Leading with values – Gabriel’s journey of lifelong learning and community service

Leading with values – Gabriel’s journey of lifelong learning and community service

by | Jul 1, 2024 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

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NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Leading with values – Gabriel’s journey of lifelong learning and community service

Gabriel Lam manages operations for one of Singapore’s busiest family-run logistics companies – but it could have been very different had he followed his initial passion.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of logistics firm Shalom Movers once aimed for a career as a hotelier. However, his plans changed when he returned to Singapore in 2007 after earning his travel industry management business degree.

“My path was to go into the hospitality industry, not the family business, but there was a need for me to step in,” he tells us.

Shalom Movers was founded in 1982 by his father. He and his brother Gideon – now the company’s CEO – got involved early on. “Growing up in a family business, you knew that you play a part one way or the other,” Gabriel recalls.

Having risen to a key position in Shalom Movers, Gabriel realised he needed to improve his skills to enable better the company’s positive impact on his workforce and society. 

Aligned with professional and personal values

By 2020, Gabriel Lam chose to embark on the Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA), a decision catalysed by what he describes as “a series of events.”

First, he received a Skillsfuture fellowship in 2019, which included an incentive to upskill through two short courses. “I wanted something more impactful,” he recalls – instead of two courses, Gabriel wanted to pursue a full programme that aligned with both his professional commitments and his values.

“After comparing my options, I felt that the Nanyang EMBA programme suited me best,” he explains. “It allowed the flexibility to continue with my work, stay close to my family, and perform my other duties and commitments.”

More importantly, “the courses are also regularly refreshed to stay relevant to the current climate,” Gabriel recalls. The modules covered many topics close to his entrepreneurial heart, from business negotiations to cultural intelligence and leadership. 

 

Applying Nanyang EMBA’s lessons in sustainability

One particular module left an outsized impression on Gabriel: corporate sustainability. The module was grounded in one of the Nanyang Business School core principles, “transform for sustainability“, reflecting the institution’s conscientious approach towards addressing broader societal issues.

Gabriel took Nanyang EMBA’s sustainability lessons to heart and applied them to Shalom Movers’ operations.

Sustainability was already a good fit for Shalom Movers: the company actively nurtures a culture of family and inclusivity. “My parents actually started this, and I merely helped to cultivate it,” Gabriel says.

In Gabriel’s view, sustainability breaks down into environmental and social factors. Shalom Movers has made significant headway on its environmental impact, promoting green practices in its day-to-day processes.

“We are more aware of our carbon footprint and how to reduce it,” Gabriel explains. “Shalom uses green warehouses where we reuse, recycle, and repurpose. We have also planted trees, aligning with Singapore’s goal to plant a million trees.”

 

Lifelong learning, from C-suite to lower ranks

About sustainability’s social factor, “we have been practising inclusive hiring for some time,” Gabriel explains, pointing to Shalom Movers’ proactive stance in employing individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

Shalom Movers also actively participates in social programmes like the Yellow Ribbon Project – an initiative that helps rebuild ex-convicts’ lives by giving them a fresh career start. “It’s done in a nurturing ecosystem, where mentors and myself are involved in their rehabilitation journey,” Gabriel says.

Additionally, Shalom pursues “Lifelong Learning” as a core value, which translates to ongoing upskilling and job redesign programmes for its employees.

The training calendar is overseen by a chief learning curator who “does a learning-needs analysis that recommends courses according to the staff’s interests,” Gabriel explains.

The spirit of continuous learning permeates every level of Shalom Movers. By actively pursuing upskilling programmes, managers can “motivate the other rank and file staff to upskill,” Gabriel explains. 

 

Transforming with technology in a traditional industry

Gabriel also took the Nanyang EMBA’s insights on technology and digital transformation to heart. The Nanyang EMBA’s overseas segment at the University of California (Berkeley), US, had given him an invaluable immersion in the Silicon Valley tech landscape.

“You have to think out of the box in Silicon Valley and understand that there are many different ways things can be done,” Gabriel recalls. “That’s essential for learning to be a leader.”

Gabriel understood that technology would be crucial in revolutionising Shalom Movers’ operations. “We were one of the first movers in the industry,” Gabriel recalls; Shalom Movers had embraced digitalisation long before his competitors and is now developing in-house tools and expertise to unlock new avenues for customer engagement.

Surprisingly, Gabriel has paired this technology-forward approach with some surprising insights from his original career passion. “Over time, we’ve also incorporated elements of the hospitality industry into the business – for example, in customer service and people management,” he tells us.

 

Leaning on pillars of support

Gabriel understood the Nanyang EMBA journey would have its challenges –sacrificing precious sleep and adjusting family schedules among them. He found the ability to soldier on with plenty of “support from four strong pillars: my faith, my family, my colleagues and my friends.”

Gabriel also cherished the Nanyang EMBA’s enduring cohort connections. These bonds provided academic support and camaraderie; their conversations helped “stretch my thinking and make me question my decisions a little more,” Gabriel says. “Even now, years after completion, we still have regular monthly breakfasts together.”

Gabriel notes that some in his cohort share his love for lifelong learning – “many have gone on to enrol for more courses,” he tells us. Gabriel has since earned Public Leadership Credentials at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government post-Nanyang EMBA.

 

Gabriel's quote

 

From grassroots to a more thoughtful leadership

Outside the office, Gabriel has invested significant time and effort in making a positive impact for his fellow Singaporeans.

During the pandemic, Gabriel helped set up the Chong Pang Digital Initiative, which distributed refurbished laptops to students facing challenges in their home-based learning. His work on this project and others within Nee Soon GRC earned Gabriel the Public Service Medal (Covid-19).

These accolades and the outcomes he’s driven at Shalom Movers showcase the profound impact of lifelong learning supported by an ethical point of view. Reflecting on his journey, Gabriel acknowledges the transformative effect of the Nanyang Executive MBA, noting, “It has made me a better leader, a more caring leader, a more thoughtful leader.”

For executives looking to follow in his footsteps, Gabriel underscores the indispensable role of support from friends, family, and colleagues. “To succeed, I think strong support is needed,” he asserts.

 

About the Nanyang Executive MBA 

The Nanyang EMBA provides seasoned business leaders like Gabriel with the essential tools for purposeful leadership in today’s hyper-connected economy. Its part-time format allows for integration with work commitments, enabling focused attention on both career and education. The programme’s flexibility, spanning from 13 months to two years, caters to diverse professional demands, ensuring no compromise on career advancement.

Visit our website at https://bit.ly/NanyangExecMBA or download the brochure to learn more about the programme and available funding options.

 

Download the Nanyang Executive MBA brochure

Click here to learn more about the Nanyang Executive MBA programme or contact us at execmba@ntu.edu.sg.

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Evolving in the Face of Change

Evolving in the Face of Change

by | Jul 1, 2024 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

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NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Evolving in the Face of Change

Even with 20-plus years of experience in the semiconductor industry, NTU alumnus Loon Keong Lew felt there was still much room to grow and learn.

After decades overseeing quality control at the world-leading memory manufacturer Micron, he’s taking on an expanded role as Senior Director for Global Quality at Micron Technology, leading quality improvements in the manufacturing environment.

Nonetheless, Loon Keong felt he needed to fill a few knowledge gaps and expand his understanding of other factors that affect the semiconductor business. This includes mastery of the financial impact on the supply chain and the dynamic nature of artificial intelligence, amongst many different things.

“I thought my business acumen was something I should continue to develop,” he tells us.

Beyond on-the-job learning, Loon Keong felt he needed a more structured learning environment governed by a comprehensive curriculum. He decided the Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA) programme was the right fit.

 

Invaluable lessons beyond the classroom

The programme’s innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum and the institution’s exceptional standing in global university rankings year after year, made it an obvious choice for Loon Keong. Nanyang Business School is a premier business school within Nanyang Technological University, which ranks 15th globally in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.

The Nanyang EMBA’s overseas segments also played a part in sealing the decision. Nanyang EMBA participants spend a few weeks learning at the University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley), USA, and Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management (Tsinghua), China.

Through these segments, EMBA participants gain direct access to the professors, insights and learning environments of two leading universities in both East and West. “We get to listen and interact with business leaders in the US and China,” Loon Keong explains. “We’re able to understand their perspectives, giving us real-world insights about the current business climate.”

In the Tsinghua segment, Loon Keong was exposed to China’s innovative business ecosystem. Nanyang EMBA participants studied the interrelationships between the government and private sectors and explored how Chinese government decisions have impacted major international business decisions.

“I can appreciate the thinking process behind government actions,” Loon Keong shares. “That actually helped me react and explain those decisions to my team.”

Loon Keong shares. “That actually helped me react and explain those decisions to my team.”

 

Reshaping leadership approaches

At UC Berkeley, Loon Keong participated in a leadership accelerator module giving him “a better understanding of why my leadership style is the way it is, and what I can change to be a better leader,” Loon Keong explained.

Loon Keong’s previous leadership style reflected a traditional Asian tendency to avoid conflict and shy away from confrontation. At the leadership accelerator, he learned that a bit of conflict was necessary to spark innovation within his team. “That was an ‘aha’ moment for me,” he says.

Both segments “definitely gave me very real-world insights about the current business climate,” Loon Keong says, a particularly valuable takeaway given his industry’s VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) business environment.

“The semiconductor business is very fast-paced, dynamic, and even unpredictable,” he explains, using the example of generative AI. “Two years ago, nobody even thought about that,” he recalls. “Suddenly, this trend starts picking up and affecting everyone, including my company! As a leader, how do we prepare our workforce for it?”

 

Thinking outside his department

Three modules in the Nanyang EMBA stood out the most to Loon Keong due to their relevance to his career: Knowledge and Technology Management, led by Prof. Vijay Sethi; Cultural Intelligence, taught by Prof. Ng Kok-Yee, and Talent Management, led by Prof. Olexander Chernyshenko.

“Knowledge and Technology Management taught us what kind of business logic we should apply based on different situations,” he explains. “Cultural Intelligence prepared me to navigate through different cultural situations, while Talent Management changed my perspective on internships and showed me how it’s one way to build up human capital quickly.

“Cultural Intelligence prepared me to navigate different cultural situations, while Talent Management changed my perspective on internships and showed me how it’s one way to build up human capital quickly.”

Modules like these have helped Loon Keong to think beyond his forte in quality control and study other angles, including the industry’s supply chain and financial aspects. As a Senior Director, he acknowledges how important it is to consider different points of view on board, not just his own.

“By being able to appreciate their pain points and all these things, I’m able to provide a better solution to address the needs from all sides,” he asserts.

 

Learn, unlearn and relearn

In the ever-changing semiconductor industry, professionals must be committed to upgrading their skills to move with the times. Loon Keong has been leading the charge for upskilling at Micron and taking it further by encouraging colleagues and direct reports to consider joining the Nanyang EMBA programme.

“After the EMBA, I was able to share the things that I learned, which I find very useful,” he says. “I think that prompted them to consider taking up the EMBA as well.”

As an added incentive, Loon Keong tells them about Micron’s Advanced Education Program for upskilling, which underscores the company’s commitment to providing opportunities for higher learning and continuous employee development. Through such arrangements, employees can worry less about the financial aspects and focus more on the Nanyang EMBA experience.

When asked what advice he offers colleagues who wish to follow in his footsteps, Loon Keong emphasizes how the Nanyang EMBA is about challenging one’s assumptions.

 

Loon Keong's quote

About the Nanyang Executive MBA 

The Nanyang EMBA has allowed working executives to gain the insights, skills and knowledge they need to stay agile and relevant in this fast-paced business climate.

This 13-month part-time programme serves more senior executives looking for more flexibility in terms of schedule, with the option to stretch the programme duration to two years to meet work demands.

To learn more about the programme and the funding options available, visit our website or download the brochure to find out more. ###

 

Download the Nanyang Executive MBA brochure

Click here to learn more about the Nanyang Executive MBA programme or contact us at execmba@ntu.edu.sg.

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Global Leadership: A Japanese Executive’s Journey

Global Leadership: A Japanese Executive’s Journey

by | Jul 1, 2024 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

Global Leadership: A Japanese Executive’s Journey

NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Global Leadership: A Japanese Executive’s Journey

5 minutes to read

In a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, and hyperconnectivity (VUCAH), staying ahead of industry disruption depends on constant learning.

For Masato Suematsu, Chairman of ADK Global Thailand and head of strategy for ADK’s entire APAC operation, VUCAH is something he deals with every day. As a Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA) alumnus, he’s particularly well-prepared to deal with it, too.

As chairman of ADK Thailand Group, Masato oversees his Bangkok-based ad agency’s “big picture” factors like profits and losses, and also nurtures a newly-formed boutique ad agency, SCRUM. As chief strategy officer of the ADK Global network (what he calls his “night job”), Masato oversees client and corporate strategy for a sprawling regional advertising network.

Masato rose to his position just as the hyper-fragmented digital media landscape disrupted the global “traditional media” status quo. How was he able to stay on top of these changes – and how did the Nanyang EMBA help him reap major dividends from this disruption?

 

Media landscape shifting under their feet

Masato’s present roles feel far removed from his previous job as a media planner at ADK’s Tokyo headquarters., “In the early 2010s, I was in a position to plan and develop marketing strategies for many national brands in Japan,” Masato recalls.

Even then, Masato recognised that the media terrain was rapidly digitalising – changing the rules of the game. “A lot of social media touchpoints were booming – like TikTok, Facebook, and X,” Masato tells us. “And they’re all fragmented.”

Traditional agencies like ADK were at increasing risk of falling behind, as the shift to digital platforms required a radically different approach to media strategy and placement.

“We have to think about how we can incorporate digital media into our new solutions, not just relying on revenue from mass media,” Masato recalls. “So I started to consider the next step for my career.”

At work, Masato’s advocacy for the planning function caught the attention of ADK’s Chief Strategy Officer. “He offered me the chance to study abroad, with the company sponsoring me to pursue an MBA,” Masato explains.

In a bit of good timing, ADK had just established ADK Global to oversee its branch offices throughout the Asia-Pacific. The new group had established its headquarters in Singapore, prompting Masato to focus on his MBA options there. “In Singapore, I’d get a good opportunity for both studying and working,” he explains. “This naturally led me to Nanyang Business School’s EMBA programme.”

 

Bridging cultural gaps

With its intercultural on-campus immersion and carefully-crafted modules, the Nanyang EMBA manages to give participants like Masato a well-rounded perspective that expands on their executive experience.

The Cultural Intelligence module, for example, demystifies the factors behind interpersonal cultural differences, while empowering EMBA participants to bridge these gaps in their respective organisations.

Cultural intelligence comes into play every time Masato networks with individual branch offices in APAC. “When I brief the team in Singapore, I have to be very clear on the scope of work, and define everything in detail,” Masato explains. “But the Thai team needs space to think about it by themselves.

“The brief is the same, but I have to talk in a different way for each,” Masato tells us. “I consider cultural intelligence to be essential for those in a leadership position in business within Asia, or aspiring to be.”

 

Silicon Valley: entrepreneurship and energy

The Nanyang EMBA also includes international modules at top global universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, and Tsinghua University in China. Through these modules, EMBA participants see first-hand how the world’s largest economies are conceived and run.

Even now, Masato fondly recalls his time at UC Berkeley, and “the energy of ambitious individuals from Silicon Valley.” Here, he learned that entrepreneurship doesn’t always look like one person building a business from scratch: it can also look like a large company rebuilding business models or developing new products and services.

“In any large corporate group, the growth of existing businesses eventually reaches a plateau,” he says. “Before that happens, it is crucial to sow the seeds of new businesses – with some of them growing into future core businesses.”

Masato put this principle to work recently, as he oversaw two M&A projects in the APAC region. The target acquisitions managed the lower part of the customer funnel, complementing ADK’s traditional focus “on the top of the funnel – acquiring potential customers.”

 

Putting the Nanyang EMBA experience to work

Since completing the EMBA programme in 2017, Masato has been able to put its lessons to work on a regular basis.

Upon his appointment as CEO of ADK Thailand, Masato realised that a single client was responsible for over 80% of the agency’s revenue — “eventually, they’re going to stop or they’re going to decrease spending,” he explains, which actually came true before the ink on his appointment papers had dried.

It was a tough time to start restructuring an agency. The pandemic was in full swing: not an ideal time to pitch for new clients or replace long-standing staff. Indeed, the company experienced significant losses as Masato hired new talent more suitable for future business.

Today, as a result of Masato’s restructuring efforts, ADK Thailand’s talent and client portfolio are far healthier. “Our reliance on that particular client is now decreasing from 80% to 50%,” he says. “It’s still high but it’s good.”

 

How executives benefit from the Nanyang EMBA

Masato believes the Nanyang EMBA programme can be quite beneficial to Japanese executives, particularly those who want to explore careers and opportunities outside of their homeland.

“I think the best fit is someone who has an interest in growing their business in Asia – someone interested in this emerging market region,” he explains. “The diversity of the cohort and the focus on Cultural Intelligence in Nanyang EMBA enables you to communicate beyond cultural barriers.

“The various frameworks you will learn will assist you in sharing your tacit knowledge as formalised knowledge within the organisation. And the network you build will support you when applying what you have learned in the Asian market,” he concludes.

To truly succeed in one’s Nanyang EMBA programme, participants should, in his opinion, “create their own opportunities for practical application, in addition to the excellent learning opportunities,” he says. “By doing so, the return on your investment in yourself will be even greater.”

 

About the Nanyang Executive MBA 

The Nanyang EMBA provides seasoned business leaders like Masato with the essential tools for purposeful leadership in today’s hyper connected economy. Its part-time format allows for integration with work commitments, enabling focused attention on both career and education. The programme’s flexibility, spanning from 13 months to two years, caters to diverse professional demands, ensuring no compromise on career advancement.

Visit our website at https://bit.ly/NanyangExecMBA or download the brochure to learn more about the programme and available funding options.

 

Download the Nanyang Executive MBA brochure

Click here to learn more about the Nanyang Executive MBA programme or contact us at execmba@ntu.edu.sg.

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Nanyang EMBA

Leadership Development

Japanese Alumni

Global Leadership

Master Global Leadership & Cultural Dexterity with the Nanyang Executive MBA

Master Global Leadership & Cultural Dexterity with the Nanyang Executive MBA

by | Jun 11, 2024 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

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NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Master Global Leadership & Cultural Dexterity with the Nanyang Executive MBA

Effective leadership requires more than strong communication skills in today’s volatile business landscape. To thrive, adopting a global mindset is more vital than ever. 

This is the perspective Yoshigou Fujii plans to take with him as he finishes up his Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA). As Vice President and Executive Officer of software solutions provider SAP Japan, Yoshigou Fujii is part of a new generation of leaders in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and he hopes to see more Japanese executives joining him in this group. 

“Japan’s total revenues are 30% of SAP APAC’s crucial market,” he explains. “However, only three Japanese people are leaders.”

This is a situation he hopes to reverse. And thanks to his newly minted Nanyang EMBA, he now has the tools he needs to bring that outcome about. “I hope to create an environment where SAP Japan members can have a stronger presence and play a greater role in shaping the future,” he shared at the start of the programme.

Now that he’s nearing the finish line, how much has he learned since the last time we talked to him, and what are his plans for the future? 

Adjusting Leadership Style for a Global Setting

As he completes the final stages of the Nanyang EMBA, Yoshigou reflects on how the course has helped him contextualise his management and leadership style for a larger, more global setting.

“We Japanese have a very conservative culture – we do indirect communication. We need to develop a mindset that increases participation in our business, creating a diverse environment,” he says.

The Nanyang EMBA provided an ideal environment for developing that mindset. Vigorous discussions with fellow EMBA participants are a daily feature of the programme, as is a multicultural cohort that exposes participants to different points of view.

“Through the Nanyang EMBA programme, I was able to systematically evaluate my management and leadership style with my other classmates,” he says.

 

Dealing with a Globalised, Polarised World

Yoshigou recently returned from attending the Nanyang EMBA immersion segments at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) in the United States and Tsinghua University in China. 

These segments offer participants the chance to gain an East-West perspective, which is increasingly invaluable in a business environment that’s simultaneously becoming more globalised and polarise. The lessons learned were fresh in Yoshigou’s mind.

In particular, Tsinghua University’s course on doing business in China stood out. “China has an environment where startups can thrive,” he recalls. “China has a very active startup environment, even more than Japan’s.”

“China’s speed and growth mindset also inspires me,” Yoshigou says. He admired the Chinese’s willingness to embrace innovation and the need for speed.

On the other hand, the UC Berkeley segment took place in the US’s Silicon Valley, an ideal place to learn about entrepreneurship and corporate innovation. Here, he learned about the seven-stage “failure value cycle”, which sheds light on the role of failure in an entrepreneur’s innovation and value-creation process. 

“To innovate as entrepreneurs, we shouldn’t be afraid of failure; in fact, we should welcome failures as opportunities,” he says. “If I’m not failing some of the time, then I might be playing it too safe—I need to keep that in mind if I run my own business in the future.”

 

Sponsoring the SPAN Project

Yoshigou took particular pride in the Strategy Projects At Nanyang (SPAN) module, where he and his team consulted for his company, SAP. “Our SPAN’s project theme was a go-to-market (GTM) plan for SAP’s Indonesian market,” he shares. 

Nanyang EMBA allows participants to bring their company projects on board, a unique benefit for companies as it helps them save substantially on consultancy and feasibility study fees.

Given the project’s SAP focus, Yoshigou was able to take on a leadership role in the team, helping him further align his skills in this area within a global context. “Co-working and co-studying with a diverse team of six different nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds helped broaden my leadership skills for the future,” he says.

 

Preparing for a Technology- and AI-Driven Future

In time, Yoshigou hopes to build a young, driven team fully prepared to deal with upcoming disruptive technologies. “SAP now focuses on AI and machine learning, the latest technologies, and cutting-edge technologies,” he recalls, explaining that he shared these learnings with his SPAN team. “In the next two to three years, we’ll see many more ideas going forward.”

At the same time, he plans to use what he’s learned at Nanyang Business School to develop resilient, innovative, up-and-coming leaders in his organisation. “We want to accept more foreign people and add more diversity,” he says. “I also want to create an environment where they’re not afraid to challenge my point of view as a leader.”

As he wraps up his EMBA experience, Yoshigou notes that even older, more seasoned executives can benefit from the programme. He hopes more senior leaders will follow in his footsteps. “For example, my friend joined the Nanyang EMBA class of 2025. He’s two years older than me. Age doesn’t matter.”

 

About the Nanyang Executive MBA 

The Nanyang EMBA equips business leaders like Yoshigou with the tools and strategies to lead purposefully in the hyperconnected economy. The EMBA’s part-time programme offers a career-compatible schedule that allows you undivided attention to work and study.

The programme lasts 13 months, with the flexibility to stretch to two years to accommodate work demands.

Visit our website at https://bit.ly/NanyangExecMBA or download the brochure to learn more about the programme and available funding options.

 

Download the Nanyang Executive MBA brochure

Click here to learn more about the Nanyang Executive MBA programme or contact us at execmba@ntu.edu.sg.

Nanyang Executive MBA

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Leadership Development

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Leaders

Tips from Successful Nanyang EMBA Fathers on Work-Life-Study Balance

Tips from Successful Nanyang EMBA Fathers on Work-Life-Study Balance

by | May 29, 2024 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

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NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Tips from Successful Nanyang EMBA Fathers on Work-Life-Study Balance

Even with a lot on their plates, three executive-level dads are defying conventional limitations of what it means to be a working (and learning) parent.

Despite their daunting responsibilities and demanding schedules, these brave men found ways to excel both in and beyond the classroom—all while fulfilling their duties as devoted husbands and loving fathers.

Just in time for Father’s Day, three remarkable business leaders – all of whom took the leap and enrolled in the Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA) – are ready to show us how it’s done.

S Nicholas Taposh (EMBA ‘24, CEO of Care-Box Ltd.), Michael Tiew (EMBA ’25, Regional Director of Technical Support for Siemens), and Daniel Haggmark (EMBA ‘21, CEO of Monitor ERP Asia) explain how they’re succeeding in striking that balance:

 

1. Use your available time wisely

As with all worthwhile pursuits, a Nanyang EMBA requires new participants to make some adjustments. Michael, Daniel and Nicholas knew they had to carve out time for coursework on days they usually spent with their families.

Fortunately, the Nanyang EMBA’s parent- and career-friendly curriculum gave them the freedom they needed to get things done. Consisting of up to two weeks of full-day classes, each segment is spaced two to three months apart, providing ample time for even the busiest of working fathers.

As a business owner with a demanding schedule, Nicholas found this flexibility crucial to his success. “This structure allowed me to balance my professional responsibilities with my academic pursuits,” Nicholas explains. “On weekdays, I committed eight focused hours to work, ensuring productivity and efficiency,” he shares. “I allocated three hours daily for studying, either early in the morning or late at night. This helps me stay on track with my academic goals.”

Nicholas Taposh

Figure 1: Nicholas with his daughter

As a bonus, Nicholas was able to set aside a satisfying amount of dad-daughter bonding time. “As a dad doing an EMBA, staying close to my daughter is very important,” he tells us. “I make sure to spend time with her every day, like having breakfast together, reading a bedtime story, or video calling if I’m away… this makes her feel special and part of my life.

“Balancing school and family can be hard, but these small moments help us stay connected,” Nicholas says.

Michael also made it a point to maximise his available time, making space for his studies without compromising his other life goals. “On weekends, I wake up an hour earlier or sleep an hour later than usual to make time for studying,” he says. “During break times, I read the coursework instead of looking at my phone or the news. I also make sure to delegate my work tasks before each class.”

Creativity allows even the busiest dads to make family time happen alongside their busy work schedules. Daniel, for instance, cleverly combines work and leisure whenever the opportunity arises. “Sometimes, my family joins me on business trips or other events,” Daniel shares. “I think we manage this relatively well.”

 

2. Set and follow healthy boundaries

To give each life priority its due, Nicholas, Michael, and Daniel proactively set aside dedicated time blocks for each. This means working harder than usual every so often.

Michael made sure to get EMBA and executive work done to make space for family time. He would even work longer hours, powering through his work tasks to achieve this goal. “This allows me to reserve my weekends for family bonding time, which is my top priority,“ he says.

Daniel cautions against giving up one life domain to pursue another. “Being away from your spouse and kids for too long isn’t good nor sustainable,” he explains. “If you push yourself in your career too hard, it will hit you back sooner than later.”

Instead, moderation in all life aspects is the key to consistently performing at your best. “I am 100% sure that if you balance these things, you’ll see much better results and long-term success,” says Daniel.

Nicholas believes ample rest is a major ingredient to striking that successful balance. “I prioritised quality sleep of seven to eight hours for quality rest and mental clarity,” he shares.

However, pulling all these off with demanding programme schedules can be complex. Fortunately, the Nanyang EMBA—made up of six segments over 13 months—provides its students with some much-needed breathing room.

This setup allows Michael to take a short break from work to concentrate on his leadership development studies. “That way, work isn’t impacted as much, and I can still catch up after each segment is over,” shares Michael.

This flexibility fits his work schedule and gives him more family bonding time. With only two overseas segments —one in UC Berkeley and one in Tsinghua University–“I don’t need to be away from my family for long periods or too frequently.” He adds.

 

3. Lean on your support network

During his most challenging moments, Nicholas relied on his family’s extraordinary support and unwavering belief to fuel his determination.

“My wife is my rock. She handled critical business matters with grace and understanding while I dedicated myself to classes and studies,” he shares. “Knowing I had made them proud was the greatest reward.”

Michael also acknowledges his wife’s support in fulfilling their responsibilities as parents. “She ensures that the girls are cared for when I am away attending classes.”

Such support is necessary when one’s away from home. That’s why Nicholas counts the Nanyang EMBA community as a major pillar of support in his upskilling journey.

“Their willingness to assist, coupled with the spirit of collaboration, made the EMBA experience truly enriching,” he shares. “Together, we shared academic challenges and moments of fun and laughter, forging bonds that went beyond the classroom. Having them by my side gave me the confidence to tackle obstacles and strive for excellence in every aspect of my life.”

 

4. View challenges as an opportunity for growth

Despite their challenges, Nicholas, Michael, and Daniel feel grateful for everything they’ve learned during their Nanyang EMBA journeys. They also encourage others to follow in their footsteps, believing it can be as much of a positive experience for others.

“Just do it,” says Daniel. “It can open your eyes to how to manage things better. This will help you do better at work, society and your family.”

In case of self-doubt, heed Michael’s reminder: that you’re a business leader who knows how to make things happen. “I believe when there’s a will, there’s a way,” he states. “Don’t think that you can’t make it. You can do more than you think you can.”

Lastly, Nicholas encourages Nanyang EMBA hopefuls to view the programme as an opportunity to break barriers and unleash their full potential. “Seize this moment with courage and enthusiasm, knowing that with dedication and resilience, you can conquer any obstacle and emerge stronger, wiser, and more empowered than ever before.”

Inspired by Nicholas, Daniel, and Michael’s stories? Learn how the Nanyang Executive MBA can help you reach your goals. Visit our website or contact us at execmba@ntu.edu.sg to schedule a 1-to-1 discussion on your postgraduate aspirations.

 

About the Nanyang Executive MBA 

In this rapidly changing world driven by technology, digitalisation, and sustainability, lifelong learning is key to staying ahead of the competition. The Nanyang EMBA equips business leaders with the tools and strategies to lead purposefully in the hyperconnected economy.

This part-time programme offers a career-compatible schedule allowing you to your undivided attention to work and study. The programme’s duration is 13-months with the flexibility to stretch to 2 years to accommodate work demands.

Visit our website at https://bit.ly/NanyangExecMBA or download the brochure to learn more about the programme and available funding options.

 

Download the Nanyang Executive MBA brochure

Click here to learn more about the Nanyang Executive MBA programme or contact us at execmba@ntu.edu.sg.

Nanyang Executive MBA

Nanyang EMBA

Leadership Development

Father’s Day

Leaders