Graduate Studies Blog
NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA
Applying to NTU’s Nanyang EMBA Soon? Here’s How To Ace The Process
5 minute read.
With virtually every industry affected in the last two years of the pandemic, even those at the top of their respective fields feel the need to become more digital. The shift to digital demands flexibility, agility, and an awareness of how emerging technologies are used to drive business innovation.
In need of deeper knowledge, many inquiring minds have arrived at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore’s (NTU Singapore) Nanyang Business School (NBS). In particular, they’ve enrolled in the Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA). Designed to equip leaders in diverse industries with the frameworks they need to succeed, the EMBA is a selective programme that accepts 35 to 40 participants per cohort.
“To be a successful leader today, we must continually challenge ourselves to learn,” explains Brandon Lye, Chief Executive Officer of Tiger Asset Management Pte Ltd and current EMBA participant. “I felt that the EMBA was the right choice for me as the programme is culturally and technologically relevant.”
6 Tips to ace the EMBA Admissions process
1. Conduct thorough research beforehand
“An EMBA takes time and effort to complete,” Brandon explains. As it is a major commitment, it took him about three months to come to a decision. During that time, he consulted the EMBA admissions team, shared his professional history and aspirations and asked many questions. “Each of NBS’s graduate programmes is highly-tailored, and I wanted to ensure I chose the right one for me.
Questions such as ‘Why an EMBA now?’ and ‘Why NBS?’ are central to the decision, and Brandon encourages potential candidates to contemplate whether they’re truly ready for the next step. For him, the EMBA was part of his life goals — he wanted to get back into the classroom and gain new knowledge and friends.
“I was confident in my decision to choose NTU because of the impressive roster of school advisors and alumni. That, coupled with the support and dedication of the admissions staff, spurred me to apply sooner rather than later.”
Brandon Lye, EMBA Class of 2022
CEO
Tiger Asset Management
2. Consider whether the EMBA is truly right for you
NBS is steeped in the rich technological heritage of NTU, explains Damon Hon, Head of Graduate Studies Admissions, NBS. “As field experts, NTU faculty know exactly what is happening in industries, especially in regard to like artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Damon adds, “We want to admit candidates who demonstrate a real need for our education. Perhaps they are leading diverse teams or have big new responsibilities. Maybe they wish to lead a sustainability transformation.”
He explains that while some candidates who apply to the programme come with impressive backgrounds, not all are accepted because the admissions team is not able to identify gaps that the EMBA can fill. “Show us how we can help you take the next step in becoming a better leader.”
3. Think hard about what you can offer
Aside from demonstrating their need for the EMBA’s value, candidates should also highlight their potential as a beacon of industry-specific expertise. The Nanyang’s EMBA boasts one of the most senior profiles in the region — over 85 percent of the cohort are senior decision makers, and the average participant has 17 years of professional experience.
“The day-to-day business challenges of an executive with 20 years of experience look very different from a manager with less than 10,” Damon says.
“We take care to select those who can draw on the strengths of one another. In an average cohort, participants hail from over 15 countries and more than 20 industries.”
Damon Hon
Head of Admissions, Graduate Studies
Nanyang Business School
4. Be authentic and honest in your essays
All EMBA applicants complete two mandatory essays. They’re restricted to a 500-word maximum limit, which Damon admits may be difficult to comply with. “Through their answers to these two questions, we assess their leadership, strategic experiences, and communication skills”, he explains.
Damon adds that there is an optional essay on social work. “If an applicant has relevant experience, this will be good to complete as a value-add. We’re always looking for well-rounded leaders interested in making transformative impact.”
5. Choose your references carefully
The people you list as references will have a huge bearing on your application, so it’s essential to select them carefully. Ideally, these references are people who can attest to your professional growth and leadership capabilities. For entrepreneurs, at least one reference should be a superior or business partner.
6. Bring your best to the panel interview
If you’re shortlisted for the programme, the university will contact you for a panel interview with NTU faculty members. These interviews usually consist of at least one senior member of the admissions team and the academic director of the programme or another senior faculty member. Damon says, “the purpose of the interview is to discern whether your motivations are aligned with the EMBA’s goals.
Brandon explains, “I wasn’t that nervous or worried during the interview process. Rather than a technical discussion on your skill sets, it’s a candid sharing session about why you want to join. I recommend that you speak honestly about who you are and why you’re here.”
Prepare yourself for a rewarding experience and apply today
Brandon says, “The EMBA is a highly cohesive experience. The professors are brilliant. Their practical examples help us understand precisely why sustainability, emerging technologies, or ethics are relevant to business leaders,” he mentions. “When we’re in the office, these issues don’t seem urgent, so we delay them and focus on other pressing business priorities instead. However, understanding these mega trends is keys to future proofing your business.”
We’re committed to supporting candidates in their postgraduate aspirations. To learn about the different programmes available at Nanyang and determine whether you’d be a good fit for the EMBA, get in touch today.
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.
Keen to learn more? Visit our website or contact us at execmba@ntu.edu.sg to schedule a 1-to-1 discussion on your postgraduate aspirations.
Register here for a chat: https://bit.ly/NanyangEMBAchat.
