Giving Back to SIT: Carrying the Wushu Spirit Forward with Ashley Siow

Giving Back to SIT is a series spotlighting alumni who continue to make a difference in the SIT community long after graduation. Whether through mentoring, volunteering, sharing their expertise, or supporting student initiatives, these SITizens demonstrate that giving back can take many forms. In this feature, we speak with Ashley Siow, founder of the SIT Wushu Varsity Team, who continues to dedicate his time and experience to supporting the club more than a decade after its founding.

For many alumni, graduation marks the end of their involvement in student life. For Ashley Siow, however, it was only the beginning of a different chapter.

As the founder of the SIT Wushu Varsity Team, Ashley helped establish the club during SIT’s early years. More than a decade later, he remains an active presence, regularly returning to train with students, share his experience, and support the growth of the team he helped build.

Looking back, Ashley recalls that getting the club off the ground was no easy task.

“The biggest challenge back in those early days was finding and retaining enough interested people for regular training sessions,” he says. “Especially since we were spread across different campuses around the country.”

Today, things look quite different. With SIT’s centralised Punggol campus, bringing students together has become much easier. Despite the changes, Ashley still feels a sense of pride when he sees the club continuing to thrive.

“There’s definitely a sense of pride in seeing the team still active almost a decade after it started.”

An Unexpected Journey

When asked whether he ever imagined he would still be involved with the team more than a decade later, Ashley’s answer is immediate.

“Oh, most definitely not,” he laughs. “I didn’t even think I’d still be doing Wushu, much less be training with and helping out my university juniors while somehow juggling a full-time job.”

Returning to the training hall has since become a meaningful way for him to stay connected with the SIT community. While his role has evolved over the years, his commitment to helping students grow has remained the same.

As both an alumnus and a coach, Ashley occupies a unique position within the team.

“During training, I’m in ‘coach mode’,” he explains. “I’m giving tips on how they can improve or pushing them to do better.”

Outside of training, however, the dynamic shifts.

“During breaks or late-night suppers, I go back to ‘senior mode’.”

This balance allows him to support students both as an instructor and as someone who understands the challenges and experiences that come with university life.

Showing Up for the Next Generation

What keeps Ashley coming back week after week is the dedication he sees in the students themselves.

“I’d say their commitment to self-improvement makes me want to come back to training,” he says. “When they’re willing to put in the work, I feel like I have to share my past experience to help them.”

For him, volunteering his time is about giving current students access to the guidance and support that helped him during his own journey.

Of course, he is quick to point out another benefit.

“Going back to train allows me to have a good exercise session for free,” he jokes.

Behind the humour, however, is a genuine belief in paying forward the experiences and lessons he has gained over the years.

Lessons Beyond the Training Hall

While Wushu teaches discipline, focus, and perseverance, Ashley hopes his students take away something even more fundamental.

“This might seem a little cliché, but I would say having courage is one martial virtue to have,” he shares.

“There will be lots of trials and opportunities presented before you in both your work and personal life. Having the courage to face them despite the uncertainties can open you up to amazing experiences.”

It is advice that extends well beyond sport and reflects the mindset that has guided him throughout his own journey.

Giving Back Through Action

For alumni who may be considering reconnecting with their former clubs or student communities, Ashley believes there is tremendous value in returning.

“It’s not just an opportunity to interact with your juniors,” he says. “It’s a chance to give back to the community that transformed us into who we are today, and to help be that same catalyst for transformation for your juniors.”

His message reflects the spirit of this series: that giving back does not always have to come in the form of financial contributions. Sometimes, it is about sharing your time, knowledge, and experience with those who come after you.

For Ashley, that commitment has lasted more than a decade. Through every training session, piece of advice, and word of encouragement, he continues to invest in the next generation of SIT Wushu members and the community that helped shape him.