A recent graduate of Memorial University has been named the winner of the inaugural Dawe Holdings Award in Finance. Dawe Holdings is a private investment firm, based in Singapore, whose founder is Canadian and originally from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Michael Gremley, 23, who graduated with a bachelor of commerce (co-operative) degree from the Faculty of Business Administration in 2015, is the inaugural winner of the award, which provides a business student with an all-expenses paid, two-week global finance experience at Dawe Holdings in Singapore.

“I had the opportunity to meet and give a presentation about our student investment club to Oral Dawe, founder of Dawe Holdings, when he came to visit Memorial last year,” said Mr. Gremley, who is a co-founder of Edge Capital Memorial University Investment Club. “I was interested in applying for the award as I saw it as a unique learning opportunity to better understand the financial markets, and felt my current efforts were in direct alignment with Dawe Holdings’ fundamental principles and overall philosophy of education.

“What an honour to be invited to the office in Singapore and learn from some of the best in business!” he added.

Mr. Gremley has, during and prior to his time at Memorial, demonstrated his passion for finance by successfully launching the investment club and growing it to a peak membership of 30 students. Mr. Gremley worked as a student ambassador with the Montreal Exchange, for which he acted as a liaison to university students, teachers and administrators as well as organized the first options trading contest held at Memorial. He further distinguished himself through his effort and commitment while working for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation as well as an events marketer for Memorial.

Mr. Gremley now works for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in his hometown of Halifax, N.S. He completed the internship at Dawe Holdings in October. Upon successful completion of the internship, which involved work assignments, networking events and a presentation to the company’s top executives, Mr. Gremley was recognized with the award.

The Dawe Holdings Award in Finance embodies the underlying philosophy of Dawe Holdings: financing business and enabling people to make a difference. Award-winners distinguish themselves through initiative and character as well as a desire to help others.

Dawe Holdings provides capital, strategic management and fundraising advice to governments, companies and individuals worldwide.

“This award is intended to help students who pursue their passion in finance, overcome challenges and achieve excellence,” said Oral Dawe, founder and chief executive officer, Dawe Holdings. “It provides students with a unique opportunity, to discover international finance and experience world-class networking in Singapore. We hope these experiences will play a small part in helping our award winners will go on to lead successful careers in finance wherever they choose in the world. We are very pleased the first recipient comes with shared roots in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Mr. Gremley plans to continuing building on a career in finance, focusing on private banking in the future. He is also pursuing a designation as a chartered financial analyst.

“The financial ‘machine’ is massive and intriguing as it impacts all aspects of life in varying degrees. I’m interested in the financial industry as it is fast paced and constantly changing,” he said. “I was always interested in the art of the deal growing up, whether it was through trading card games with friends or finding a great bargain when making a purchase. It wasn’t until my time at Memorial that I gained a strong interest and appreciation for finance and its vast opportunities.”