Striking a Balance as a Banker, Father and Teacher
As a banker, a father of two and an adjunct lecturer with the SMU School of Accountancy (SoA), Adjunct Lecturer of Accounting Gary Daniel Low has his hands full. On top of that, his dedication and care for his students clinched him the title of SMU’s Outstanding Adjunct for 2025.
In the following interview, Gary Daniel Low, ACA CFA CMA shares how he strikes a balance in all his priorities and how his background as an SMU Accountancy graduate has served him well in all his roles today.
Congratulations on clinching the Outstanding Adjunct Award at the SMU Teaching Excellence Awards! Can you share your thoughts on clinching this award?
Gary: Honestly, I was surprised as there were so many strong candidates in the running, and I'm by no means a perfect instructor! This makes the award even more meaningful, because it reminds me that passion and consistency matters more than perfection. Most importantly, I’m grateful for the recognition of the care and dedication for my students.
As a SMU BAcc graduate yourself, how do you think that helps you connect with your students?
Gary: Having a BAcc background definitely helps when teaching management accounting, and I understand what students go through. I try to make lessons feel less intimidating and more applicable to real life. What also helped significantly was my time with the SOA Peer Tutor group during my undergraduate years. Funnily enough, I was always rostered to tutor management accounting, so it feels like things have come full circle now that I am teaching the entire course.
What prompted you to decide to come back to SoA as an Adjunct and how did the idea come about?
Gary: I've always enjoyed teaching and knew I would eventually do it in life. In fact, I had planned to enter the education sector much later in life, maybe in my 50s at a polytechnic or ITE, after gaining enough industry experience and connections. I even thought I’d take a PhD when my kids go to university, so that I could hopefully graduate together with them… if they still think their dad is cool by then! But things took a turn when the Associate Dean heard about my interest through the various SoA events that I had volunteered for after graduation, and invited me to teach Management Accounting. I ended up teaching much earlier than planned… and at a university! Funny how life brings certain plans forward in the most unexpected ways.
As a father of two and an Associate Director in Standard Chartered bank, what’s your secret to juggling all your commitments, while balancing the demands of teaching and consultations with your students outside of class?
Gary: My secret is no secret - my secret is lots of coffee, because sleep is for the weak! (Just kidding, I actually sleep a lot). Thankfully, I have a very understanding and supportive wife #marrywell. But really, I try to be fully present wherever I am. A lot of it comes down to picking my battles wisely and learning to say no when needed. I also keep a very active to-do list to make sure I stay on track with work. It also helps that I have very supportive and understanding bosses and colleagues at my bank.
How do you think SMU School of Accountancy has prepared you for your success today, be it in your career, family and in teaching?
Gary: SoA has trained me to think critically, present confidently, and survive on little sleep… all essential skills for both banking and parenting! :) Beyond the technical skills, learning accounting taught me how to embrace and break down complex concepts. Most importantly, SoA taught me how to learn quickly, and that adaptability has served me well both at work and in the classroom. The spirit of questioning and discussion that SoA instilled in me still shapes how I teach and work today.
Gary graduated from SMU School of Accountancy in 2020 and teaches management accounting to undergraduate business and accountancy students.