NANYANG MBA

Women in Focus: The Nanyang MBA

Cross-cultural leader, MedTech innovator, global marketing specialist – three talented women, three unique stories. Hear from our Nanyang MBA participants as they share snapshots of their career and how Nanyang Business School (NBS)’s MBA programme is contributing to their journey.

Daiwei Yu: Cross-Cultural Leader

Daiwei’s experience in post-merger and acquisition integration saw her support the development of a new product, the exit of a business line, and the launch of a new manufacturing facility. As a Chinese woman working in Tokyo, Daiwei also collaborated with cross-cultural colleagues and recognised the unique working styles across the two societies.

With nine years’ experience under her belt from various roles at Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei, Daiwei saw herself as a future leader who could transform the business. To make this happen, she knew she had to equip herself with the right hard and soft skills. She decided on the Nanyang MBA from NBS.

Now more than halfway through the programme, Daiwei has already defined her leadership style and strengths, expanded her people skills, gained practical experience through collaborations with industry partners, and widened her network by interacting with like-minded participants in the programme.

As a mother to a year-old toddler, Daiwei also appreciates that the 12 month long Nanyang MBA programme allows her to juggle various roles without disrupting her career and lifestyle.

“NBS has prepared me on multiple dimensions – from having a career coach to guide my professional pathway, to mentors who encourage and foster an entrepreneurial mindset, to an educational collaboration with industry partners through the NBS Strategy Projects at Nanyang (SPAN),” says Daiwei, who is now more confident to take on her next role.

Bea Frese: MedTech Analyst 

As a product manager with one of the world’s leading providers and manufacturers of healthcare solutions, Bea knows what it takes to operate at the forefront of medical advancement technology. To surpass her peers in the rapidly innovating healthcare technology sector, she knew she would have to up her professional game.

Bea found the right fit with the Nanyang-St. Gallen Double Masters, a programme that will see her earn an MBA from NBS and a Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland simultaneously. “This programme was at the top of my list due to its renowned status, focus on community, and focus on leadership development. The double degree programme gives me the opportunity to explore my interest in research and at the same time build on my work experience,” she shares.

At NBS, Bea is pursuing the business analytics track while at St. Gallen, she will hone her strategy and management skills. “I believe analytics will play an increasingly important role and in the business world and this track teaches me its different facets as well as the possibilities that lie ahead. I look forward to applying these learnings in my future roles,” shares Bea.

Besides the rich curriculum, Bea is full of praise for the Nanyang MBA initiatives, especially those which connect participants with alumni who share their experiences as women in business.

“I appreciate the networking opportunities that have been provided via the Women in Business Club and the LEAP mentoring programme. It has been inspiring to learn from female leaders that work in challenging roles in Asia Pacific. My journey has only just begun, and I cannot wait for what this path has in store for me,” she adds.

Melissa Vizcarra Neira: Global Marketing Specialist 

“I want that experience!” – that was Melissa’s first thought as she listened to her husband’s Nanyang MBA experience back in 2016. She was fascinated by the breadth and depth of classes he took, the intercultural exchanges among his classmates, as well as the personal and professional connections he gained.

With over seven years’ experience in brand awareness, marketing, and public relations in both B2C and B2B environments, Melissa’s specialty was in understanding stakeholder interests and consumer insights. However, having only studied and worked in Peru previously, diversity was one of her most important considerations when selecting the right MBA. She ultimately chose the Nanyang MBA programme.

Melissa was immersed in the Asian business environment, quickly learning about the Asian consumer and the trends future managers must anticipate when developing strategies in such a market. By choosing the Marketing Management track, the programme will pave her way to pivot into areas such as brand or product management, customer centricity, loyalty, and marketing technology. She also found the course in Technology and E-Business especially invigorating, as she learned how e-businesses transformed entire industries and the strategies that helped them succeed.

Beyond the classroom, Melissa is Vice President for Social & Cultural within the Nanyang MBA Student Executive Committee. Here, she plays the lead role in ensuring a sense of inclusion for all the participants from her class regardless of their cultural backgrounds.

“I am learning from every interaction with them, whether inside or outside the classroom, so I make every moment count,” says Melissa.

Thinking of leveling up your professional game with an MBA degree? The Nanyang MBA has been listed as a top programme for women.

Nanyang MBA

The Nanyang MBA is a flexible 12-month or 18-month programme designed to fuel your growth into a future-ready leader equipped with the skills needed to excel in a global, digital environment. The programme aims to develop impactful, culturally adept leaders who embrace the connection between business, technology, and innovation to excel in global environments and adapt to each new wave of digital change.