Charmain Tan

Charmain Tan

Why did you come to KTH?
My name is Charmain Tan and I am currently at the National University of Singapore (NUS) completing my final semester while working on my startup business, FIETT. I am the CEO of FIETT, which manufactures ISGLOVES, a patent-pending, eco-friendly, touchscreen gloves mitten. I was part of the NUS Overseas College in Stockholm and attended the Industrial Management Exchange Programme. I came to KTH because they offered technopreneurship modules and found it to be an excellent environment to develop my entrepreneurial ideas.

How have you ended up at your current company? Did KTH influence your current position?
I think my case is a little different as I started out myself, but KTH was very helpful in providing the tools and knowledge to help me further facilitate my business model. The educational grounding at KTH is very good and their exchange programme played a valuable part in the formation of my company.

Have you worked in Sweden?
Yes, I have and I enjoyed the experience. I worked at Episurf Medical AB assisting in product development for the first six months and then moved on to doing market strategy for the next six months. It was related to the entrepreneurship course that I was taking at KTH, since Episurf was then a startup. I found the experience very informative and helpful. Sweden, as a whole, has a very different culture from Singapore. I like the flexibility and atmosphere; I think there is a sense of openness and opportunity in Sweden that is very special.

Why is KTH a good university when you are looking for an international career?
It is good because of its international community and support groups for international students. The culture at KTH is very open and there is always close contact between professors and students, allowing ideas to be freely exchanged - a very creative, inspiring environment. KTH also has a very strong global network of academic partners and business ties, and it’s very helpful for international contacts.

How is it evident that KTH has close cooperation and good relations with your home region? How can you benefit from this?
At my home university, there are “Sweden Days” and “KTH Days” to promote KTH to the students in our school; it’s helpful and let’s the people see what a good university KTH is. Sweden, as a whole, is also becoming more visible as a nation connected with innovation, global brands and technological advancements.

Your future plans?
I intend to continue in my current startup and to sell more gloves!

Recommendations to students in your home country that are considering KTH
KTH is a great university with a large international network. Enjoy the studies at KTH and look forward to exciting opportunities through the university.