HE used to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week as a financial adviser in his first year of university.

At that time, SIM University (UniSIM) student Royston Png, 25, had to juggle between his Bachelor of Science (Finance) course and meeting clients.

But now, the gruelling hours have paid off in spades.

Mr Png said he earned enough during his first six months to cover all three years of his university fees.

The second-year student said: 'My dad ran into some financial difficulties several years ago so I felt I should work and study at the same time.

'I wanted to be self-sufficient. I didn't want to get money for my fees through study loans and so on.'

Mr Png had started work as a financial adviser a month before he started university. He is no stranger to earning his own keep, having started at 17.

Then, he worked in retail and gave guitar lessons while studying for a Diploma in Business and IT at Temasek Polytechnic.

He said he originally wanted to work just for the 'experience'.

But when his father's finances took a hit, he decided to reduce his family's burden by repaying - in instalments - the amount deducted from his father's CPF account for the polytechnic fees.

Enrolling in UniSIM has allowed Mr Png to continue working full-time.

He said: 'I chose UniSIM out of all the private schools because of the recognition. It has been approved by the Ministry of Education to award its own degrees.'

Twice a week, he attends three-hourly classes after knocking off work at 5pm.

He then spends a few more hours studying till past midnight after he gets home.

He said: 'The work load can be quite taxing as I take four courses a semester. I don't want to waste time.'

Mr Png noted that things have slowed down at work since the economic doldrums set in last October.

He said he now gets up to eight hours of sleep a day as compared to five to six hours in his first year of school.

He still has time to swim, and play soccer and board games, but has not found the time to jam with his band for the past half a year.

One new activity taking up his time is being a UniSIM student ambassador.

His 'duties' include meeting potential students at the university's Open House and participating in school activities.

But no matter how busy he is, Mr Png makes it a point to always have dinner with his family on Sundays.

VOLUNTEER WORK

He has also continued going overseas twice a year for one to two weeks to do volunteer work, something he has been doing since he was 14 years old.

He has taught English to underprivileged children and youths on his trips to Indonesia, Thailand and China.

Mr Png said he visited local universities in Southern China on his most recent trip.

He said: 'The trip made me realise that Singaporeans have more opportunities as compared to people in China.'

He said the biggest challenge he currently faces is finding time to complete his homework and projects.

'But I've never missed any deadlines,' he added.

His courses are assessed through online quizzes, group projects and final exams or projects.

Mr Png said his favourite courses are Financial Modelling and Portfolio Management.

He said: 'It excites me to see money growing, so no matter how hard the subject gets, I'll study for it.

'I don't understand many of the theories, but I can ask my girlfriend, who's studying accountancy, for help.'

He said he also e-mails his instructors and posts questions on discussion boards when he needs additional help.

He said some of his courses, like Financial Management, are relevant to his job.

In April 2008, he was named one of the top 100 earners in his company.

What was the secret to his success?

Mr Png said: 'I just worked hard.

'But I was also fortunate to have been assigned to a group of top-earners when I first started work, and they mentored me.'

He expects to graduate in 2010.

He said: 'Hopefully, the financial crisis will be over so I can be an entrepreneur.

'My dream is to earn enough money within 10 years before becoming a youth worker full-time.'

This article was first published in The New Paper.