[4 May 2004]
Microsoft CFO challenges SMU students

Microsoft CFO John Connors urges students to take the lead in tackling tough business issues

Singapore - Don't wait until you graduate; identify the biggest problems facing business in Singapore and propose solutions now. That is the challenge visiting Microsoft Chief Financial Officer John Connors laid before Singapore Management University (SMU) students today.

Mr Connors launched the Microsoft - SMU Business Challenge during a visit to the SMU campus today. The Challenge invites all SMU students to name the biggest issues facing Singapore businesses today and propose original solutions. The authors of two winning essays will fly to Redmond, USA, in August 2004 for a special visit to Microsoft's headquarters. Three runners up will also receive Microsoft prizes.

Mr Connors issued the Challenge during a speech that drew on his personal experiences at Microsoft to show how tough business obstacles often drive change when it is most needed. Mr Connors discussed professional challenges that he has confronted during a career spanning several senior roles at Microsoft. He also recalled many of the business and innovation challenges that Microsoft has had to overcome to maintain its leadership during some of the technology industry's most tumultuous times.

"In fifteen years at Microsoft I've seen first-hand how a fast moving industry can raise unexpected challenges. But I've also seen those events bring out the best in people and catapult our organization to new levels of performance. In that spirit, I hope the Microsoft – SMU Business Challenge encourages students to see local business issues as springboards for new ideas and Singapore's future success," said Mr Connors.

The student essays submitted for the challenge will be judged by Microsoft Singapore Managing Director Mr Andy Zupsic and Associate Dean of SMU's School of Accountancy, Dr Themin Suwardy.

"Microsoft has turned adversity into advantage many times over the years, and we know how important it is to treat challenges as opportunities for growth," said Microsoft Singapore's Mr Zupsic. "By sharing that lesson with SMU students we can help them to realize their fullest potential and invest something back into Singapore's economic future."

SMU's Dr Suwardy said, "SMU's students are Singapore's next generation of business leaders. Over their careers they will face entirely new hurdles in one of the world's most dynamic regions. Now is the time to get them thinking about how to deal with tough challenges, while they are at their most creative and open-minded."

The Microsoft - SMU Business Challenge is open to SMU undergraduate students. Submissions will be judged on the originality of the ideas presented and on the quality of the writing. The winners will be announced on July 1, and the winning essays will be published on the SMU and Microsoft Singapore websites.