NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Pursuing an Executive MBA during the pandemic — making the most of the opportunity

When the first COVID-19 vaccines were released in December 2020, many hoped a return to “normal life” was nigh. Now, though, experts believe that living with COVID-19 is our new normal. Beyond developing the strength to continue our day-to-day lives, this also demands that we are brave enough to nurture new hopes and aspirations.

We spoke to three members of our Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA) 2021 intake to see how leaders like you have dealt with challenges caused by the pandemic. Despite unexpected changes in their plans, these three students chose to continue their postgraduate education with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore).

Leaders taking the next step in their career

The Nanyang EMBA is designed to be taken in-person, but foreign travel restrictions mean that some participants must take certain modules online. It hasn’t been easy, but each of our interviewees agrees that they wouldn’t change their decision to pursue the EMBA now rather than later.

Lioe Cu Ling (Indonesia), Corporate Finance Director at Indoprima Group, joined the EMBA around the same time her children were preparing for university abroad. She wanted to do a bit of travelling herself while pushing herself as an executive and leader. “I consider it ‘stressful me time’,” she says with a smile.

Stan Lin (Singapore), Loyalty Lead at Mediacorp, echoes Cu Ling’s sentiments.

Stan Lin, Singapore
Loyalty Lead, Mediacorp

“When I participated in the first segment I thought it felt a bit like self-torture. But in truth, there is no greater time than now. With these learnings, we can contribute meaningfully to society and to the world.”

CEO of Executive Offshore Services Sdn Bhd, Saravanan Alagar (Malaysia), on the other hand, challenged himself with the EMBA partly to make up for lost time. “Though the MCO allowed me to spend much more time with my children, my efficiency dropped and I spent the first year doing much less than I could have.”

After further reflection, he decided to seek out a postgraduate programme that could accommodate his unique educational journey. “My most recent degree was in Maritime Transportation,” he says. “I found I needed more concrete knowledge of business to connect with my colleagues and employees.”

What has made the EMBA worth it?

Saravanan was excited by the EMBA module on emerging technologies. He says, “The EMBA showed me what lies beyond for the shipping industry. We live in an incredible time, where technology like blockchain can shrink the time it takes to select a shipping vessel from six months to a week or two.”

He also credits the EMBA with breaking down his past communication barriers. After just one EMBA module, he began to ask his team incisive questions about aspects of business he’d never considered before. “I am able to have better conversations with my CTO, CFO, IT team, and more,” Saravanan explains. “They can see a difference in how I think and the suggestions I give.”

Stan’s favourite module was on knowledge and technology management. He opines, “It wasn’t ‘better’ than the other modules. Rather, the professor was just that incredible—he explained everything on a whiteboard, without a single slideshow.” The professor in question was Vijay Sethi, who in 2013 was awarded the prestigious Best Business Professor in the World by the Economist’s Intelligence Unit.

For Cu Ling, the EMBA has helped her grow as a leader, a wife and a mother. She shared the EMBA’s leadership segment not only with her work team but also with the family.

Cu Ling also learnt about the importance of sustainability in the enterprise. Indonesian regulators now require public listed corporations to annually submit a sustainability report, she says, and the EMBA helped her to be more aware of its relevance for leaders beyond a marketing tool.

Factors for success during the hybrid experience

The participants attending the EMBA in a hybrid format are dealing with unexpected challenges. Besides the time zone differences and IT issues, it’s been disappointing to miss out on in-person networking opportunities.

However, it’s still worth it, explain the participants.

“In this format, we cannot network face-to-face as much as we want. But on the upside, we spend less time away from family, and less time and money on travelling. There are many other factors that encouraged me to follow through on my commitment.”

A seamless experience with dedicated assistance from NTU

Though they’re taking the courses in different formats, Cu Ling, Stan, and Saravanan say that the classroom format is fantastic. They can raise their hands in Zoom or in the physical lecture hall, and a dedicated NTU staff member will ensure that they are given time to speak.

 “Professors and administrative staff are highly attentive, and they’ll even respond during late hours,” says Stan. They agreed that the premium cost of the programme reflects the quality of the lessons and lecturers.

Supportive and engaged classmates

Hybrid participants like Cu Ling occasionally have to do group projects with students like Stan, who are taking modules in-person on the Singapore campus. On days when they meet for dinner or over coffee, the in-person participants will ensure she joins them virtually. Her classmates’ support makes it much easier for her to enjoy the programme.

Stan points out that after two years into the COVID pandemic, most are used to remote collaboration. “Everyone understands the commitment required,” he continues. “Rather than just another hybrid or online class, it’s co-learning, where everyone contributes their knowledge regardless of where they are.”

Networking opportunities

One of the most common concerns of overseas participants is the quality of networking that takes place in a hybrid setting. Saravanan says, “It is true that offline students can spend more time together in person after or before class. But because we are aware of this challenge, we can intentionally address it.”

For example: he is a part of numerous Whatsapp groups, including a group for fellow hybrid EMBA participants. “We have never met physically, but we still have good interactions and regularly share information and updates with one another. With people from Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and more, we don’t feel alone.”

The pandemic presents a unique opportunity

For these three students (and many more), the pandemic has created a window of opportunity for meaningful activities, such as time with family and self-growth. The EMBA could be another option for those who want to use their time to create lasting value.

“If you’re ready to upgrade yourself, don’t think twice,” closes Stan. The EMBA provides assistance, support, and a community of people who will push you to keep going and become better.”

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

Download the Nanyang Executive MBA brochure