enabled me to pursue my dream of studying in Singapore without financial worries.” 

The Entrepreneurial Spark 

Eric’s interest in entrepreneurship began during his undergraduate days when he co-founded a restaurant business with friends. This venture exposed him to the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship and ignited his zeal for tackling challenges head-on. To him, the hands-on experience was “more engaging than working in a large corporation”. 

“Additionally, my academic background is in business. While business courses often focus on mature companies as case studies, my interest lies in blockchain, an industry dominated by start-ups,” Eric added. “My desire to combine my entrepreneurial experience with my fascination for blockchain motivated me to pursue a postgraduate degree related to entrepreneurship.” 

Learning from Industry Experts 

One of the highlights of Eric’s MSc TIP journey was the “Venture Financing” module taught by Dr. Jin Song, co-founder of GM Capital Management. A season professional in investment and banking, brought a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom. 

“Dr. Jin taught us how to evaluate new projects, prepare compelling pitch decks, and approach venture capitalists or angel investors,” Eric explained. He was particularly inspired by Dr. Jin’s emphasis on staying informed through extensive daily reading—a whopping 150 articles a day—to maintain a competitive edge. Inspired by this example, Eric has since made regular reading a priority for personal and professional growth. 

Eric also appreciated that many of his lecturers at NTUpreneur were industry veterans, established business owners or senior executives who shared real-world experiences, making lessons highly relevant and practical. This marked a shift from his earlier experience in Taiwan, where the teaching approach reflected a more theoretical perspective rather than firsthand experience in navigating practical business challenges. 

Indeed, the opportunity to learn from accomplished professors and practitioners who bridge the gap between theory and practice is one of the MSc TIP programme’s standout features that Eric would like to highlight to those interested in pursuing the course.  “Their lessons and projects are not just academically rigorous but also deeply relevant to real-world challenges. Some even offer internship opportunities at their companies,” he remarked. 

Applying Knowledge in the Real World 

Currently, Eric works at Matrixdock, where he is in charge of a Real World Asset (RWA) project centred on precious metals. His role involves coordinating with brokers, refineries, and warehouses to manage the purchase, transportation, and secure storage of these assets. Additionally, he explores potential collaborations within the blockchain ecosystem, conducting extensive due diligence on prospective partners. 

Eric was quick to point out that he was able to apply the knowledge and skills he acquired at NTUpreneur in his professional life. However, his work has also presented unexpected challenges, particularly in the realm of compliance. Initially unfamiliar with legal and regulatory matters, Eric had to quickly adapt to handle KYC (Know Your Client) requirements, which is a set of standards used in financial services to confirm the identity of customers, and assess their risk and financial profiles, on top of other compliance-related tasks. “Although I didn’t anticipate this aspect of my job, I’ve found it both interesting and rewarding. In fact, compliance is a ‘hot skill’ in the crypto industry,” he explained. 

Eric has observed that many CEOs in the crypto space started their careers in compliance, gaining expertise in regulatory frameworks before ascending to leadership roles. Inspired by this trajectory, he views his current responsibilities as an opportunity to upskill and broaden his professional horizons.  

Reflections and Aspirations 

Before enrolling in the MSc TIP programme, Eric set two ambitious goals: to establish a career in Asia and to enter the blockchain and crypto industry. Having achieved both in Singapore, he remains committed to expanding his expertise and network.  

Although he hasn’t laid out specific plans yet, he maintains his dream of launching his own venture—an opportunity to apply his experiences and knowledge to create innovative projects in the future. 

Eric appreciates the fact that working in Singapore provides him the opportunity to collaborate with international teams. According to him, having work experience in Singapore can boost job prospects, as companies look for talent familiar with Asian markets and cultures.  

Eric’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and the importance of seizing opportunities. Driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, he navigates the challenges of our disruptive and unpredictable era with resilience, adaptability and the courage to step out of his comfort zone. We continue to watch how he charts the next chapter of his inspiring journey with eager anticipation.