Stay curious in the age of AI, TikTok chief Chew Shou Zi tells NTU PhD graduates
Hours spent playing computer games as a boy fuelled his interest in technology.
Singaporean TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi addressed Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) PhD graduates, speaking to them on Aug 1. He recounted that his love for technology began in his youth, fueled by hours spent playing computer games. Chew, born in 1983, went on to study economics at University College London, work at investment bank Goldman Sachs, and earn an MBA from Harvard Business School.
After a stint in finance, he became fascinated by the rapid growth of technology and innovative start-ups. He then moved into the tech industry, first as CFO of Xiaomi, and eventually leading TikTok since 2021. Acknowledging the rapid changes in the workforce due to AI, Chew encouraged the graduates to maintain their curiosity and embrace the unknown.
He advised them to seek out new challenges, apply their knowledge to real-world problems, and embrace uncertainty as it often leads to meaningful innovation. Chew also touched on his own journey growing up in Singapore, highlighting the importance of education in broadening one’s horizons. He emphasized that the spirit of curiosity and resilience has been a hallmark of Singapore’s growth, enabling the nation to make a significant global impact.
As graduates, Chew believed they were now equipped with the knowledge and passion to challenge the status quo and make their mark on the world stage.
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