Organizing Committee 2009

Darren is currently a third year BSc Information Systems Student in SMU with a major in Finance. Since initiating APEX 2009, he’s mainly responsible for the recruitment of participating universities and has been hailed as the leading marketing evangelist by having liaised with more than 2000 universities. Part of his success boils down to skills and knowledge he had acquired during prior working experience at an American and European investment banks and consultancy services. His aim is to bring about a good mix of culture and diversity to APEX 2009.

Deeraj Karnani (Vice-President)

Having recently completed his degree in Information Systems Management and Finance, Deeraj is the Vice President for this inaugural international event. His passion in organizing events has driven the force within him to initiate this event together with his two best friends, Darren and Kangwei. Currently working in one of the major European investment banks, he is a very dedicated individual who has confidence and drive to succeed in all his endeavors. Due to this, he has been in charge of all the public relations with external parties such as the sponsors, judges and the media. He is also in charge of understanding the big picture of the event execution in order to understand the synergy with different stakeholders. During his free time, this Indonesian-by-nationality guy enjoys chilling with friends, watching movies and playing tennis. He believes that all case competitions are aimed for the participants to have fun by taking whatever experience you have and putting it into practice. “This unique and first-of-its-kind event will definitely be a milestone for the participants, SMU, Singapore as well as myself,” he says. He is counting down to 29th April 2009.

Yong Qiao Ying, Hazel (Finance, Team Host IC)

Hazel, currently in her third year of business management studies, majors in marketing and finance. She loves meeting people and is leading the team hosts to ensure the best hospitality for the participants. She plays a huge role in APEX 2009 by being a marketing evangelist to most of the South East Asian universities. Her bubbly personality helps her blend in very well with a wide diversity of cultural background. She is also the Chief Financial Officer of APEX 2009 while she plans and manage the budget to ensure that the participants receives only the best and that the registration fee are put into good use – “value for money”.

Teoh Qi Wei, Kiwie (Marketing)

Kiwie is in his first year of studies in SMU pursuing a degree in Information Systems Management and plans to take a second major in Management. Having graduated with a Diploma in Information Technology before joining SMU, Kiwie aims to be a true business-oriented IT professional by picking up long-lasting transferrable skill sets in both Business and IT domains at SMU. To him, there is no other better opportunity to achieve this dream than to join the APEX Global 2009 Steering Committee, where he is responsible for APEX’s most marketing needs, such as designing this very website.

Edwin Ng (Events)

Currently in his 3rd year of Bachelor of Science (Information Systems Management) degree, Edwin first joined the local SMU Apex Case Competition as part of Programmes and Entertainment. Now as part of the committee for the inaugural international round, Edwin seeks to contribute to the success of the event, driving it to be a unique global Business-IT case challenge of its kind. During his leisure time, Edwin commits to continually developing his passion for music and is the past President of the SMU’s resident wind orchestra.

Wilfred Phua (Events)

Wilfred is a freshman at the Singapore Management University pursuing a degree in Information Systems Management. With a passion for the tourism industry, Wilfred graduated with a Diploma in Tourism Management from Temasek Polytechnic and aspires to work in the upcoming integrated resorts and casinos. As a member of APEX 2009, Wilfred has helped oversee the arrangement of accommodations and day-to-day programs. He hopes that the APEX 2009 experience will be a splendid one and that the committee grows from strength to strength.

Angela Chan (

Angela is a 2nd year student in Singapore Management University pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. She has an immense passion for music. From piano to flute and now a member of SMU’s brazillian percussion club – Samba Masala. Angela was drawn to APEX by recognizing what a great opportunity it is to be part of an inaugural international business IT case committee. She looks forward to meeting the many competitors from different countries at this years competition.

Lee Xin Yi (University Relations, Team Host)

A 2nd year student at SMU pursuing a double degree in Business Management & Accountancy, Xin Yi is a lively young girl with a passion for people. She relishes organising events, and although she has already materialised a variety since her Pre-University days, she finds each event unique and enriching. Loving the outdoors, Xin Yi enjoys surfing, playing soccer and the like, and is also serving as the SMU Sports Union’s Finance Manager. Xin Yi hopes that through her roles as University Relations Manager & Team Host for APEX, she will enhance the APEX experience for all.

Janice Chua (University Relations)

Janice is a year 1 student from Singapore Management University pursuing her Bachelor of Information System Management. With the passion of Personal Relation, she is in the university relation department where allows her to liaise with more people. As a member of APEX 2009, Janice is able to gain more contacts in the day-to-day programs. She hopes that the APEX 2009 experience is a fulfilling one.

Cheung Hing Man, Mandy (Secretary, Team Host)

Mandy is a third year Information Systems Management and Marketing student. With a cheerful and bubbly personality, Hing Man never fails to bring smiles to people around her. She loves travelling and hopes one day her job allows her to travel around the world. She first learnt about APEX Case Challenge held in 2008 where she held the position of secretary and is excited to be involved in APEX Global Case Challenge this year as a team host. Being a team host is too good a chance to be missed and hopes it will make a difference in her and the participants’ APEX experience.

Andy William(Procurement, Team Host)

Andy is a third year student at the Singapore Management University pursuing a Bachelor degree in Information System Management with a second major in Finance. As the Head of Procurement of APEX 2009 Main Committee, he is responsible of purchasing logistical requirements and providing administrative support for the competition. Also taking a role as a Team Host, Andy hopes to be a hospitable guide for the participating teams and make them feel at home in Singapore. Outside APEX 2009, Andy is the President of SMU Komunitas Indonesia (SMUKI), a reputable Arts and Cultural Club in SMU. He is sure that he will gain an invaluable experience through APEX Case Challenge 2009 and he also believes that this competition will foster a closer relationship between SMU and universities worldwide.

Jacob Selvan Muthu (Procurement, Team Host)

This is the first year that Jacob has the amazing opportunity to participate in the organizing committee for Apex Global 2009. Entering into his second year of study at Singapore Management University, Jacob is pursuing his Bachelor of Science (Information Systems Management). In addition to Apex Global Case 2009, Jacob is also the Vice-President of Security Interest Group

Thomas Tan (Sponsorship)

Thomas, a freshman at Singapore Management University pursuing a degree in Information Systems Management. With a passion for Business Information Technology and Mechanical Engineering, graduated with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Singapore Polytechnic and, aspires to integrate Business IT with Engineering. As a organizing committee of APEX 2009, Thomas has helped oversee the arrangement of various sponsorships, partnerships and judges for the event. Through APEX 2009, he hopes to achieve valuable skills in team management, team work, communication and networking. And also, looking forward to gain wonderful experience and witness the committee grows from strength to strength in APEX 2009.