Alumni Reflections: The Impact of Nanyang EMBA

Alumni Reflections: The Impact of Nanyang EMBA

by | Sep 5, 2024 | Nanyang Executive MBA

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NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Alumni Reflections: The Impact of Nanyang EMBA

If you need proof of the life-changing impact of the Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA) programme, just ask our latest batch of EMBA graduates who officially graduated in August. Many have told us about the huge difference they’ve seen between “before” and “after”, enabling them to jump into their careers with a reinvigorated sense of mission.

We asked James Tan, Jessica Yu, and Nicholas Taposh to tell us what they got out of the programme, the “why” that brought them there, and the positive outcomes that only became clear to them after they’d returned to their careers.

 

Filling capability gaps that you can’t just master on the job

As the Chief Executive Officer of TOUCH Community Services, a multi-service charity organisation, James Tan understands the challenges faced by the community social service sector, and recognises how technology could help address the challenges.

He hoped the programme could help him facilitate technology’s expanding role in the community services sector. “One of my motivations was the focus on digital and technology modules,” he explains. “Digital evolution is shaping the way businesses and services are delivered, breaching new grounds to touch lives in a whole new way.”

Jessica Yu, Head of Application (Refractive Lasers) at Carl Zeiss Meditec, felt that she needed to supplement her technical background to qualify for a more strategic role in the organisation. “Before beginning the Nanyang EMBA, I didn’t have the expertise in strategic capability,” she recalls. “The programme has helped me grasp the broader organisational landscape and contribute to long-term objectives.”

 

Stand out as a leader, not just as a team member

Nicholas Taposh had been running Singapore-based IT solution business SmartMatrix for six years, and Bangladesh-based pharmacy Care-Box for four. He decided to join the Nanyang EMBA to gain the knowledge he needed to further develop his enterprises.

He never thought he’d also end up changing his leadership style in the process: “Since finishing the EMBA, my leadership style has changed from a top-down approach to a more collaborative one,” he explains. “I now include my team in decision-making, boosting creativity, and teamwork.”

James, for his part, hoped to explore different styles of leadership that would work in a dynamic environment. “Successful leaders need to be highly adaptive in the way we lead,” he explains. This insight stood out most during James’ two-week stint in UC Berkeley Haas School of Management.

 

James Tan Quote

 

Leading the charge in Digital Transformation & AI

Nicholas has gone all-in on digital transformation and AI in his business, thanks to Nanyang EMBA’s courses that explored the potential impact and use of these technologies.

“I used what I learned about digital transformation to lead a major update in our technology, enhancing our operations and improving how we connect with customers,” Nicholas explains. “AI is good at helping us predict market trends and adjust our strategies more effectively.”

Jessica credits Nanyang EMBA for giving her “a solid grasp of digital transformation, AI, and data analytics” – which she plans to use to great effect at her organisation.

“As a pioneering medical device company, we can harness AI to revolutionise patient care – analysing extensive patient datasets using sophisticated algorithms, to uncover hidden patterns and forecast disease trajectories,” she tells us. “This helps us tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs, resulting in more effective and streamlined care.”

Finally, James looks forward to using the Nanyang EMBA’s insights on digital transformation to further extend his digital leadership in addressing challenges in areas like the ongoing manpower crunch and complexity across social issues.

“Digital technology knowledge and skills are becoming more critical in ensuring that services are readily accessible and resources and optimally allocated, as we better understand and meet the needs of the people we serve,” he explains. “The recent pandemic highlighted the gaps and amplified the importance of service accessibility – where digital platforms will help ensure that the needs in the community can be met.”

 

Being “the change you want to see” in your industry

Both Nicholas and Jessica credit the Nanyang EMBA for helping them increase their leadership profiles in their respective industries.

Jessica got her chance when Zeiss China was designated as a key market for the global Presbyond initiative. “The local team was initially reluctant to prioritise the project,” she recalls. “I initiated open dialogue to understand their perspective; I built trust and encouraged shared ownership.” Due to Jessica’s efforts, the local team developed “a willingness to take calculated risks and explore innovative approaches for Presbyond.”

Nicholas appreciates how the Nanyang EMBA provided him with the insights and practical skills he needed to develop new business initiatives. “I launched a new business wing in Singapore focused on commodity trading – which is a significant milestone for us,” he explains. “The Berkeley module provided exceptional training in business planning and market analysis, which were vital for crafting our trading strategy.

“The Nanyang EMBA also strengthened my understanding of market dynamics and enhanced my ability to make strategic decisions,” he continues. “As a result, we successfully launched the new business wing and are already seeing encouraging outcomes.”

 

Deepening and expanding one’s industry perspective

Our alumni completed the Nanyang EMBA with a different perspective of their respective industries, and their roles in it.

Jessica, in her case, had a view of innovation “that was narrowly centred on technological breakthroughs and new product creation,” she tells us.

 

Jessica Yu Quote
 

“The commitment was initially very daunting, but embarking on the Nanyang EMBA programme was very enriching and rewarding,” James explains. Beyond helping him appreciate the power of technology such as generative AI and the exciting opportunities to transform the non-profit sector, James appreciated “modules such as neuromarketing and environmental sustainability that will prepare senior executives to transform and lead the organisation into the future.”

Finally, Nicholas touts the Nanyang EMBA’s role in “broadening my understanding of different industries and improving my ability to work effectively across different cultures,” he tells us.

 

Nicholas Taposh Quote

 

Conclusion: Rewarding in multiple dimensions

For our recent graduates, the Nanyang EMBA’s classroom knowledge and hands-on business experiences have helped them stay relevant in a fast-changing technological global landscape.

The Nanyang EMBA experience is unique for its flexible programme and part-time format that lets participants set aside focused time for both work and EMBA responsibilities. Follow in our recent grads’ footsteps and accelerate your own career through the Nanyang EMBA programme – visit the Nanyang EMBA website or download the brochure to learn more about the programme and available funding options.

 

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.

 

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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Gaining The Skills to Solve Real-World Investment Problems With An MSc Financial Engineering

Gaining The Skills to Solve Real-World Investment Problems With An MSc Financial Engineering

by | Aug 28, 2024 | MSc Financial Engineering

Graduate Studies Blog

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MSC FINANCIAL ENGINEERING

Gaining The Skills to Solve Real-World Investment Problems With An MSc Financial Engineering

One unique feature of the MSc Financial Engineering (MFE) programme at Nanyang Business School (NBS) is its flexibility. For professionals seeking overseas exposure, the CMU track offers the option of studying abroad at the renowned Carnegie Mellon University.

However, for those who prefer to complete their studies in Singapore, the non-CMU track also offers rich opportunities. For Gong Ruitao, it was a rare chance to embrace self-directed learning and prepare for his future career.

With his one-year journey coming to a close, he shares how his MFE experience has equipped him to excel in the investment world.

 

​The “great satisfaction” of real-world trading

There’s no doubt that Ruitao is a go-getter – indeed, his drive to learn outside the classroom first led him to financial engineering.

As an undergraduate at China’s Xiamen University, Ruitao signed up for the Mathematical Contest in Modelling – an international contest for students to analyse and solve a real-world application problem. Ruitao and his team developed an optimisation algorithm for Bitcoin Gold trading.

“I found that applying my textbook knowledge to real-world trading gave me great satisfaction and pushed me to learn more,” he shared. “After researching more about a career in the financial engineering field, I was determined to devote my efforts towards this.”

With a double degree in Accounting and Statistics, Ruitao was already well-versed in finance and data analytics skills. But he needed to strengthen his knowledge in programming to perform data modelling and create algorithms. He also needed a deeper understanding of financial economics to tackle complex investment questions.

NBS was an obvious choice to further his studies, as he knew of the MFE programme’s strong reputation in Asia. “I felt this reputation could greatly benefit my career,” he recalled. “I also knew that the curriculum is ‘hardcore’ in mathematics and coding, which would greatly improve my skills in financial engineering.”

 

Gaining the confidence to solve real-world problems

The essence of financial engineering is problem-solving. Whatever your role, it ultimately boils down to using quantitative skills to solve financial problems.

For Ruitao, this problem-solving capability has been his most valuable takeaway from the MFE programme. Beyond theoretical knowledge, his MFE journey has honed his ability to go beyond the textbook and tackle real-world problems.

“In every module, we learnt a lot of models from stochastic calculus to bond pricing,” he explained. “These models are beautiful and concise, but the real world is more complex.”

To get participants thinking outside the box, the MFE professors guided them to experiment with real datasets. “We practised things like asset pricing and risk management with real data, using Python, R, or Excel to obtain results,” he said. “Not only did this develop our problem-solving skills, it also enhanced our understanding of the formulas.”

Ruitao portrait

Having chosen not to study abroad, Ruitao also benefited from electives exclusive to participants on the non-CMU track. 

These included advanced modules like Optimisation in Finance, Advanced Statistical Modelling, and Exotic Options & Structured Products. This latter module proved to be one of Ruitao’s most demanding and memorable experiences in his journey.

“The learning experience was amazing, especially as we needed to complete an individual research project,” he shared. “It pushed me to apply everything I learnt, from advanced stochastic calculus to asset pricing, and I’ve benefited greatly.”

 

​Preparing for success in a new stage of life

As a participant on the non-CMU track, Ruitao found that he had more unstructured time than his peers who spent their final term abroad.

This extra time was a key reason behind his decision against going to CMU. “I wanted the extra time to develop myself and learn other skills,” he revealed.

Indeed, Ruitao’s past few months have been fruitful. Having secured a job offer early this year, he set out to familiarise himself with his future role: a financial analyst with Chinese real estate developer CCCC Investment Company Ltd.

“In this role, I’ll focus on asset securitisation and investment management,” he shared. “I’ll manage the investment data for hundreds of real estate projects and provide useful data insights. I’ll also assist in project rating – assessing whether new projects are profitable and in good condition.”

To give himself a head start, Ruitao extensively researched key aspects of the job: asset securitisation in China, project management in the real estate industry, and report writing. He also read widely about philosophy, psychology, and history to enrich his mind.

Most importantly, the extra free time served as a breather, enabling him to refresh and unwind after a challenging year of studies.

“During this break, I was able to relax and let go of any pressure fully,” he said. “Now, I feel prepared to enter a new stage of life.”

 

Equipped to excel in an investment career

If you plan to enrol in the MFE programme and wonder whether the CMU or non-CMU track is for you, Ruitao has these words of advice.

“It all depends on what you want to get out of the MFE journey,” he shared. “If you want to experience life in the US, apply for the CMU track. The non-CMU track will be a good fit if you prefer more time for internships or personal development.”

Whichever route you choose, the MFE programme can equip you with the multidisciplinary skill sets to open doors in the competitive world of investment.

“My MFE journey has provided me with rich financial and analytical knowledge, which will be vital in my future investment-based career. It has also cultivated my problem-solving and time management skills,” Ruitao concluded. “I think I’ve learnt a lot in this one year.”

 

Find out more about the MSc Financial Engineering programme here.

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Nanyang EMBA Professors Share Their Most Memorable Teaching Moments

Nanyang EMBA Professors Share Their Most Memorable Teaching Moments

by | Aug 28, 2024 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

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NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Nanyang EMBA Professors Share Their Most Memorable Teaching Moments

To be a Nanyang EMBA professor, one would not expect a teaching approach based on the traditional teacher-student relationship. After all, each Nanyang EMBA class assembles a cohort of experienced, senior-level executives who are also seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge and experience.

This creates a dynamic, reciprocal learning environment – where professors often learn something from EMBA participants.

In the face of our Nanyang EMBA professors’ diverse expertise, we found that they had plenty of anecdotes and insights in common, derived from long years of experience teaching some of the brightest executives in the region and beyond.

We asked them about their favourite moments from teaching, what they’ve learned about Nanyang EMBA participants over the years, and what future participants should expect when they enter their classrooms.

 

Holding their own with expert participants

The Nanyang EMBA’s part-time nature has proven suitable for high-level executives, many of whom must balance their search for professional growth with personal responsibilities. Each hour spent with one another is highly fruitful, at the C-suite level, participants enrolling in such programmes wish to learn, not just earn a certificate.

Secondly, Nanyang EMBA participants tend to be domain experts – willing to share their deep, domain-centric experiences in vigorous discussions inside and outside the classroom.

“The participants in the programme are seasoned industry professionals who have years of experience, and they often have many stories to share,” explains Prof. Sharon Ng, NBS Deputy Dean and Professor in the Marketing Division.

“I teach Asian Branding and many (if not all) of the participants in the course have worked or collaborated with colleagues in other countries. They bring a wealth of knowledge that facilitates sharing and learning in the classroom,” Prof. Sharon tells us.

 

Assoc Prof Lum Kit Wye Quote

 

Facilitators, not lecturers

Nanyang EMBA professors understand very early on that participants in the programme expect a more egalitarian approach to classes.

“You’re looking at very senior participants who have a lot of work experience,” explains Prof. Goh Kim Huat, Associate Dean and Professor of Information Systems. “So we’re not teaching so much as we’re facilitating. We have all the participants interact and summarise all the learnings we get – from theories and from their own experiences.”

To add greater context to discussions, professors introduce guest speakers who can provide specific, industry-based inputs – and hold their own under intense questions from participants.

“I engage external industry speakers, to share how we use neuro-technologies to address clients’ questions,” says Prof. Gemma Calvert, Professor for Marketing. “This is extremely useful for Nanyang EMBA participants, as many are keen to learn how to apply these solutions in their own companies.”

Each professor adapts their classroom style to encourage discussion and sharing. “I try teaching HR using a story-telling approach,” says Prof. Sasha Chernyshenko, Associate Professor for Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management. “It is a dry topic, so I sprinkle some jokes and examples to keep students engaged in the course material.

“In addition, executives always have questions about “people challenges” they are currently dealing with. We can talk through these issues in real time,” explains Prof. Sasha.

“The whole idea is that you are interacting with very mature and experienced people. I think it’s more important to listen than to talk,” adds Prof. Goh Kim Huat. He jokes, “Although, as faculty, talking too much is an occupational hazard!”

 

Learning more from the discussion than the material

In addition to the material being covered, incoming Nanyang EMBA participants should expect to have a rich learning experience in the discussions with their fellow Nanyang EMBA cohort.

Prof. Lum Kit Wye relishes the fact that participants are so advanced. “We can move beyond basic topics – I often try to encourage the discussion of difficult, perhaps even controversial, issues.”

The discussions themselves offer realistic experiential learning of decision-making at the C-suite level as well.

 

Assoc Prof Ho Kim Wai Quote
 

Continuing support beyond the programme

Nanyang EMBA graduates get support from professors and alumni, long after they’ve moved on to their careers post-programme. Prof. Sharon Ng has stayed connected with former Nanyang EMBA students – some want advice on marketing issues or personal goals. In contrast, others want to arrange a collaboration between their organisation and the school.

To this day, Prof. Ho Kim Wai still helps any alumnus seeking help. Recently, he connected two alumni from different cohorts to collaborate on a business opportunity. Two alumni sought his advice on a takeover offer for their business; he gladly shared his views on important considerations of the proposed deal.

Of course, alumni can also return to the classroom to help the latest generation of students with their insights, giving back to the Nanyang EMBA programme in their unique way. Prof. Sharon explains that such collaborations are mutually beneficial as the students get to work on real industry challenges while the alumni get fresh ideas and different perspectives from the current participants.

 

Conclusion: Adapting to digital and technological changes through the Nanyang EMBA

This fruitful, ongoing exchange between our Nanyang EMBA professors, the cohort and alumni are unique strengths of the Nanyang Executive MBA, a part-time 13-month programme designed for senior leaders aspiring to transform the way they lead.

The Nanyang EMBA provides seasoned business leaders with the essential tools for purposeful leadership in today’s hyper connected economy. The programme’s flexibility, spanning from 13 months to two years, caters to diverse professional demands, ensuring no compromise on career advancement.

Embrace the connection between business, technology, and innovation. Contact us today to learn how the Nanyang EMBA can help you excel in global environments and adapt to digital change.

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

 

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.

 

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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Becoming A Culturally Intelligent Leader In Commodities Trading: Eddie Sng Shares His PMBA Journey

Becoming A Culturally Intelligent Leader In Commodities Trading: Eddie Sng Shares His PMBA Journey

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Nanyang Professional MBA

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Becoming A Culturally Intelligent Leader In Commodities Trading: Eddie Sng Shares His PMBA Journey

As Eddie Sng moved up the career ladder from commodities trader to director, he realised he needed to adopt a fundamentally different mindset.

A base metals trader by training and background, Eddie was skilled in negotiating commercial contracts, managing key supplier/customer relationships, and making profit and loss decisions. But managing and leading internal teams, he realised, was an entirely new ballgame.

“Trading is about minimising loss and maximising profit; we need a more aggressive mindset,” Eddie reflects. “However, being a manager and leader requires a more balanced approach. I felt that my skill sets and knowledge were lacking.”

As Director and Co-Head at Sorin Corporation Singapore, Eddie currently heads the Global Marketing and Trading team and the Trade Operations team. His position requires him to communicate effectively with diverse employees and colleagues across Southeast Asia, South Korea, China, India, and the Middle East.

To fill the gaps in his leadership know-how, Eddie decided that an MBA programme would give him the proper technical foundation. “An MBA teaches the fundamental theories of management,” he says. “Knowing that each theory is grounded in research would give me the confidence to apply it at work.”

 

A training that “packs a punch”

Given his trading background, Eddie was drawn to Nanyang Business School (NBS)’s Professional MBA (PMBA) programme for its International Trading track. This specialised track is designed to develop trading professionals into effective leaders, combining industry-specific modules with networking opportunities from leading trading firms.

“I felt that the International Trading track would be a good chance to network with people in my industry, giving me greater value from the Nanyang PMBA,” Eddie shares. “I also wanted to interact with my industry peers and gain their insights on handling certain situations.”

Returning to his alma mater was just the icing on the cake. “I did my Bachelor of Accountancy at NBS,” he reveals. “I know how rigorous the standard is!”

Most importantly, the Nanyang PMBA offered a flexible schedule of alternate weekend classes, allowing Eddie to pursue his studies without sacrificing work and family life. “As a trader, I travel heavily during the week,” he explains. “With weekend classes, I can reach home by Saturday morning and still get to class.”

Undoubtedly, this packed schedule can be demanding to adapt to. Eddie candidly describes his first two months in the programme as “physically and mentally draining”. “The PMBA packs a punch. By the end of the second week, you’ll be thoroughly exhausted,” he reveals. “But it gets better after the first few months of adapting.”

 

Becoming a culturally intelligent leader

These sacrifices have borne fruit for Eddie. His PMBA experience has transformed his understanding of intercultural relationships, giving him the tools to successfully manage teams of diverse cultures.

“Prior to the PMBA, I never really appreciated that cultural difference needs to have a big impact on my management approach,” he recalls. “Obviously, I recognised that our team in Dubai thinks and works differently from our team in Thailand, for example. But I didn’t consciously try to change my approach when communicating with them.”

One core module on Cultural Intelligence opened his eyes. Pioneered by NBS’s Professor Soon Ang, Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is a globally recognised model that defines a person’s capability to function effectively in multicultural situations. By learning to assess and improve their CQ, leaders can develop their ability to enter new cultural settings and adapt their actions appropriately.

This conceptual framework, coupled with hands-on exercises in class, has given Eddie the confidence to lead diverse teams and engage in commercial negotiations more effectively.

“Now that I have the foundation to adapt my approach, I feel much more comfortable talking to my teams and negotiating contracts with clients of different cultures,” he shares. “While I can’t measure the outcome, I feel more confident in my decisions.”

 

Broadening horizons with immersive learning

Beyond the classroom, Eddie’s practical experiences in the Nanyang PMBA have sharpened his cross-cultural capabilities.

For him, one of the programme’s most memorable experiences was the overseas study trip to Geneva – a global hub for commodities trade. Designed for​​ International Trading track participants, this one-week trip offers immersive lessons on international trade, sustainable finance, and cross-cultural interaction at the University of Geneva.

“We were able to come face-to-face with a European perspective, which is very different from the worldview of an Asia-based commodities trader,” Eddie explains. “During that week, our class had very robust discussions with the professors – I think they were shocked at how much we engaged and challenged their perspectives! It was probably the most engaging class that we and the professors had ever had.”

Eddie’s class also visited the United Nations Office in Geneva, where they debated ethical responsibilities in commodities trading across different contexts. “Europe is very developed, and one of their most current and widely debated topics is ESG,” he shares. “But for developing Asian countries, for example, there are other key priorities such as income inequality and energy security. We had an exceptionally engaging discussion trying to balance the two perspectives.”

It certainly helped that his course mates had a wide variety of perspectives to offer, hailing from a broad spectrum of industries: healthcare, e-commerce, tech and more. Often, Eddie found himself surprised by their answers and solutions.

“The commodities trading industry is a specialised industry, so the knowledge we have can be narrow due to our work experiences,” he says. “Having the chance to work closely with my course mates has broadened my horizons and made me more balanced.”

 

An investment with lifelong benefits

Looking ahead, Eddie predicts that he’s only just starting to reap the returns on his PMBA journey. While the benefits may not be immediately measurable, he points out that he will continue to realise increasing value from his PMBA learnings and network over the next 20 years.

“I always tell people: don’t be too focused on the ROI of an MBA over the next two years,” he advises. “I can feel the benefits but can’t quantify them in dollars. For instance, I frequently consult and seek advice from my classmates and professors, who provide valuable advice and recommendations from their individual experiences and networks. You can’t quantify the value of these relationships.”

As a leader who grapples with perpetual uncertainty in a volatile market, Eddie foresees that the confidence instilled in him through the Nanyang PMBA will give his career longevity. “Maybe in 20 years’ time, I’ll still be able to do a good job, connect the dots better, and make wiser decisions because of the concepts I learned and the perspective I gained,” he says. “I am actually confident of this snowball effect.”

 

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How The Nanyang PMBA Let Akira Sasaki Balance Family With Work Success

How The Nanyang PMBA Let Akira Sasaki Balance Family With Work Success

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Nanyang Professional MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

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NANYANG PROFESSIONAL MBA

How The Nanyang PMBA Let Akira Sasaki Balance Family With Work Success

Between being a father of young children and sustaining a fast-moving career as a Senior Vice President in a major Japanese bank, Akira Sasaki has his hands full every day of the week.

Until recently, Akira led the corporate finance team and fund management for agricultural revitalisation at the Singapore office of Norinchukin Bank, a private financial institution founded by Japanese agriculture, fishery and forestry cooperatives. Akira is also a devoted husband and father, fully committing his weekends and downtime to his wife and two young children.

Between excelling at his high-flying job and meeting the demands of his young family, he already had a full plate – how could he pursue the continuing education he needed for further career advancement?

 

Akira’s need to upskill

Even with his senior position, Akira was conscious that further professional development was in the cards. “After two years at my job, I hoped to deepen my understanding of diversity in Asia and update my knowledge on management theories and technology trends,” he explains.

“I completed my bachelor’s 20 years ago, so the business environment has dramatically changed since.”

Beyond business theory, Akira wanted to upgrade his ability to oversee a culturally diverse team. “Japanese culture is different from other Asian countries – we don’t argue or discuss,” he explains. “Silence is gold.”

However, his Singapore posting also put him in charge of international staff from Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries, creating unavoidable, if occasional, cultural friction. Further education, Akira felt, would help enhance his leadership and management skills in a cross-cultural environment, allowing him to lead a larger team effectively and expand business across Asia.

After weighing his options, Akira decided that Nanyang Business School (NBS)’s Professional MBA (PMBA) programme represented the best fit for further education. “I chose Singapore for its diversity and Nanyang Business School for its focus on leadership in a global context and its reputation for tech and innovation,” he explains.

 

Invaluable family support

The PMBA’s 18-month, alternate-weekend programme was a deciding factor for Akira.

“The Nanyang PMBA fit my schedule and allowed me to continue my career without interruption,” Akira tells us. “My extensive weekday business travel meant that only a weekend programme like the Nanyang PMBA could accommodate my schedule, allowing me to attend every module without fail.”

The alternate weekend schedule was particularly important considering the priority Akira gave his family. “Balancing the demands of the PMBA programme, work responsibilities, and family life was immensely challenging,” he explains. “The challenge was in striving to excel in each aspect without compromising the quality of my involvement.”

Akira’s wife supported his decision to take on the PMBA despite the additional workload it meant for her. “My family’s understanding and encouragement were pivotal throughout my PMBA journey,” he tells us.

Picking up the slack at home wasn’t always easy for his wife. “During my MBA, she was sometimes stressed,” he recalls. “After I graduated, I gave her presents to show my appreciation.”

He refuses to tell us what the presents were, simply saying: “They were super expensive!”

 

Collaborating across cultures

The PMBA curriculum took Akira on a deep dive into global business practices and cultural diversity, which he felt he needed to take on higher leadership roles on an international stage.

The regular discussions, for example, were “very good practice for me to understand diversity – they taught me how to negotiate,” he tells us. His diverse cohort showed Akira how peers from different cultures bargained in an almost diametrically opposed style from his own, which taught him to adjust his negotiating strategy to the cultural backgrounds of his peers.

“I have to know their culture and basic strategy beforehand, so it’s effective for me to negotiate or collaborate with my business partners,” he says. “Now I know the difference in decision-making between Japanese companies and from other countries.”

Akira compares his PMBA experience favourably against his previous experience seeking his bachelor’s degree in Japan. “My previous university experience offered limited opportunities for group work and discussions with diverse students,” he says. “The Nanyang PMBA provided ample chances to collaborate, especially with international companies.”

He particularly appreciated the case studies they explored in class, which “were about real Asian companies, some of which I had interacted with as a Japanese banker,” he says. “I gained insights into their culture and business operations, leading to more fruitful discussions in my professional encounters.”

 

Akira’s post-PMBA success

For Akira, the most significant lesson learned in the PMBA was the importance of diverse experiences and perspectives; it “profoundly influenced my approach to leadership and strategic decision-making,” he says.

These new skills came in handy when he joined the Norinchukin Bank team that secured a partnership with Temasek Holdings for the Seviora T3F fund.

“Being part of the project team that collaborated with Temasek Holdings for a US$173 million green agri-fund was a significant achievement,” he tells us. “My contribution to the success of this strategic partnership highlights the intersection of my PMBA learnings and practical application in a major initiative.”

With his MBA now in hand, Akira will soon return to Tokyo to take up corporate strategy management for Norinchukin Bank. “Equipped with enhanced leadership skills and a deeper understanding of global business dynamics, I am ready to lead Norinchukin Bank’s corporate strategy management in Tokyo,” he tells us.

Is Akira’s family also happy to be moving back to Japan? “They want to stay; they love Singapore so much,” he confesses.

 

Nanyang PMBA’s wellspring of deep cultural understanding

Akira never wavered on his PMBA through it all and is now reaping its rewards. “It’s a great opportunity to get a deep understanding of Singapore and also Southeast Asian countries’ culture and networking with diverse cohorts,” he tells us. “This has transformed me into a more adept leader, equipped to navigate the complexities of the global market.”

Beyond the lessons and ensuing experiences, Akira also believes the professors and classmates he met were a key component of the programme’s impact on his career advancement. “These interactions have broadened my perspective and approach to problem-solving in the professional world,” he tells us.

Success in the Nanyang PMBA programme is not guaranteed; he advises potential participants to actively break out of their comfort zone when they get on board. “I’m Japanese, so I’m very comfortable in a Japanese community,” he says. “Joining Nanyang PMBA’s different communities in a different environment may be very tough at first, but it’s rewarding in the long run.”

 

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