Karen Cheah’s Small Tribute to Mum

Karen Cheah (MI 2019) is no stranger to seizing opportunities. During her Masters programme at SMU, an idea for turning agricultural waste into a valuable resource led her to build Alterpacks, her own company. As she looks back on her journey this Mother's Day, she tells us how her family, and her mother in particular, were instrumental in inspiring her to give back meaningfully.

What did your time at SMU mean to you, and how has it shaped who you are today?

Karen: I enrolled in the Master of Science in Innovation programme to become an intrapreneur and drive change within the corporate media world I was part of. I graduated as a startup founder, working in advanced materials using agricultural waste to replace plastics and aluminium!

SMU challenges you to go beyond your own preconceived limitations. It is a place that embraces change and diversity, and constantly encourages you to think differently and make a meaningful impact. The opportunities and exposure I received opened doors into the startup ecosystem and supported my early journey in building my company, Alterpacks.

For that, I’ve always been deeply grateful. It instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility to give back—so that others who are looking to pivot or pursue a different path can do so, knowing there is a community at SMU that will support them.

What led you to give back — was there a specific moment, memory, or realisation that moved you to act?

Karen: I’ve been fortunate to come from a family with deep roots in Singapore—my great-grandfather, Chew Boon Lay, was one of the early pioneers. But growing up, giving back was never framed as something grand. It was just something you did, in whatever small ways you could. It wasn’t always about money—it was about time and showing up. I remember doing community outreach where we helped clean the homes of elderly residents living alone—tiny flats, massive clutter and, in some cases, bed bugs. Seeing their joy after their homes were cleaned made all the difference. You realise pretty quickly that even small acts can make a real impact. I think that’s what shifted it for me—from just thinking about giving back to actually doing it.

Through her giving during the SMU25 special campaign, Karen had a chance to leave behind a message for students.
Why did you choose to include your mother's name alongside yours?

Karen: I had contributed to the SMU Circle Fund before through the graduating class campaign, and I remember returning to campus and seeing the quote I had written in one of the seminar rooms. It made me think about the student sitting in that seat who might be in the middle of an exam, or just having a tough day and how a simple line could give them a bit of encouragement.

So when I had the opportunity to write another quote, I wanted it to reflect the courage of the women who have been part of my journey. My mother, especially, has always been a source of encouragement—through her actions as much as her words—and she taught me to be fearless in going after what I want. Including her name felt like a natural way to acknowledge that.

What has your mother given you that you find yourself carrying with you in your life today?

Karen: My mother was an amazing cook and, in her own way, quite the entrepreneur. She started giving cooking lessons to Japanese expat wives in Singapore who were interested in learning Peranakan cuisine, running small daily classes from home. From her, I learnt how to spot opportunity and pursue what you care about. She never focused on whether something had been done before—she would simply find a way to make it happen. That mindset stayed with me. It taught me to find the means to get started, and not wait for someone else to get things moving for you.

What would you say to fellow alumni who haven't yet taken the step to give back?

Karen: It’s not really about what giving back feels like. It’s about knowing that you’re making an impact. We’ve all been there before, and we’ve all benefited in some way or another from SMU. Now it’s your turn. It may seem like a small gesture, but it can have an enormous impact.

Karen has made contributions to the SMU Alumni Community Fund and SMU Circle Fund.