NANYANG EXECUTIVE EMBA

THREE THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE NANYANG EMBA PROGRAMME

For close to a decade, Dr Christina Low has helmed various strategic leadership roles in different medical organisations.

Today, as Managing Director of the Singapore Medical Group, she sets the direction and leads the operations of the healthcare network, which is rapidly expanding across Asia.

With a bigger portfolio, Dr Low felt that it was time to embark on an MBA programme that can help her to critically evaluate her management style.

“I wanted assurance that my practices at work are on the right track,” she says.

In Dr Low’s point of view, there is no perfect time to enrol in an MBA programme. She says that she simply felt ready and wanted to take her leadership role to the next level.

Here, she shares three reasons why she chose the Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA)—which are also what aspiring candidates can expect from the programme.

1. Be challenged to reimagine business in the digital age

Dr Low was first drawn to the Nanyang EMBA because of its tech-focused curriculum, which takes a deep dive into digital transformation issues.

“No matter which industry you’re from, you’ll definitely be affected by the digital era. It’s something all of us will have to confront,” she emphasises.

Through the rigorous modules, Dr Low has gained a better understanding of digital transformation and what digitalisation truly entails: more than just changing processes, digitalisation also involves shifting mindsets.

Thus, Dr Low has made it part of her mission to accelerate the acceptance of new technologies in her industry. Healthcare is one of the few sectors that has been slow to digital adoption, Dr Low explains, yet it could really benefit from it.

“For example, much of clinical practice is patient-facing. Going digital through telehealth to deliver services is one way that can really complement our practice,” she says.

To get more tech buy-in from her organisation, Dr Low will first tap the abilities of her younger colleagues, who are familiar with digital even in their daily activities.

The younger generation are passionate about technology,” she says. “Once we get them to adopt digital in the workplace, the majority can see the difference and gradually come on board.”

2. Be ready to learn from the diverse experiences of others

One of Dr Low’s learning priorities is to be exposed to as many management styles and experiences as possible by engaging with her course mates.

“I want to know the different challenges that people from other industries face and how they have managed them,” she says.

Dr Low’s cohort includes leaders from the manufacturing, legal and finance sectors—as well as digital companies. The participants fly in from Asia, America and Europe to attend classes.

By connecting with others from other industries, Dr Low has been able to expand her thinking and become a more flexible communicator.

Dr Low says that aspiring MBA candidates will be equally impressed with the faculty, which has lecturers who bring deep and sound experiences into the classroom because of their extensive international backgrounds.

One of them, for example, is economics and international finance lecturer Dr Siriwan Chutikamoltham, who is Thai.

“Her former role as an economist in the World Bank offers us exclusive perspectives into the practices of large, international institutions,” says Dr Low. “Her unique background also adds credibility to her lessons and really enriches them.”

3. Be equipped to make tangible change at work

Beyond grasping theories, Dr Low is also looking forward to applying them at work.

“The principles, frameworks and even new ‘languages’ that I’m learning will certainly change the way I collaborate with my colleagues,” she says.

For example, Dr Low now has more meaningful discussions with her Chief Financial Officer (CFO) because of the finance terminology she has acquired from the programme.

“By speaking the same language, we can examine our accounts and reporting in greater depth, and question why certain details have been presented in a certain way,” Dr Low adds.

The constant act of listening and practising open-mindedness in the classroom have also extended themselves—naturally—to the workplace, where Dr Low is appreciative whenever her colleagues speak out.

Upon graduating from Nanyang Technological University in 2021, Dr Low hopes to give back by making time to share her EMBA experience.

She says: “It’s a small way of contributing, but it may provide future candidates the affirmation that they need to take the next step in their careers.”

The Nanyang Executive MBA is a part-time 13-months programme that is designed for senior leaders aspiring to innovate and transform the way they lead. The programme aims to embrace the connection between business, technology, and innovation to deliver a relevant curriculum to business leaders to excel in global environments and adapt to each new wave of digital change.

Download the Nanyang Executive MBA brochure

Click here to learn more about the Nanyang Executive MBA programme or contact us at execmba@ntu.edu.sg.