Graduate Studies Blog
NANYANG EXECUTIVE EMBA
Why NTU Singapore’s Nanyang Executive MBA Programme?
Considering whether to do an Executive MBA (EMBA) Programme? You probably have many questions, especially now, in the midst of the pandemic. Having themselves been in this position not so long ago, six Nanyang EMBA participants from our 2021 cohort share their motivations for embarking on the programme offered by Nanyang Business School (NBS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the considerations that helped them decide.
Distance is no barrier
Tetsu Horie, Japan
CEO
Horie Consulting Inc
A veteran in the executive coaching and consulting industry, Tetsu founded his own consulting company five years ago, supporting MNCs through their transformation process. He also teaches at Waseda Business School. Although based in Japan, he wanted to do his EMBA in Singapore to be immersed in the core of Asia and a centre of digitalisation and diversity. So, with classes being conducted online, how is he finding the experience so far?
“I actually enjoy the online classes a lot. We can easily move into breakout sessions with different people and it’s a convenient way to do group work,” says Tetsu. “I am enjoying deep discussions with fellow learners who are internationally diverse and professional senior executives with different business insights and cultural perspectives,” he adds. Although he would love to visit the NTU campus, online classes are actually enabling him to study hard while working hard.
Researching the right fit
Jong William, Indonesia
Asia South Commercial VP of Energy & Infrastructure
Borouge
In choosing an EMBA programme, William believes it’s important to first ask yourself why you want to pursue this higher education. “Is it meant to be a stepping stone to move to another industry, to gain the network or, like me, to gain more insights into the commercial world?”
In his quest to level up his management skills and understand the impact of digitalisation, William did extensive research on all the EMBA programmes in Singapore, considering factors such as travel, faculty, cohort mix and financial support. “The NTU programme struck me as the right choice with its well-rounded programme and a business school that embraces digitalisation and technology within the strong tech and innovation ecosystem of NTU. What drew me the most is the collaboration with UC Berkeley with its connection to a host of Silicon Valley companies.”
Because learning never stops
Wong Yung Sung, Singapore
Finance and Portfolio Management Manager
Nestle R&D Centre (Pte) Ltd
Although she has built a successful career in accounting, Yung Sung has always believed in the importance of continuous learning. After devoting much of her focus to career and family over the last 20 years, Yung Sung felt the time was now right to embark on further education and is thoroughly enjoying the EMBA so far, especially interacting with her cohort. “I’ve been with my company for almost 15 years, so I am used to the way my company works but I’ve never looked out to other industries and functionalities. Participants of the Nanyang EMBA programme come from different industries and I can share my experience with others while learning from them as well.” Just as importantly, she says, “I want to demonstrate to my subordinates and my children that you should never stop learning.”
Flexibility helps pave the way
Santosh A. Iyer, India
Director of Internal Audit, Asia Pacific, Greater China & India
Nokia
Due to the challenges of being way from work and his family, Santosh initially planned to complete the 13-month programme over two years. He is grateful that the course structure allowed this flexibility. “I shared the customised two-year schedule from NTU with my Line Manager and went through the leave days required. I also shared the course contents and how these would complement the work we did within our department,” says Santosh. This detailed discussion enabled him to get the support from his superior before accepting his EMBA offer.
As it turns out, with classes going online, Santosh now looks forward to completing the course with his cohort. “Clarifying your goals, having an open dialogue with your manager and getting that early alignment is a crucial first step before embarking on your EMBA journey,” he advises.
A step in a new direction
Dane Clapson, Australia
Corporate Lawyer
As a corporate lawyer, Dane may not fit the typical profile of an EMBA candidate. But, as he is discovering, no matter what profession you are in, an EMBA is a valuable experience. Working most recently as Assistant General Counsel with IATA and now preparing to set up his own practice, Dane wanted to gain a broader understanding of business operations.
“There’s a perception that lawyers don’t really need to understand the business and that we can sit in a bit of a silo outside of the business and just advise. I think those days are over. Whether in-house or from an external law firm, lawyers need to have a really good understanding of how a business works. If you understand the business, you can advise your clients more meaningfully and effectively to help the business achieve its goals.”
Preparing to lead in the long term
Darrell Tan, Singapore
Director, Development Planning and Feasibility, Asia Pacific
Radisson Hotel Group
The broader skill sets that Darrell has gained on the EMBA have equipped him to better manage the challenges facing the hospitality sector in these unprecedented times. “From financial performance to business strategy to branding, all of these have required a relook with a fresh perspective over the past year. Rather than looking at things from a regional level, I am now able to view things more holistically,” Darrell says.
Pandemic aside, Darrell believes this is an advantageous time to do an EMBA from a long-term perspective. “Over the last 10 years, technology has changed the way we are living. Technology will continue to change the world over the next 10 years. So an understanding of Industry 4.0 and digitalisation is vital to have the critical thinking required to be a better business leader.”
Whatever your reasons may be for pursuing an EMBA, our Nanyang EMBA participants demonstrate that, even in exceptional and challenging circumstances, a clear goal and careful planning can ensure the journey is an enriching one.
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.
