How the Nanyang Fellows MBA Reshaped Three Public Policy Professionals’ Careers

How the Nanyang Fellows MBA Reshaped Three Public Policy Professionals’ Careers

by | Mar 4, 2025 | Nanyang Fellows MBA

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NANYANG FELLOWS MBA

How the Nanyang Fellows MBA Reshaped Three Public Policy Professionals’ Careers

At a time when a year’s worth of historic events can unfold in the space of a week, public-sector officials are under heightened pressure to demonstrate agile leadership and a solid grasp of business strategy.

Individual moments of realisation convinced Muchamad Musyafa, Laarni Gandarosa, and Polapat Naphavaranonth to pursue the Nanyang Fellows MBA at Nanyang Business School (NBS). Seeking to broaden their influence on their respective countries’ national policy, they found the necessary insights and experience through their Nanyang Fellows MBA experience.

We asked these alumni to reflect on their time in the programme and explain its positive impact on their careers. 

 

Pivoting at the Right Time, to the Right Place

Each of our three alums encountered situations that highlighted the need for further upskilling within their chosen fields.

Laarni Gandarosa, a career foreign service officer for the Philippine government, saw in the Nanyang Fellows MBA a chance to fulfill her dream of studying abroad before turning 30. “I wanted to learn something new – away from the traditional world of diplomacy, but relevant enough to make me competitive in the foreign service if I chose to stay in my diplomatic career later on,” she explained.

Muchamad Musyafa, on the other hand, was a technical manager at GMF AeroAsia, an Indonesian aircraft maintenance company. He had an “a-ha” moment while managing a challenging aircraft recovery project.

“The critical importance of strategic leadership and a broader understanding of global business dynamics made it clear to me that pursuing an MBA was the natural next step to enhance my impact,” he recalled.

For Polapat Naphavaranonth, a longtime executive at the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), reaching the mid-point of his career motivated him to test his capabilities through the Nanyang Fellows MBA.

“Being at a career crossroads and seeking another level of achievement, I knew I had to take that first step out of my comfort zone,” he explained. “But, the big question on my mind was: How?”

 

Singapore and the Nanyang Fellows MBA: The Logical Choice

Launched in 1998, the Nanyang Fellows MBA aims to elevate and transform Southeast Asia’s public sector. Every year, a small cohort joins a programme that tackles the latest business and technology insights, as well as contemporary public policy issues.

Musyafa, for one, chose the Nanyang Fellows MBA for its blend of leadership and public policy, which is perfect for his goals at Nabitu, a Sharia-compliant P2P crowdfunding platform.

“The programme’s focus on fostering national transformation and public sector innovation resonated with my goal of supporting Indonesia’s financial inclusion and ethical investment priorities,” he explained.

For Polapat, signing up was a no-brainer. “I was offered a full scholarship for the Nanyang Fellows MBA Programme under the ASEAN Scholarship scheme,” he explained. This perk is offered only to ASEAN citizens committed to contributing to the wider regional community.

For Laarni, Singapore’s familiarity to her was a major motivator for signing up. “Singapore is my second home,” she shared. “Nanyang Technological University is a top 50 school in the world, and being part of it was a great opportunity that I did not want to miss.” 

 

One Year to Change One’s Career Trajectory

Programme participants can take the Nanyang Fellows MBA full-time over one year or part-time over two years, which is ideal for public-sector executives who must balance studies with career obligations.

“The full-time format allowed me to fully dedicate myself to the programme without the distractions of a full-time job,” Musyafa explained. His wife provided crucial support during his stint at the MBA. “She was also pursuing her PhD during the same period, which created a unique dynamic where we were both deeply immersed in our respective academic pursuits,” he recalled.

For Laarni, the duration of the one-year programme made complete sense. “I did not want to be away from work that long, and I wanted a whole new learning experience,” she shared. “I had never taken a business course during my undergraduate years, so the MBA programme posed a steep learning curve. Although the programme was academically rigorous, I managed my studies by working closely with my classmates.”

 

What They Took Away from Their “Adaptive MBA”

Polapat entered the programme with two master’s degrees already under his belt. Compared to those previous programmes, “the Nanyang Fellows MBA didn’t feel like a traditional MBA programme,” he said.

“It’s not just about studying accounting, marketing, personnel management, or economics,” he recalled. “Instead, the Nanyang Fellows MBA is an adaptive MBA – the programme provides new and emerging courses that haven’t been offered elsewhere.”

For instance, the Cultural Intelligence module helped him collaborate more closely with investors and other Thailand BOI stakeholders. “We’ve historically paid little attention to the cultural distinctions between different investor groups,” he recalled. “I now use my cultural intelligence learning as a best practice to help foster a better understanding of cultural differences.”

Musyafa, for his part, uses insights from the Business Negotiation module to craft win-win solutions. “It’s been indispensable in my role at Nabitu,” he shared.

“When negotiating funding terms with project owners, I applied these principles so that agreements meet both our ethical standards and the financial objectives of all parties involved,” he explained. “This not only fostered stronger relationships, but also enhanced trust and collaboration, which are critical in the fintech industry.” 

 

Learning Outside the Classroom

Programme participants quickly learned that classroom discussions made up only a fraction of the Nanyang Fellows MBA experience.

“A standout moment was a leadership talk by Mr. Lim Siong Guan,” Musyafa recalled. “His emphasis on leading with vision, purpose, and values deeply resonated with me and has greatly influenced my approach to leadership at Nabitu.”

Polapat, for his part, made the most out of all available learning experiences outside the classroom. A Business Study Mission (BSM) took Polapat to the Middle East. “We learned how countries that embedded a strong risk culture into their policy frameworks tend to become viable hotbeds for technological innovation,” he recalled.

The capstone SPAN project connected Polapat’s team with Sport Singapore (SportSG), a government agency that develops the country’s sports ecosystem. Like his BSM, the SPAN project put lessons from other countries to work in a Southeast Asia setting.

“We researched cultural mindsets in countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada to identify potential policy frameworks that could help our client bring sports activities into the limelight,” he recalled.

 

The Challenge Is Worth the Rewards

As our alums discovered firsthand, the Nanyang Fellows MBA is an effective launchpad for influential leadership in a fast-paced world. For those ready to make the jump, the journey can be both demanding and deeply rewarding.

Polapat encourages future candidates to make full use of the facilities at NBS. “The campus has excellent resources, like well-equipped libraries, career fairs, and even startup incubators,” he explained. “These resources can enhance their learning experience significantly, and it’s an opportunity they shouldn’t miss.”

Musyafa shares similar advice. “The programme is rich with opportunities that can greatly enhance your personal and professional growth. But the key here is to actively engage and make the most of them,” he said.

For one, he advises future candidates to take advantage of the programme’s unique offerings, such as the international segments at Tsinghua University and UC Berkeley. “These are rare opportunities to gain global insights, so prepare well to maximise your learning,” he added.

Musyafa also reminds future aspirants: “While the journey is undoubtedly challenging, it is also immensely rewarding. With dedication and an open heart, you can make the most of this exceptional experience.”

To learn more about the Nanyang Fellows MBA, click here.

 

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From Zero-Sum to Win-Win: Reframing Negotiations

From Zero-Sum to Win-Win: Reframing Negotiations

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Nanyang Professional MBA

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NANYANG PROFESSIONAL MBA

From Zero-Sum to Win-Win: Reframing Negotiations

Whether you’re trying to win a well-earned promotion or closing an important deal, you need negotiation skills to advance in the professional world.

Many people think that good negotiators are born, not made. This is not true, says Prof Lum Kit Wye, who teaches negotiation for Nanyang Business School’s Professional MBA (PMBA). She believes that good negotiation skills can be learned and honed.

“We’re all born with an innate ability to negotiate,” Prof Lum begins. “Whatever our innate level is, having a structured framework will help elevate your negotiation skills. So, if you think you are not good, you can be better. If you are good, you can be great. And if you are great, you can be even greater!”

According to Prof Lum, some key concepts set the foundation for a good negotiation. Anyone who wants to develop the negotiator skill set can apply these principles and get results. 

 

1. Creating value for both sides

A common misconception is that negotiation is a zero-sum game. Prof Lum challenges this perception by using the Harvard interest-based negotiation model in her classes – where negotiation shifts from merely being about the distribution of value to becoming about the creation of value.

“We’re not just here to divide a pie. We first think about how to bake a pie that is as big as possible to share,” Prof Lum explains.

By focusing on value creation, the framework helps PMBA participants move beyond a win-lose mentality in negotiation. From day one of her course, Prof Lum conducts exercises designed to let participants experience an ‘aha’ moment where they realise that negotiation isn’t necessarily zero-sum. Ultimately, the distribution of value must feel fair and therefore legitimate to both parties in the negotiation.

 

2. Listening to drive better outcomes

The key to deriving the most value for all parties is knowing what the other side wants. Most people enter a negotiation hyper-focused on what they want from the deal, neglecting to consider what the other side wishes to gain.

“If we don’t focus on what the other person wants, we won’t know how to package our proposal in a way that’s attractive to them,” Prof Lum explains. “Finding out what makes a deal attractive to the other party is actually advantageous for us.”

One of the skills necessary for good negotiation is active listening or listening to understand. “Active listening is not just hearing the words, but really understanding what they’re saying. This goes beyond just hearing the words that are used – it includes hearing the emotions underlying the words,” Prof Lum explains.

Listening also means leaving our biases at the door. “We often only hear the words that agree with what we think we already know—everything else we filter out,” Prof Lum continues. “When you do that, you are not getting the correct message.”

Listening also shouldn’t be for the purpose of rebuttal. “When we listen to rebut, we miss the entire message, and we’re not keeping an open mind,” says Prof Lum. The conversation can become counterproductive, devolving into arguments and counterarguments with no real resolution.

Ultimately, listening well helps everyone reach a mutually beneficial arrangement. “The more you can find out about the needs of both parties, the more you’re able to dovetail solutions in a way that maximises gains for both parties,” Prof Lum shares.

 

3. Seeing things from the other side

It’s not just about listening but also letting the other party feel heard. Nods, short affirmative sounds (mm-hmmm), or paraphrasing what has been said helps reassure the other party that their message is landing. “This builds rapport and trust,” shares Prof Lum. That rapport and trust are key to reaching a resolution where both sides are happy.

It’s common for negotiations to run awry and for tempers to flare. In such cases, Prof Lum advises to remain level-headed and not take things personally. “If both parties are upset, then there’s no voice of reason in the room,” she counsels wisely.

To diffuse the tension, Prof Lum suggests letting the other party vent, then acknowledging their views. “Try to see the world from their perspective,” she advises. “Articulate why they’re emotional, like saying, ‘I understand that this situation is upsetting for you.’ It makes them feel that you do see what they’re going through.”

Acknowledgement gives the other party a sense of being heard and valued. It’s not agreement but recognising the other party’s concerns as legitimate. This shows empathy and helps both sides feel like they’re working towards the same thing. “If the person feels that you are unreasonable and greedy, the tendency is for that person to dig in deeper,” Prof Lum shares. “If they dislike you enough, even if the deal is actually good for them, they may say no to you just because they can’t stand you!”

 

Putting principles into practice

Being aware of negotiation theory is different from actually putting it into practice. In her classes, Prof Lum relies on role plays to build PMBA participants’ negotiation skills. “Instead of just being able to articulate the concepts, students have the opportunity to actually demonstrate them,” she explains. “I tell my students to immerse themselves into the role play so they can get the most learning out of it.”

Prof Lum’s negotiation classes expose PMBA participants to various scenarios, giving them a feel for how things could play out in real life. Some role plays focus on conflict, where parties come in already very angry with each other. Another negotiation brings in cultural elements. “I also have negotiation role plays that are not two-party but multi-party negotiations. With different scenarios and situations, they get a mix of opportunities to apply what they know theoretically,” Prof Lum shares.

In her over ten years of teaching negotiation, Prof Lum has had some PMBA alumni return with their own success stories. “Former students come back to me and say, ‘I got this job with a really good deal. I think it’s because of the framework that you taught us,’” she shares. Other alumni would talk about dealings with suppliers, and how the discussion evolved from simple price wars to new partnerships and business ventures.

“Through conversations with their negotiation counterparties, they became aware of opportunities for collaboration that would create greater value for both parties,” Prof Lum recounts. “They say it happened because they sat down and asked the counterparty what their challenges were, instead of just focusing the negotiation on price alone. They’ve learned to bake a bigger pie, and I’m glad they’re reaping the benefits.”

 

About the Nanyang Business School Professional MBA

The Nanyang Professional MBA (PMBA) is a part-time program for mid-career professionals who want to elevate their skills and knowledge to become T-shaped leaders. PMBA students gain skills with real-world relevance through case studies, study trips, hands-on projects, and simulations through classes conducted over alternate weekends. Learn more about the Nanyang PMBA today. 

 

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From Surgeon to Business Strategist: Dr. Chai Young Jun’s Journey Through the Nanyang Fellows MBA

From Surgeon to Business Strategist: Dr. Chai Young Jun’s Journey Through the Nanyang Fellows MBA

by | Feb 17, 2025 | Nanyang Fellows MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

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NANYANG FELLOWS MBA

From Surgeon to Business Strategist: Dr. Chai Young Jun’s Journey Through the Nanyang Fellows MBA

Fifteen years into his clinical career, Dr. Chai Young Jun found himself at a crossroads: how could he ensure the success of his medical startups, given that his solely medical background far outweighed his practical business experience?

By 2022, Dr. Chai was balancing entrepreneurship with clinical duties. At Seoul National University (SNU) Boramae Medical Center, Dr. Chai was (and still is) a respected professor and endocrine surgeon, with over 160 medical articles to his name.

He was making headway in the medical startup sector as well, taking up roles as Chief Strategic Officer at multigene assay kit developer DCGEN; and as Medical Managing Director at ZeroOne AI, a startup pioneering artificial intelligence’s use to support clinical decision-making.

“At DCGEN, I help develop next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based genomic diagnostic tools for thyroid disorders. At Zeroone AI, I oversee strategies for integrating AI into healthcare,” he shared.

His startup experiences exposed the challenges of managing businesses with a solely medical background. “It was difficult without sufficient finance and business knowledge, something doctors may lack,” he explained. Dr. Chai felt he needed to supplement his knowledge about the biotech ecosystem, particularly in areas like finance and human resources.

“Practical experience was crucial to truly understanding these concepts,” he recalled. “This led me to pursue an MBA to gain both knowledge and hands-on experience. It was an easy decision to choose the Nanyang Fellows MBA, given its global reputation and alignment with my professional goals.” 

 

The logical choice

Launched in 1998 by Dr Tony Tan, the then-serving Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, the Nanyang Fellows MBA was designed to elevate and rejuvenate Asia’s public sector. Its mission made the Nanyang Fellows MBA a logical choice for Dr. Chai, in more ways than one.

First, he hoped that the programme would allow him to expand his professional horizons.

“Before the MBA, my focus was on education, research, and patient care. I had no experience managing company employees or hospital administrative staff,” Dr. Chai explained. He expected the Nanyang Fellows MBA to help him “take a more strategic view of challenges,” given his divergent clinical and entrepreneurial roles.

Secondly, Dr. Chai hoped to minimise time away from work, given the MBA’s one-year duration. “I wanted a full-time MBA programme to fully immerse myself and build strong networks with peers,” he explained. “As a mid-career physician in my 40s, there are very few globally renowned MBA programmes offering a one-year, full-time format.”

Finally, Dr. Chai appreciated the MBA programme’s location in Singapore, a global leader in the healthcare technology (healthtech) sector. In 2022, the year he joined the Nanyang Fellows MBA, healthtech investments in Singapore totalled a value of US$643 million, with 22 deals on record.

“For medical-related startups looking to expand globally, Singapore offers unparalleled opportunities to learn about global standards for fundraising, regulation, networking with medical professionals, and strategies for entering the Southeast Asian market,” explained Dr. Chai.

 

Expanding his perspective

The Nanyang Fellows MBA was an eye-opener for Dr. Chai. Its insights on business operations felt “new and fascinating” for someone whose training was firmly grounded in clinical practice.

From a previous focus on education, research, and patient care, Dr. Chai realised that the Nanyang Fellows MBA’s modules prepared him to contribute to the development of hospital organisations.

“The Cultural Intelligence module highlighted the pitfalls of rigid organisational cultures,” he explained. “I now avoid micromanaging and strive to grant autonomy while motivating my team.

“For example, I am working to reduce the amount of input from senior staff during meetings and encourage more open communication through one-on-one meetings between senior and junior staff.”

Dr. Chai found the Talent Management module to be particularly impactful. “It taught me how to improve employee performance and create organisational culture,” he recalled. For instance, the class discussed how to motivate public sector employees, where financial incentives are not always available.

“These lessons gave me valuable insights into managing employees, solving organisational challenges, and fulfilling my role as a leader within the hospital,” he told us.

 

Coming full-circle

Having completed the MBA in 2023, Dr. Chai has since brought the insights from the Nanyang Fellows MBA into his clinical and entrepreneurial work.

Within a year of his return to SNU Boramae Medical Center, Dr. Chai was appointed as the hospital’s Director of External Affairs and Development, adding administrative responsibilities to his clinical and research duties. “In this leadership role, I now manage administrative staff for the first time, rather than just medical professionals,” he explained.

He also gained an additional role as medical advisor at VentureBlick, a Singapore-based platform that matches healthcare startups with medical investors. “I am also an investor, and serve as a consultant for medical startups,” he explained.

His Nanyang Fellows MBA experience has convinced Dr. Chai that clear vision and strategy lays the groundwork for optimal organisational management.

“Having a clear sense of purpose significantly impacts not only an organisation’s performance, but also its morale,” he explained. “As a result, I place great emphasis on communicating a vision to employees at both SNU and my startups. Beyond simply highlighting the vision, I also share specific strategies to achieve it.”

Finally, Dr. Chai looks forward to enhancing his standing in the international healthcare community, thanks to the exposure to Singapore’s startup ecosystem facilitated by the Nanyang Fellows MBA.

“South Korea is a relatively small market on a global scale,” he explained. “My MBA experience in Singapore provided opportunities to meet a diverse group of exceptional individuals – these networks have become a bridge, helping me extend beyond Korea to the global stage.”

 

About the Nanyang Fellows MBA

Public service professionals like Dr. Chai Young-Jun have found their careers transformed by the Nanyang Fellows MBA: a leading full-time (one-year) or part-time (two-year) MBA programme designed to elevate and transform the public sector.

Each year, a select group of about 35-40 international participants join the Nanyang Fellows MBA. The specially curated programme brings together cutting-edge business knowledge, digitalisation strategies, and contemporary public policy issues, in a single interconnected curriculum.

Get ready to lift your career to new heights: visit our website, the Nanyang Fellows MBA, and discover how the Nanyang Fellows MBA can transform you into the public sector leader you aspire to be.

 

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From Novice To CPA With An MSc In Accountancy

From Novice To CPA With An MSc In Accountancy

by | Jan 27, 2025 | MSc Accountancy

Graduate Studies Blog

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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.

 

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

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

by | Jan 20, 2025 | MSc Marketing Science

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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.

Anastasia Irene Handoyo
“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.”

Vy Thuy Quynh (Quincy)
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.

 

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