SMU alumnus Jamon Mok was featured in an article where he shared the genesis of his company, Backstreet Academy,  a start-up which curates localised experiences, tours and activities - from knife-making in Luang Prabang to insect cooking in Siem Reap and archery in Yogyakarta - for travellers. More than just a money-making venture, however, the peer-to-peer platform sets out to help artisans and communities which live below the poverty line of US$1.90 (S$2.70) a day. "What we do puts us right in the middle of technology, travel and social enterprise, things we are interested in. If everything works out well, Backstreet Academy may become as big as Airbnb," he said, referring to the online marketplace and hospitality service. Mr Mok also said that SMU has the reputation of making its undergraduates speak and be articulate, which helped him to get out of his “comfort zone”.