From Novice To CPA With An MSc In Accountancy

by Nanyang Business School | Jan 27, 2025 | MSc Accountancy

MSC ACCOUNTANCY

From Novice To CPA With An MSc In Accountancy

Pursuing a master’s degree isn’t a must for accountants, but it certainly pays off in many ways. An MSc in Accountancy can help boost your salary, equip you with in-demand skills like data analytics, and prepare you for professional certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Knowing this, Mollie Xian Sangyu was eager to dive right into further studies after completing a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. “A master’s degree would significantly enhance my competitiveness in the labour market,” she said. “I felt it would arm me with the advanced skills and knowledge I needed to succeed professionally.”

Driven by a strong desire to expand her horizons, Mollie weighed her options and found a programme that would challenge her to grow. Six months after completing her MSc in Accountancy (MACC) at Nanyang Business School (NBS), she looks back on the strong foundation she’s built and shares how they’ve translated to success in her new role.

A stepping stone to the CPA

For a go-getter like Mollie, Singapore was the ideal mix of challenge and comfort to broaden her horizons. Coming from Hong Kong, Singapore’s “comfortable climate and cultural similarities” felt like home. At the same time, its status as a leading financial centre in Asia offered unique learning opportunities.

“Being a young and rapidly developing country, Singapore embodies the latest trends in Asia,” she shared. “Studying in Singapore would provide me with a global perspective of the finance sector.”

NBS’s MACC programme features two distinct tracks: the General Track, which equips candidates with a comprehensive mastery of accounting and finance skills; and the Data Analytics Track, which prepares candidates to harness big data and emerging technologies. Mollie found that the General Track aligned best with her career goals.

“The General Track is beneficial for pursuing a CPA after graduation,” she explained. “I was confident that the NBS professors would help me build a strong accounting foundation.”

As she was weighing her options, Mollie noted the dedicated career support available at NBS. “The Graduate Studies Career Development Office (GSCDO) provides excellent career services,” she said. “I saw that these services would be incredibly helpful in my job search.”

Securing valuable work experience

Indeed, this support has proven useful throughout Mollie’s journey at NBS. Beyond helping her polish her resume, the GSCDO’s career counsellors were able to help her find an internship through their strong industry connections.

“NBS has unique collaborations with various firms in Singapore,” she explained. “This enabled me to secure a part-time internship in the finance department of a major Chinese firm.”

As a finance intern with CNOOC Gas and Power Singapore Trading & Marketing Pte Ltd, Mollie put her accounting knowledge into practice by adhering to accounting principles, preparing invoices, performing customer due diligence, and more. “It was a fruitful and valuable experience,” she summed up.

Tackling challenges as a team

Beyond hard skills, the MACC programme helped Mollie hone a broad toolkit of soft skills across many group projects and presentations. “I’ve strengthened my communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to contribute to a team,” she said.

Accounting is undoubtedly a team effort – accountants need to work hand-in-hand with other finance specialists as well as the management team. Mollie shared that the hands-on approach of her classes has prepared her to communicate well with others and take on industry challenges together.

“In particular, I enjoyed the engaging class discussions we had in the Business Analysis & Equity Valuation module,” she recalled. “We had many opportunities to practice applying what we learnt to solve real-world cases. It was a memorable experience, especially when we worked as a team to tackle problems.”

A solid accounting foundation for success

These skill sets now enable Mollie to hit the ground running in her new role as an Audit Associate with MaloneBailey – a Houston-based public accounting firm with offices in Beijing and Shenzhen.

As an Audit Associate, Mollie’s day-to-day work focuses on conducting audit testing procedures. “This involves ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial statements, identifying any discrepancies, and actively communicating with clients about our progress,” she shared.

Strong communication is a make-or-break factor for her work, as she needs to regularly update clients and seniors about her findings and address any concerns. She also credits her MACC experience for equipping her with the “audit mindset” to effectively solve problems.

“The well-designed programme has given me a solid accounting foundation for my current role,” she said. “Plus, all the group projects and presentations have significantly enhanced my technical and communication skills, both of which are essential in my daily tasks.”

Ultimately, the MACC has served as a springboard for Mollie to make a seamless transition from classroom to career – supported by NBS’s robust network and resources.

Her advice to future participants? “If you want to secure an internship or full-time position, take full advantage of the career services here,” she said. “Pay attention to the daily email updates on career events too.”

Find out more about the MSc in Accountancy programme here.

Download MSc Accountancy Brochure

From Strategy Simulations To Real-World Success: The MMS Journey of Three ASEAN Development Scholars

by Nanyang Business School | Jan 20, 2025 | MSc Marketing Science

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC MARKETING SCIENCE

From Strategy Simulations To Real-World Success: The MMS Journey of Three ASEAN Development Scholars

The world of marketing has never stood still, but the last few years have ushered in faster and greater change than ever before. New technologies like AI and big data are fundamentally reshaping how brands connect with audiences, challenging marketers to unlock insights, and craft consumer experiences in new ways.

For three of our current MSc Marketing Science (MMS) participants, this rapid change was the push they needed to level up their skills. Here, they share why they chose to go ‘back to school’, and how their experiences as MMS participants and ASEAN Development Scholars have helped them grow as marketers.

Thriving in the era of Marketing 5.0

After working in product marketing for three years, Anastasia Irene Handoyo realised that traditional ways of promoting product features were no longer enough.

“I noticed many international brands had successfully implemented AI, showcasing products in ways that went beyond simply highlighting their unique selling points or offering promotions,” she recalled.

“We’re entering the era of Marketing 5.0 – where marketing integrates AI and the Internet of Things into strategies that engage consumers and build brand loyalty.”

Inspired to keep up with this shift, Irene sought an MMS programme that would enhance her knowledge of innovative and technology-driven marketing strategies. “The MMS curriculum at Nanyang Business School (NBS) caught my attention because it goes beyond traditional marketing courses, covering advanced topics like AI and neuromarketing,” she said.

Like Irene, Quynh (Quincy) Vy found herself struggling to keep up with a rapidly changing landscape. “I encountered numerous challenges in various marketing roles that highlighted the need for deeper knowledge,” she explained. “At times, I felt unprepared for high-level tasks.”

Having worked for a Singaporean company before, Quincy was excited at the prospect of pursuing her MMS programme in Singapore.

“Singapore’s multicultural environment promised a rich learning experience and the chance to expand my international network,” she shared.

Phoosunthornphakdee Thanatchaporn (Ices)

For Thanatchaporn (Ices) Phoosunthornphakdee, the key to taking on industry changes lay in an interdisciplinary curriculum.

“To stay relevant, I needed to deepen my knowledge in many areas: consumer behaviour, technology, and even finance,” she said. “This attracted me to NBS, which offered an all-rounded MMS curriculum balancing theory and practical learning.”

The ASEAN Development Scholarship: A platform to pursue dreams

As citizens of different ASEAN countries, Irene, Quincy, and Ices found a pathway to pursue professional growth in the ASEAN Development Scholarship. This post-graduate scholarship is open to candidates from ASEAN member countries outside Singapore, and covers 100% or 40% of tuition fees.

Ices recalled her “total shock” when she got the news about clinching the scholarship. “I remember I was working, but I immediately called my parents and boyfriend to check whether I was dreaming!” she laughed. “Winning the scholarship has given me a platform to fully focus on personal growth and development.”

Beyond the freedom to focus on learning, Quincy especially appreciates the networking benefits she receives as an ASEAN Development Scholar.

“Being part of the ASEAN Scholar community means I get to connect with fellow scholars and industry professionals, creating a fantastic network to support my career goals,” she said. “It’s a chance for me to pursue my dreams with confidence.”

The scholarship application process can be challenging, with some applicants preparing for months in advance. When asked about how they approached their applications, all three scholars shared the same advice: be authentic and true to yourself.

“It’s so important to embrace who you are – your strengths and even your challenges make you special,” Quincy explained. “Sharing your story in a way that fits your major and the school culture is what really matters.”

To let her story shine through, Irene proofread and polished her essay meticulously.

“I outlined the unique strengths I bring to the table, using the STAR structure to effectively tell my story,” she said. “From September to January, I continuously revised it, seeking feedback from others to ensure my message was clear.”

An immersive learning experience

Irene, Quincy, and Ices have now completed their first trimester in the one-year MMS programme. So far, it has been an exciting journey – one filled with hands-on projects, close collaborations with course mates, and “unforgettable memories”.

“As someone with work experience, I appreciate how the programme has allowed me to revisit my existing marketing knowledge,” Quincy shared. “Most importantly, I’m learning how to logically connect every element of marketing to create meaningful and effective solutions. I’m excited to see where this knowledge will take me!”

Beyond textbook learning, the MMS curriculum is designed to immerse participants in real-world industry problems. One especially memorable experience for all three participants was the ‘Markstrat’ simulation in their Strategic Marketing module, which immersed them in the role of marketers making strategic decisions for their company.

“In a team of four, we operated like a real company and made weekly decisions on production, marketing, and sales,” Quincy described. “Each week, we eagerly awaited the results to see if our team was the most profitable company or had the highest share price index. It was a mix of excitement and nervousness every Thursday!”

This simulation gave them hands-on practice in performing thorough analysis and developing data-driven strategies – just like a real-world marketing manager. At the same time, collaborating with course mates was a fun experience that made it truly unforgettable.

“From the last position, our team rose to first place in the final week,” Ices recounted. “The experience of working hard with my team, eagerly awaiting the weekly results together, and celebrating our improvement is something I’ll always remember.”

Camaraderie across cultures

This spirit of camaraderie has created a supportive environment for MMS participants, both inside the classroom and out. Despite hailing from diverse cultures, Irene, Ices, and Quincy shared that they’ve found a welcoming home in the MMS community.

Fostered by initiatives like the ASEAN Development Scholarship – which attracts participants from across ASEAN – the current MMS cohort features a diverse mix of 17 nationalities. While Quincy initially felt daunted by being the only Vietnamese participant in her cohort, the friendships she has formed through group projects and after-class meals transcend language barriers.

“Some of my favourite memories come from long nights of pushing to meet deadlines together, yet filled with laughter and conversation,” she said. “It’s incredible how we’ve formed such strong friendships despite our different backgrounds. Sometimes I have to communicate with body language when I can’t find the right English word, but my friends understand me perfectly – how amazing is that?”

Besides the strong bonds with her peers, Ices also appreciates the warm support of the MMS professors.

“Some of the professors have gone the extra mile for us, like bringing mooncakes to class during the Mid-Autumn Festival and answering our questions late at night,” she shared. “These connections I’ve built have made my journey at NBS truly special.”

For participants keen to build their network, NBS offers rich opportunities to connect with alumni and industry professionals as well – from sharing sessions by companies to alumni networking events.

“I’ve found NBS to be very supportive in connecting us with network opportunities,” Irene highlighted. “Engaging with industry professionals and attending networking events can give me deeper insights into a company’s goals and culture.”

Laying the foundation for success

After completing their MMS journey, Irene, Quincy, and Ices each have big dreams in mind. Irene hopes to pursue a career in Singapore, specialising in brand management or consulting, while Quincy aims to land a branding or digital marketing role in a multinational company. Meanwhile, Ices reveals that her long-term goal is to start her own business.

Whatever their next steps will be post-graduation, the three scholars believe they are gaining the right foundation to reach their goals.

“The MMS programme has given me a solid foundation in advanced marketing concepts, and the hands-on projects and real-world case studies have strengthened my strategic thinking skills,” said Irene. “The technical expertise, strategic insights, and industry exposure I’ve gained from the programme will position me to achieve my ambitions and make a meaningful impact as a marketer.”

Find out more about the Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing Science (MMS) here.

Download MSc Marketing Science Brochure

MSc Marketing Science

Launching Sneakers, Managing Influencers: A Day In The Life Of A Brand Marketing Intern At Nike

by Nanyang Business School | Jan 20, 2025 | MSc Marketing Science

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC MARKETING SCIENCE

Launching Sneakers, Managing Influencers: A Day In The Life Of A Brand Marketing Intern At Nike

Not many of us can say that we’re working at our dream company, but AJ Sun certainly can. He began playing basketball at the age of 10, sparking a lifelong passion for sports – along with a growing collection of stylish sneakers. It’s no surprise that Nike – one of the world’s most recognised sportswear brands – was high on AJ’s list of dream companies to work for.

“I’ve grown up with this brand for pretty much my entire life,” AJ explained. “Getting the chance to work at Nike has been a dream come true for me.”

This opportunity came when he received an internship offer from Nike, soon after completing his MSc in Marketing Science (MMS) at Nanyang Business School (NBS). Five months into his role as a Brand Marketing Intern, he shares a look behind the scenes of this sportswear giant – and how his MMS experience has set him up for success.

A day in the life of a Brand Marketing Intern at Nike

As a basketball lover, AJ’s role in Nike was a stroke of serendipity – his internship centres on the company’s Jordan brand, created in collaboration with basketball superstar Michael Jordan. His Shanghai-based team manages brand marketing for Jordan streetwear, building the brand’s presence within the Greater China region.

AJ’s day-to-day tasks include product seeding – a strategy in which brands gift products to influencers in their niche.

“I manage our relationship with influencers, such as athletes and celebrities, by sending them products they can wear or use in their daily lives,” he shared. “When they enjoy our products, it enhances our brand image.”

When new products are in the pipeline, AJ is also involved in creating captivating product stories for the launch. Right now, he’s working on a campaign for an upcoming Jordan sneaker release this December.

“We work with other teams, such as the Retail team and the Brand Creative team, to come up with storytelling that connects with local communities,” AJ explained. “What innovative stories can we share to bring these sneakers to Chinese customers and let them understand our brand heritage?”

As a young person, AJ is able to bring fresh perspectives to the table. “One big problem that many brands face is not knowing how to engage with younger consumers,” he said. “So my team welcomes my opinions and insights, like ‘What do young people care about these days?’”

As a proud owner of many Nike shoes, AJ feels lucky to be a part of this journey. “In the past, I was always curious about what goes on behind the scenes,” he recalled. “Now I understand the hard work it takes, but I really enjoy learning and knowing all this backstory.”

Honing the art of communication

While marketing calls for effective communication with customers, AJ has learnt that strong workplace communication is just as important in a large company like Nike.

In early September, Nike organised a tour of China for four athletes from America’s National Basketball Association (NBA). It was the biggest event of the year for Nike’s Greater China Headquarters, with hundreds of employees across different teams preparing for the visit.

“The preparations started pretty much from the moment I joined Nike in June,” AJ shared.

“In that short period, I had to collaborate with so many different functions in the company: PR, retail marketing, brand creatives, and more. Communication was so important because we had to get everyone on the same page to ensure the tour ran smoothly.”

More communication challenges arose during the tour, when AJ was tasked to take care of some hip-hop dancers flown in from France. “My role was more like an agent – getting them from one place to another according to schedule, but also making sure they’re having a good time,” he explained. “I had to find ways to communicate that would bring them on board with our plans.”

Although not everything unfolded according to plan, AJ appreciates how much the experience has honed his adaptability. “I learnt that you sometimes have to go with the flow, even though it doesn’t follow the script,” he shared.

Learning in a multicultural classroom

Even before his stint at Nike, AJ’s experiences in NBS’ MSc Marketing Science programme had prepared him to communicate successfully with diverse people. His MMS cohort brought together professionals from all over the world, offering him the perfect training ground to become a well-rounded communicator.

In fact, this multicultural setting was a key reason that drew him to study in Singapore. Having grown up in Shanghai and completed his bachelor’s in New York, AJ wanted to challenge himself in a brand-new environment.

“Although New York is super diverse, I didn’t have many chances to interact with people of diverse Asian cultures,” he said.

“At NBS, I had course mates from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and more. This trained my ability to engage with different people and adjust my working style.”

The NBS curriculum features a multitude of hands-on group presentations and real-world projects, giving participants many opportunities to connect and build friendships. “The programme does a good job of bringing different people together, but it’s up to you to engage in class as well,” AJ advises. “Everyone’s nice, and you’ll definitely learn more by engaging with your course mates.”

A passport to success anywhere in the world

AJ’s post-Nike career path remains up in the air. While he plans to pursue marketing, he’s taking the time to explore his options across different cities.

“Which city do I want to explore in the next phase of my life? It really depends on where I’ll find the best opportunities,” he shared. “Singapore was a fresh challenge for me, and I want to take on new challenges in the future.”

For now, AJ remains focused on learning as much as possible during his time at Nike – leaving his next steps to destiny.

“If I give myself too much pressure and try to rush my decision, it might not lead to the best outcome,” – these are his words of wisdom. “There’s a timing for everything, and the next step will come when the time is right. Don’t stress too much – mental health is the most important thing.”

Wherever his next adventure takes him, AJ is confident that his MMS degree will open doors for him.

“NBS is a recognised institution around the world, and Singapore is well-known as a global city,” he concluded. “I’d definitely say that this degree gives me the ability to go anywhere in the world.”

Find out more about the Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing Science (MMS) here.

Download MSc Marketing Science Brochure

MSc Marketing Science

How This Nanyang MBA SPAN Team Created a Sustainability Plan with Strategic Thinking

by Nanyang Business School | Jan 16, 2025 | Nanyang MBA

Nanyang MBA

How This Nanyang MBA SPAN Team Created a Sustainability Plan with Strategic Thinking

In business, you either sink or swim on the strength of your agility, adaptability, and strategic thinking. To prepare for this, participants of the Nanyang MBA programme at Nanyang Business School (NBS) go through a rigorous project known as Strategic Projects at Nanyang, or SPAN.

The SPAN project challenges Nanyang MBA participants to solve pressing issues in industries often unfamiliar to them, testing their ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges.

One Nanyang MBA team embarked on this journey with Climate Smart Ventures (CSV), an advisory firm dedicated to advancing the energy transition in Asia. Teamwork, mentorship, and applying their MBA learnings successfully saw them through – but the path was filled with challenges.

A challenge of both scope and scale

CSV is deeply involved in sustainability projects across Asia, aiming to accelerate the transition from coal to clean energy in a managed and strategic manner.

As part of their efforts to identify new growth and investment opportunities in the “transition finance” or sustainable finance space, CSV sponsored a SPAN team to help execute a go-to-market strategy in the transition finance or sustainable finance space.

CSV asked the team’s participants – Ega Varian Soemarliu, Carolyn Cheong Chee Lee, Meta Yunita Pramasetio, Patel Shivam, and Totokawa Masato – to create a plan with clear KPIs, recommendations for new products and services, and an investment roadmap to support the proposed initiatives.

The challenge was immense due to the interdisciplinary nature of CSV’s goals and the magnitude of change required to implement any solution. The team had to integrate knowledge from domains like finance, energy, regulations, and sustainability.

Putting the team together

Goh Kia Hong, SPAN academic director, emphasised the importance of this capstone project for Nanyang MBA participants. “This hands-on experience allows participants to test their skills in a dynamic business environment,” he said. “Additionally, the programme’s focus on diversity within teams exposes participants to different perspectives.”

True to the SPAN programme’s emphasis on diversity, the Nanyang MBA team reflected its members’ variety of educational and professional backgrounds. “This enabled us to understand and learn things from each other’s perspective, knowledge, and experience,” Ega explained.

Each team member played a crucial role in the project:

Carolyn Cheong Chee Lee served as the team’s primary liaison with CSV, ensuring smooth communication and alignment with the client’s expectations.
Meta Yunita Pramasetio was instrumental in designing, editing, and formatting presentation decks, making complex information accessible and engaging.
Patel Shivam was the go-to person for crunching numbers and generating insightful data analyses that informed strategic decisions – an ideal role given his background in data analytics.
Totokawa Masato was the team’s “finance guy,” taking the lead in interpreting financial reports and drawing conclusions that guided the team’s recommendations.

Ega himself brought valuable insights from Indonesia’s pulp and paper sector. “I shared my experience in the manufacturing industry: why it relies on dirty energy sources to generate power, and the effort needed to shift to greener energy sources,” he said.

A cohesive team spirit drove the Nanyang MBA team from the start. “We have often worked together as a team – we understand each other’s personalities, strengths, and weaknesses,” Ega noted.

The team prioritised face-to-face meetings and often shared meals after discussions. When disagreements arose, they employed a democratic approach. “We listened to every opinion without judgement or interruption, then discussed pros and cons in detail,” Ega recalled. “If we couldn’t agree on things, we voted. Once a decision was made, everyone collaborated to make things happen.”

SPAN mentors: guidance and experience

While Ega had direct experience in the energy and sustainability sector, most of his teammates did not – a factor that surprisingly worked to their advantage.

“The clients are focusing on their business every day; they may not be able to look beyond their problem,” explained Mr. Goh. “Since the SPAN group approaches the company’s operations without preconceived notions, they can critically assess opportunities with an open mind.”

To help maximise their project’s impact, the team welcomed the mentorship of Professor Sharon Ng, a marketing expert and Deputy Dean at NBS.

“SPAN mentors offer insights from their own experience and provide practical examples and advice on navigating challenges,” explained Mr. Goh. “Mentors also offer a sounding board for ideas, ensuring that participants make meaningful progress.”

Ega praised Prof. Ng’s guidance, which proved particularly crucial at pivotal moments. “She reminded us about the importance of managing client’s expectations,” he recalled. “Before our final presentation, she said we need to be prepared if judges ask questions about our early proposals that clients repudiated.”

This foresight proved invaluable when the judges did indeed question the team’s earlier focus on Thailand, prompting them to defend their eventual pivot to Malaysia.

Recommending a solution

The team took a systematic and strategic approach to the problem. “We analysed potential countries and sectors as well as the client’s internal capabilities,” Ega explained. “We then recommended a country and a sector that presented a big opportunity for CSV.”

Initially, the team recommended focusing on Thailand’s transportation sector. However, after extensive discussions with CSV, they shifted their focus to Malaysia’s power generation sector.

CSV’s managing director consulted directly with the team through regular bi-weekly meetings. A dedicated WhatsApp group facilitated constant communication and swift decision-making. Carolyn was crucial in maintaining this communication flow, ensuring the team and client were aligned.

“We provided them with three go-to-market strategy proposals, based on CSV’s value proposition as a pure-play sustainability advisor offering end-to-end bundled solutions,” Ega said.

The team even went the extra mile, by developing “Partnership Prototypes” that helped CSV identify high-impact opportunities and game out actionable strategies and frameworks to pursue them.

“The SPAN collaboration [helped] us validate and deepen our own business case and entry strategy… into a completely new market,” the client later wrote in their assessment of the team’s performance. “It allowed us to identify low-hanging fruits for immediate engagement – allowing us to optimise our potential investment into this new market.”

Post-SPAN Reflections

For team member Meta Yunita Pramasetio, the SPAN project was a transformative experience. “SPAN was a steep learning curve for me,” she reflected. “Although I was initially unfamiliar with the client”s industry and project, this experience accelerated my learning and adaptability within a short timeframe.”

Ega pondered the broader implications of their SPAN experience. “How can consultants with limited knowledge and expertise develop solutions to clients’ complex problems?” he mused. He found the answer in critical thinking – asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and identifying biases – and the ability to adapt to new circumstances with an open mind and a growth mindset.

Mr. Goh wasn’t surprised by the team’s success. “In every module, they learn a lot of case studies in a classroom setting. But in SPAN, they get to put their knowledge into good use, and all the soft skills come into play – negotiation, addressing objections, conflict resolution, and project management,” he said.

“SPAN is where they really get their hands dirty, where the rubber meets the road.”

For Nanyang MBA participants, the SPAN capstone project offers a pivotal chance to apply the curriculum’s business thinking and insights to ongoing business challenges – the ideal beginning to a lifelong career driving change in their respective industries.

Ready to learn more about Nanyang’s MBA programme and SPAN? Find out more here.

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.

How Nanyang Business School’s SPAN Projects Drive ESG Change in APAC

by Nanyang Business School | Dec 17, 2024 | Nanyang Executive MBA, Nanyang Fellows MBA, Nanyang MBA, Nanyang Professional MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA NANYANG FELLOWS MBA NANYANG MBA NANYANG PROFESSIONAL MBA

How Nanyang Business School’s SPAN Projects Drive ESG Change in APAC

With ESG and environmental impact becoming top-of-mind issues for the business world, businesses are scrambling to solve their most intractable sustainability issues. Some turn to Nanyang Business School (NBS)’s sharpest minds by sponsoring a team through Strategy Projects at Nanyang (SPAN).

As future business leaders themselves, NBS’s MBA participants hit the ground running on sustainability issues. Through SPAN, MBA participants learn about real sustainability problems from businesses, and work to create real, workable solutions for their sponsors.

“The SPAN programme offers Nanyang Business School’s MBA participants the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world business challenges,” explains SPAN academic director Goh Kia Hong. “This hands-on experience is invaluable, allowing participants to test their skills in a dynamic business environment.”

SPAN and why sustainability matters to the Nanyang Business School

The SPAN capstone module at NBS is a collaborative effort between sponsor companies and MBA participants. They work in teams over four months to address their sponsors’ real-life industry challenges through innovative thinking.

Sustainability has become an increasing concern for SPAN’s sponsor companies, driven by regulatory pressure and a recognition of sustainability as a significant growth driver. Following this trend, more SPAN projects have zeroed in on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) themes, emphasising the Southeast Asian context.

“Many sponsor companies are at different stages of incorporating sustainability,” explains Kia Hong. “Some are at the very beginning stages, while others have already implemented sustainability programmes but are facing growth or market penetration challenges.”

Kia Hong emphasises that SPAN is designed to solve real-world issues rather than theoretical problems. “We look for real consulting projects,” he explains. “We are very clear to the sponsor: we want a real project that keeps executives awake at night.”

What SPAN teams provide to sponsors

Every SPAN project gives a sponsor company access to a diverse and experienced team of MBA participants, who contribute meaningful and strategic benefits to the job.

1. Bringing in diverse, outside-in perspectives

Each SPAN team is intentionally composed of members with varied professional and cultural experiences. “The programme’s focus on diversity within teams enhances participants’ exposure to different perspectives,” explains Kia Hong.

This diversity, along with team members’ outsider perspectives on the sponsor’s industry, helps to spark fresh insights into sponsors’ problems. “That’s the intent of any SPAN project,” explains Dr. Rachel Ooi, an associate professor at Nanyang Business School and a veteran SPAN mentor. “We want them to co-create – to challenge the client while solving the same problem and thinking differently.”

The results are often quite surprising to the sponsor company. A SPAN team mentored by Rachel recommended that their palm oil business sponsor engage with stakeholders in the broader ESG ecosystem – an idea that had not occurred to the sponsor before.

“The CEO and C-suite team said that these were amazing outside-in perspectives that they could never have done by themselves,” shares Rachel. She adds that the client remarked, “You have connected me with the ecosystem of ESG that I am not aware of.”

2. Challenging assumptions and offering alternative solutions

Sponsor companies often fail to grasp the complexity of the sustainability landscape beyond their immediate operations. “Because the clients are doing it every day, they may be stuck with what they are already doing and may not be able to look beyond their problem,” explains Kia Hong.

“Let’s say a client is providing a carbon tracking system to the cacao-growing industry and is looking at growing to other industries. But, when you go outside, the value chain can be very different!”

By asking questions that insiders might overlook, SPAN teams often challenge assumptions and stimulate creative problem-solving.

For instance, one team signed up to work with a sponsor selling sustainable products to the hospitality industry. Noticing the saturated market for green products, the team suggested a strategic shift: “Why don’t you pivot your business strategy to one where you provide sustainability consulting?” Kia Hong recalls. “There will always be somebody who can sell a cheaper, more sustainable product. And then, you’re not giving value.”

Not every recommendation is positive; sometimes, difficult truths must be shared. “We tell the students: be honest!” says Kia Hong. “We cannot tell them only what they want to hear. They are actually quite impressed by the fact that we say no.”

3. Integrating technology to improve ESG performance

Emerging technologies designed to integrate sustainability data from various systems are increasingly driving improvements in ESG performance. SPAN teams actively engage with these technologies as part of their curriculum, and are thus well-equipped to advise sponsors on how to use them effectively.

SPAN teams work on a wide range of projects that combine technology and sustainability. Many sponsors’ SPAN projects frequently seek assistance integrating new technologies into their operations.

“Some of the past sustainability-related industry projects we have undertaken include digital transformation and decarbonisation strategy for the real estate industry in Southeast Asia; applying AI and foresight methodology to scenario analysis for the Philippine power industry; and a market study on hydrogen as a sustainable energy source,” Kia Hong explains.

What SPAN teams learn from the experience

The Nanyang Business School’s SPAN capstone module resonates with graduates long after they leave the programme. It not only fast-tracks their leadership and management training, but also gives them a deeper understanding of ESG principles and their application in real-world business settings.

It’s almost inevitable that SPAN programme members become sustainability advocates in their chosen careers.

“As more companies recognise the importance of sustainability, Nanyang Business School’s MBA graduates are well-positioned to drive ESG initiatives,” Kia Hong concludes. “Their experience from SPAN will enable them to advocate for impactful ESG policies, develop sustainable business models, and contribute to their organisations’ long-term success.”

Looking to make a difference? Find out more about the SPAN programme and learn about the Nanyang Business School’s capstone projects.

About Nanyang Business School

A premier business school within a leading technological university, Nanyang Business School (NBS) is the nexus of world-class innovation, research, and business education. At NBS, we inspire innovation through interdisciplinary exploration, cultivate culturally adept leadership, and champion sustainability-driven transformation.

Learn more about our graduate programmes here: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/business/admissions/graduate-studies

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