Graduate Studies Blog
MSC MARKETING SCIENCE
Hear from Ying, ASEAN Development Scholar, on the MSc Marketing Science Programme
Phanthitra Sae-Chen – or Ying for short – from Thailand is part of the inaugural batch of scholarship recipients. She stands out with a solid academic record, leadership potential in her career experiences, and a keen desire to learn (she is studying Japanese now after gaining proficiency in English and Mandarin while Thai is her mother tongue).
Let’s hear from Ying about how she intends to make the best of the scholarship opportunity.
Q: Ying, you started your career in design and art direction in advertising. What made you change your career track and specialise in marketing?
Ying: Yes, I used to work in an advertising agency, and this was where I first got curious about marketing. I became fascinated by how consumers think and why they act the way they do when they buy something.
I want to understand their needs, how to persuade them, and explore how consumers can benefit a business or brand. I decided to get serious about marketing and embarked on the MSc Marketing Science (MMS) programme.
Q: Why Singapore and why the MMS programme at NBS?
Ying: I had three criteria when evaluating a postgraduate programme: location, course structure, and timeframe.
Singapore has always been my first choice in terms of location for pursuing a master’s degree. It is close to my hometown, Thailand, and a business hub where I can deep dive into the Southeast Asian market. Plus, NBS has a beautiful campus.
The MMS programme is rigorous. It covers fundamental marketing knowledge like Consumer Psychology and the latest marketing innovations like Consumer Neuroscience and Neuromarketing, which is particularly interesting to me.
That I could complete the MMS programme in one year is extremely attractive. It’s neither too long nor short.
Q: What were your expectations when you embarked on the MMS programme? Has the programme met your expectations?
Ying: The programme turned out to be much more robust and vibrant than I had anticipated.
First, I’ve been impressed by the NBS Admissions Team. They provided me with constant support throughout the admissions process, which made me feel assured and not alone.
The other passionate team is the Graduate Studies Career Development Office. The team offered advice and provided resources in my job application journey, which have been of great help.
Finally, the classroom diversity in NBS has been a wow factor. It was fantastic to get to know people from so many different cultures, learn from them and understand their unique perspectives.
Q: Congratulations on being an ASEAN Development Scholar! How will you make use of this “gift” to the fullest?
Ying: I’m incredibly grateful to have received the ASEAN Development Scholarship. It has given me confidence and motivated me to work harder in my learning journey.
With this “gift”, I intend to be an active contributor in class. I will also maximise my time in NBS by attending various career events and workshops and gaining as much as possible from them. I want to use the time to explore Singapore and make more friends from different cultures – I’m at the right place to do so.
Q: What three tips would you like to share with candidates entering the MMS programme?
Ying: The first tip is to be open-minded. Your classmates are diverse in terms of talent, background, and nationality. Be prepared to listen to different ideas. Giving constructive feedback while learning from one another will be highly beneficial.
Second, be flexible. Everything changes quickly in this digital age. Being adaptable to new technologies and social platforms is critical for marketers.
Finally, be prepared to face challenges because the MMS programme is quite an intensive journey. Managing your time and prioritising tasks are essential for success.
