How the MSc Financial Engineering Programme Made Him a More Innovative Strategist

How the MSc Financial Engineering Programme Made Him a More Innovative Strategist

by | Dec 7, 2022 | MSc Financial Engineering

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC FINANCIAL ENGINEERING

How the MSc Financial Engineering Programme Made Him a More Innovative Strategist

Ian Yi Hsiung, whose first academic degree is in finance, gradually got interested in data, which was the reason he embarked on Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) MSc in Financial Engineering (MFE) programme.

“I was getting keen on analysing financial market data, such as time series data from the equity market or macro-economic data. I saw that this analytical process would lead to fascinating global trends and insights,” Ian says. “That was when I knew that I wanted to further my studies in financial engineering.”

Beyond fulfilling Ian’s growing professional interest in data

MFE programme also made him a more innovative thinker who can now tap into and combine multiple areas of knowledge – such as mathematics, finance, and programming – at work.

Ian shares three ways that the MFE programme has honed his thinking.

 

1.Being an Interdisciplinary Thinker

Ian is in the Structured Investment team of Taishin International Bank, Taipei, where he focuses on investment strategies. For Ian, the MFE programme has made him a strategic thinker due to its interdisciplinary approach.

“At first, when I entered the MFE programme, I didn’t have a solid coding background,” Ian says. “The MFE programme has a substantial computing curriculum, so this area, which was completely new for me, was something I really committed myself to.”

He explains that his current work in Structured Investment goes beyond knowing about interest rates and derivatives: “In fact, every day, I use coding and data analysis to develop better strategies.”

Ian adds, “This reminds me that in the MFE programme, I really liked the computing modules because they combine coding and financial market knowledge to create new, exciting possibilities. Even now, I still practise this sort of thinking – analysing across different fields, combining insights, connecting the dots – to be a better strategist.”

 

2.Gaining Diverse Perspectives in a Global Classroom

Studying in NTU, Singapore, was Ian’s first major overseas stint.

He says, “The NTU classroom is very diverse with students from all over the world. This reflects Singapore too – it is a country that brings the world to you. Apart from learning about so many cultures and ideas, I also got to know about very diverse career paths. All this has really changed my worldview.”

The exposure to a melting pot of cultures has inspired Ian to continue making friends from different nationalities even while he is based back at his hometown of Taipei.

“I also gained many skills in teamwork through the MFE programme,” he says. “Working with different classmates from different cultures at the time taught me a lot in communication, empathy, openness, and creativity. I bring these approaches to my work now as I coordinate tasks among various divisions and colleagues.”

 

3.Staying Abreast of Finance and Tech Trends

Ian believes that to be an innovative thinker, one must always stay up to date.

“For example, the world we are in today is driven by data and tech. Thanks to these developments, many things that were once impossible is now possible. If I don’t keep up with these developments, then I can’t bring the best solutions to the table. I won’t be pushing the boundaries of what is feasible,” he says.

The MFE programme, he says, includes modules like “Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Finance” that present the latest, cutting-edge innovations in financial engineering.

“The MFE programme offers students a solid foundation in finance as well as open them up to emerging trends in the industry,”

 Ian says. “This also makes it a very intense and challenging programme. Not only will students be studying across various fields but also getting the length and breadth of knowledge of each field. About one year into the programme, I really improved a lot and got used to the demanding pace. So, if you’re ready for the challenge, just do it.”

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Career Progression

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MFE

How Leaders Can Create More Inclusive Organisations

How Leaders Can Create More Inclusive Organisations

by | Nov 24, 2022 | Nanyang Executive MBA, Nanyang Fellows MBA, Nanyang Professional MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG MBA, NANYANG FELLOWS MBA, NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA, NANYANG PROFESSIONAL MBA

How Leaders Can Create More Inclusive Organisations

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace has always mattered, but these days it’s become a critical boardroom issue.

A WorldatWork survey found that 97% of global respondent organisations have either established a DEI strategy or are actively developing one; 83% have already implemented DEI programmes in their workplaces. In Singapore, on the other hand, seven out of 10 employers have yet to introduce such policies, according to a Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF)/Kincentric report.

Singapore employers would do well to catch up with the rest of the world. Studies have shown that DEI programmes have tangible benefits to businesses, including better talent retention and competitive performance. DEI also enhances companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, especially with regard to achieving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Beyond all these advantages, DEI is simply the right thing to do: a moral imperative to companies for fair and respectful treatment of everyone in the organisation.

According to Dr. Joo Seng Tan, Associate Professor of Management at Nanyang Business School (NBS) at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for DEI. Organisations must find the approach that works best for them. Dr. Tan recommends that companies take four concrete steps to create a more inclusive working environment:

 

1.Create psychological safety net for the entire organisation, beginning with the leadership

When employees don’t feel safe showing their authentic selves at work, they can resort to “covering,” a phenomenon when people hide their identity to fit in better. “Someone from the LGBTQ community may tend to ‘cover’ their sexual orientation in the workplace and focus more on the other aspects, so they don’t attract unwanted attention from colleagues,” explains Dr. Tan.

In a workplace environment with too much covering, “we create less spaces for mutual dialogue because the other party is unaware,” says Dr. Tan. The act of covering can also be mentally and physically exhausting, affecting employees’ performance.

While having a Chief Diversity Officer or a DEI committee might signal the leadership’s commitment to creating safe spaces for diversity, Dr. Tan says DEI should not be “just a role but embedded in the way a company does all its activities.”

 

2.LEARN to address your own unconscious bias

Many workplace leaders engage in unintentional yet deeply-ingrained snap judgements, a phenomenon called unconscious bias. “We make assumptions based on surface-level diversity, such as age or gender,” says Dr. Tan. For example, younger workers might be unconsciously judged as lazy or female colleagues as overly emotional: “It’s very common whether it’s for promotion or for hiring or for other contexts.”

To address unconscious bias in the office, “the first step is raising self-awareness,” says Dr. Tan. He recommends using the LEARN framework as a basis for self-examination:

  • Leverage diversity – As Dr. Tan puts it, “How can I get this employee to bring their true self to work?” This challenges leaders to see diverse traits as strengths, not weaknesses.
  • Engage the whole person – “What are this employee’s passions, values, and motivations?” Leaders should understand that employees live full lives outside of work.
  • Avoid assumptions – Acknowledge and appreciate each employee’s uniqueness, and be mindful of how your biases shape your perception of them.
  • Respect boundaries – Understand that different topic may be uncomfortable for other people and know where to draw the line.
  • Need to flex – Remain flexible to manage conflict or issues that may arise in more diverse workplaces.

 

3.Measure your DEI progress every step of the way

Like any CSR effort, “DEI is a journey,” explains Dr. Tan. “Progress cannot be achieved by one department or by one person, but by the entire organisation.”

Organisations starting their DEI journey first need to do a baseline assessment and set KPIs. “The DEI process needs to be measured and monitored regularly,” Dr. Tan says. “In management, what gets measured gets managed.” Soft metrics look at employee morale, satisfaction, and engagement, while hard metrics look at how DEI is linked to strategic business priorities or organisational outcomes.

There is no lack of DEI-related tools, resources, and positive examples; Dr. Tan recommends that leaders look at annual surveys of companies leading the way forward in DEI in the region or across the world. “They can be role models for other companies who have started the DEI journey or want to see how they can make better progress.”

 

4.Connect to diversity ecosystems beyond your organisation

Even if DEI is inextricably tied to an individual company’s culture and values, that doesn’t mean DEI outcomes can only be achieved in isolation. Connecting with different cause-oriented organisations can help you develop and improve your company’s DEI approach.

When companies with diverse approaches come together to share resources and ideas, they often create a “diversity ecosystem,” within which leaders can promote their own DEI initiatives and work with other leaders to expand DEI in their spheres of influence further. “The business supports the ecosystem, and the ecosystem can also enrich and strengthen the businesses,” says Dr. Tan.

Some examples of active diversity ecosystems in Singapore include:

 

Learn how DEI dovetails into effective leadership

As CSR has become a key business priority, NBS has ensured that CSR and DEI are vital to the MBA experience.

Modules such as “Cultural Intelligence” demonstrate how concepts like DEI can be put in practice by NBS’s future CEOs. “We want to train more inclusive leaders and show that cultural diversity can be harnessed for corporate outcomes and social good,” Dr. Tan says.

NBS’s class profiles are consistent with DEI: the admissions team recruits diverse participants from various cultures and industries. This ensures that in-class discussions cover a more comprehensive range of views, and graduates bring their appreciation of diversity wherever they go in the future.

This is a natural consequence of DEI ideas and practice being found, as Dr. Tan concludes, “not just in the cultural intelligence module, but across the MBA curriculum in NBS.”

 

About Nanyang Business School MBA Programmes (NBS)

Constant change and disruption driven by emerging technologies, digitalisation, and an urgent focus on sustainability have made lifelong learning essential, to ensure you stay relevant and ahead of the competition.

We offer a suite of four distinct MBA programmes that are designed for working professionals at different stages of their careers. Participants have a choice of part-time or full-time MBA courses, all offering a good blend of theory and ​practice.

Nanyang Business School’s MBA programmes nurture leaders to excel​ in a global, digital environment. Find the MBA programme that suits your career needs: https://bit.ly/NBSGradStudies

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Two Nanyang MBA Alumni share their Journeys from Japan to the World

Two Nanyang MBA Alumni share their Journeys from Japan to the World

by | Nov 21, 2022 | Nanyang MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

Two Nanyang MBA Alumni share their Journeys from Japan to the World

Two Japanese executives with global leadership roles in their sights came to the same conclusion: to broaden their career prospects, taking further education beyond Japan was the best way for them to realise their respective dreams.

At 32, finance executive Akihiro Mayuzumi had nearly a decade’s worth of experience at the Japanese manufacturing firm IHI Corp. For his part, commodity trader Hironori Tanaka had also spent over ten years climbing the ranks at the Tokyo-based Marubeni Corporation.

“For a decade, I had been working for Japanese companies only. This meant I was only speaking Japanese and to fellow Japanese,” Akihiro recalls. “I knew that if I wanted to be a global leader, I needed to gain exposure to different cultures.”

Hironori, on the other hand, wanted to move from trading in soft commodities “to the investment side”, and thought Southeast Asia would be a perfect place to reorient his business perspective. “[There’s] lots of new technology, and start-ups emerging in Southeast Asia,” he muses – a perfect vantage point from which to compare and comprehend the changes that Japan’s business landscape was experiencing.

 

Pursuit of a global career

Taking stock at an inflection point in their successful careers, they came to the same conclusion: they needed to pursue an education that could enable a more global career.

Both Akihiro and Hironori chose to leave Japan and enrol in the Nanyang Business School (NBS), part of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Akihiro chose the Nanyang MBA and Hironori to the Nanyang-Waseda Double MBA, which had courses in both the Waseda University in Japan and the Nanyang Business School.

For Hironori, the Nanyang-Waseda Double MBA offered the best of both worlds: Japanese business smarts and exposure to Southeast Asian innovation, through a 14-month programme with classes in two of Asia’s top business schools.

“From alumni feedback, I learned that the Nanyang MBA was very practical. Every class had discussions and presentations that could help me improve my leadership in the global community,” explained Akihiro.

On top of exposure to global business thinking, the substantial 12-month curriculum was a big draw for him. “When I joined, I was already 32 years old – a little older than the rest,” he recalls. “I wanted to finish the MBA as early as possible so I could promptly return to the business world. That’s a unique point for the Nanyang MBA.”

Diversity in discussions

NBS ensures that students are exposed to talents and diversity from various countries and industries. This was a revelation for Akihiro and Hironori, who came from Japan’s hierarchical business culture.

Hironori experienced “a touch of culture shock” in his Nanyang MBA classes. “In Japan, the class set-up is more lecture-based; discussion is not really a given in Japanese culture,” he tells us. In contrast, the Nanyang MBA practises experiential learning, where students learn by doing through “discussions, group activities, and presentations,” Hironori explains. 

Akihiro, too, appreciated how “the programme encouraged students to have engaging discussions with everyone participating,” he says. Having only focused on the finance side of the business for the length of his career, Akihiro appreciates this access to a broader perspective.

“The MBA course provided me with financial knowledge, and a comprehensive look on business operations: from maintaining supply chains to handling marketing – essential knowledge for future-ready leaders,” Akihiro says.

 

New insights lead to new career path

An elective course in digital marketing led Hironori to reconsider his career path completely. “I noticed the great potential of digital marketing – eventually I changed my career path to the digital marketing side,” he tells us. “Now I’m doing digital transformation, especially in the area of digital marketing.”

A module on the entertainment business also stuck with Hironori: designed for double masters’ students and based in Singapore, the class was taught by Japanese entertainment business expert Atsuo Nakayama.

The subject was a microcosm of Japanese business, with the class case studies showing many things we can utilise even now, from a Japanese business environment,” Hironori recalls. “Japan has a lot of great entertainment intellectual property, like anime or manga; I felt I’m really proud of Japan.”

To this day, Hironori sees Professor Nakayama as a career mentor: “He’s amazing,” he says. “He has a lot of experience working for consulting, and game companies. I consulted him about my career.”

Diversity in discussions

NBS ensures that students are exposed to talents and diversity from various countries and industries. This was a revelation for Akihiro and Hironori, who came from Japan’s hierarchical business culture.

Hironori experienced “a touch of culture shock” in his Nanyang MBA classes. “In Japan, the class set-up is more lecture-based; discussion is not really a given in Japanese culture,” he tells us. In contrast, the Nanyang MBA practises experiential learning, where students learn by doing through “discussions, group activities, and presentations,” Hironori explains.

Akihiro, too, appreciated how “the programme encouraged students to have engaging discussions with everyone participating,” he says. Having only focused on the finance side of the business for the length of his career, Akihiro appreciates this access to a broader perspective.

“The MBA course provided me with financial knowledge, and a comprehensive look on business operations: from maintaining supply chains to handling marketing – essential knowledge for future-ready leaders,” Akihiro says.

 

New insights lead to new career path

An elective course in digital marketing led Hironori to reconsider his career path completely. “I noticed the great potential of digital marketing – eventually I changed my career path to the digital marketing side,” he tells us. “Now I’m doing digital transformation, especially in the area of digital marketing.”

A module on the entertainment business also stuck with Hironori: designed for double masters’ students and based in Singapore, the class was taught by Japanese entertainment business expert Atsuo Nakayama.

The subject was a microcosm of Japanese business, with the class case studies showing many things we can utilise even now, from a Japanese business environment,” Hironori recalls. “Japan has a lot of great entertainment intellectual property, like anime or manga; I felt I’m really proud of Japan.”

To this day, Hironori sees Professor Nakayama as a career mentor: “He’s amazing,” he says. “He has a lot of experience working for consulting, and game companies. I consulted him about my career.”

Nanyang MBA

The Nanyang MBA is a flexible 12-month or 18-month programme designed to fuel your growth into a future-ready leader equipped with the skills needed to excel in a global, digital environment. The programme aims to develop impactful, culturally adept leaders who embrace the connection between business, technology, and innovation to excel in global environments and adapt to each new wave of digital change.

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HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGING STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS

HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGING STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS

by | Nov 17, 2022 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Healthcare Transformation And Changing Strategies For Business

The products of the world’s largest healthcare company Johnson & Johnson can be found in virtually any supermarket, pharmacy, or hospital. However, the growing complexity of the firm’s portfolio, which spans consumer beauty and health to surgical products and life-saving medication, has become a challenge in recent years.

This is why Robert Manalu, Director of Commercial Quality for Johnson & Johnson, decided to pursue an Executive MBA (EMBA) degree at Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Nanyang Business School (NBS).

“The healthcare industry will evolve more in the next decade than it has in the last century,” explains Robert, quoting his CEO. “The knowledge and connections from the Nanyang EMBA programme will help me face these changes head-on and lead my team into this new era of health and everyday care.”

“The healthcare industry will evolve more in the next decade than it has in the last century.”

An unstoppable wave of change

Robert reveals that though the healthcare industry has advanced tremendously in the past few decades, these changes are minor compared to what lies in the future. Tech companies like Google have already entered the healthcare space with phone-based health monitoring and wearables like FitBit; their presence is both a threat to business and an opportunity to elevate healthcare.

“With new competition from tech giants, companies like J&J are driven to respond with innovation,” explains Robert. At the same time, they still need to think about managing current products and services, which are highly complicated.

 

THREE TRENDS SHAPING HEALTHCARE

Specialising and simplifying business

Last November, J&J announced that it would split into two publicly traded companies: one focusing on consumer health and the other housing its prescription drug and medical-device businesses.

J&J is not the only healthcare company simplifying to address increasing complexity. Indeed, in mid-2021, GlaxoSmithKline also announced that it would separate its Consumer Healthcare business. This move is made for greater focus, tailored capital allocation, and strategic flexibility to drive long-term growth and value.

Agility will transform healthcare

Robert shares that healthcare companies are relatively cumbersome and slow — owing partly to a very-refined and careful approach to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

“Technology presents an opportunity to accelerate the development of critical life-saving products and services.”

He highlights artificial intelligence in drug discovery, for example, allowing pharmaceutical developers to curb discovery and development lead time – with greater accuracy and better results.

Better communication channels for healthcare providers

Beyond improving the tools used to deliver care, tech can also improve the patient journey. In the healthcare value chain of the past, companies like J&J primarily engaged with healthcare professionals rather than the final “end users”.

Now, though, patients come to the hospital or doctor’s office with more knowledge and want more control and input into the care they receive. Improvements in technology can help them connect to physicians outside of the office and take a more proactive role in deciding their care.

 

WHY EMBA AT NTU?

As an Asian leader who built most of his career outside of Asia, Robert felt he lacked an Asian foundation. NTU’s strong Asian roots and close collaboration with Tsinghua University were ideal answers for his needs. “In one programme,” he shares, “I can learn directly from professors from China, Singapore, and the US.”

He highlights NBS’s breadth of research across consumer psychology, cultural intelligence, and emerging markets in Asia as a significant draw. Robert’s current and future responsibilities involve building relationships with patients, consumers, healthcare professionals and regulators in Asia: the expert insights from NBS professors enable him to do this well.

 

A BRAND-NEW CHALLENGE

Coming into the EMBA programme, Robert already had Six Sigma training, Project Management certification, and more. But he was impressed by the Strategy Projects at Nanyang (SPAN) module, which he felt was uniquely challenging. “During my module, I worked with an advertising agency looking to penetrate the world of customer experience as a service provider. I was blown away by the level of quality it demanded of us and the consulting experience I obtained.”

He also found the new connections with fellow participants gratifying. In his cohort, he was one of just three participants from the healthcare industry. From his discussions with leaders from finance, international business, and others, he returned to J&J with cross-disciplinary best practices to implement in healthcare.

 

WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR ROBERT IN THIS SPACE?

A position as a leader should never be taken for granted, says Robert. This is true for businesses and individuals alike.

Though it is tempting to hold on to specific techniques and mindsets even after they’ve become outdated, such attitudes will ultimately threaten future growth. “If we’re afraid to dismantle legacy structures and embrace change, then someone else will leap over us,” he says.

For Robert and many other EMBA students, the programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge themselves and set up a strong foundation for the rest of their career. “I want to be an agent of change in my industry,” explains Robert. “I am confident that I can help shape the path forward to the future.”

About the Nanyang Executive MBA

To thrive in the digital economy, leaders must understand how innovation can be harnessed to build a more agile digital enterprise. Designed for seasoned business leaders, the part-time Nanyang EMBA helps you:

  • Deepen your understanding of business and its intersection with technology and innovation
  • Gain global perspectives with immersions at UC Berkeley, USA and Tsinghua University, China
  • Benefit from the rich experience of one of the most senior EMBA class profiles in the region

NTU is committed to recognises the contribution of leaders in driving transformation for healthcare. Applicants from the healthcare, medical and pharmaceutical sectors can apply for the Nanyang EMBA Healthcare Leader Scholarship today. Visit our website at https://bit.ly/NanyangEMBAweb  or download the Nanyang EMBA programme brochure to learn more.

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Healthcare

Meet the MMS Alumna with a Dream to Use Tech for Good

Meet the MMS Alumna with a Dream to Use Tech for Good

by | Nov 4, 2022 | MSc Marketing Science

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC MARKETING SCIENCE

Meet the MMS Alumna with a Dream to Use Tech for Good

Veronica Tan is a Nanyang Business School (NBS) MSc Marketing Science (MMS) alumna. Today, she leads the digital marketing team at the Philippines office of multinational tech company vivo. Her goal goes beyond delivering impact at work. Eventually, she also wants to lead change in using tech for the greater good.

Embracing Innovation

Veronica’s passion as a marketer is in showing how technology improves lives, leading her to begin her career journey in tech giant Tencent. Since then, she has worked for a Chinese smart home technologies company and a Singapore medical start-up before joining vivo.

“That’s the most exciting part of working in a tech company: witnessing stories of how technological innovations change lives for the better,” she says.

“For example, I had worked on a project that developed smart cameras. It’s reassuring to know that these devices help busy mothers in kitchens to keep an eye on their sleeping babies who are in another room.”

Veronica’s belief in technology for good also motivated her to embark on the NBS MMS programme.

“The MMS programme introduced me to new digital fields that I was never exposed to,” she says. “I was becoming a bona fide digital marketer as I deep dived into digital advertising metrics like ‘cost per mille’ and ‘cost per click’. More innovations in digital marketing tools are empowering marketers like never before. We now track people’s various actions across the user journey, which gives us a more accurate understanding of their conversion from awareness to consideration, purchase, and loyalty.”

 

Leading with Impact

As the digital marketing head at vivo Philippines, Veronica leads a 5-member team whose scope includes paid media, social media, live streaming, and KOL (key opinion leader) content.

“There are always challenges to being a new leader,” she says. “The key challenge for me being a foreigner, was initially having to adapt to a English-speaking work environment where English is not my first language.”

Veronica notes three qualities when asked about the leadership style she developed after a year in vivo.

“It’s important to remain humble,” she says. “When I started the digital marketing head role, I was a newcomer to the team, who knew a lot more than me. I wanted to learn more from them while supporting them with broader strategies.”

Next, she says that it is critical to show results to lead with impact: “This can be done through solid project management and being firm about deadlines.”

Finally, she highlights how good leaders are constantly open to new ideas and different working styles. “A good leader evolves with everyone and with the times,” she says.

She is grateful for the many group projects in the MMS programme, which she says, “truly honed my leadership skills”. She explains that the projects pushed her to manage timelines, have a strong work ethic, and lead by sharing information.

“Recently, while I was brainstorming a TikTok hashtag challenge for a new vivo product, I recalled some of the lessons I learnt from a project in the MMS programme,” she says. “This led to some very productive ideas, which the other local and regional teams liked.”

 

Transforming into a Global Citizen

Veronica always seeks to improve herself, so she decided on a career overseas that would challenge her in all aspects of her life.

“Diving into a different culture is exciting yet confusing at times,” she says, “Still, it will broaden my horizons and enable me to appreciate the many possibilities in life. Southeast Asia is also an up-and-coming market that I’m excited about.”

She adds that the culturally diverse classroom of the MMS programme equipped her with the soft skills to thrive in a foreign land.

“With such a diverse classroom, we naturally became interested in each other. The curiosity of wanting to know more about another country, another culture, another person, is what makes a global citizen,” she says. “Through this curiosity, we sharpen our cross-cultural communication skills. I’d say diversity is one of the priceless things about the MMS programme.”

Head to our website to find out more about the MSc Marketing Science programme.

Download MSc Marketing Science Brochure

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Why get a Nanyang-St. Gallen Double Master’s? This award-winning valedictorian shares his experience with us

Why get a Nanyang-St. Gallen Double Master’s? This award-winning valedictorian shares his experience with us

by | Nov 2, 2022 | Nanyang MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

Why get a Nanyang-St. Gallen Double Master’s? This award-winning valedictorian shares his experience with us

It’s common for people to pursue postgraduate studies, to expand their knowledge and further their careers. There are plenty of options, from certifications to PhDs. While most people recognise the value of completing postgrad interdisciplinary education, very few go the extra mile and fulfil that objective by getting a double Master’s degree.

Benedikt Bosch, an award-winning NTU graduate, did just that.

The German native has both a Master’s in Arts in Strategy and International Management from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, his alma mater and the Nanyang MBA from Nanyang Business School (NBS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is also NBS’s Valedictorian for AY2022.

For some people, getting a double Master’s degree might sound excessive—isn’t job experience just as good, if not better, at catapulting your career? While that may be true in some cases, there are certain professional advantages to pursuing two master’s degrees, more so if the programme provides intensive interdisciplinary exposure in two completely different settings.

Here’s why Benedikt decided to take the Nanyang-St Gallen Double Masters programme.

 

Choosing a Double Master’s programme

After university, Benedikt worked as a consultant at McKinsey, providing consulting services to big German companies. It was then that he hit a career crossroads.

“I was at the intersection where I had a full-time offer and was thinking about whether I should accept that offer or continue my education,” he said.

“At that point, I was thinking, I’m still very young, and there will be many more years to come. So let’s go back to university to have more flexibility and more opportunities to experience new things… That was the biggest motivation for me, but also to learn more again and to gain more knowledge in certain subjects.”

Benedikt opted to get a double Master’s degree, specialising in the field of strategy and management and finance so he could “gain deep insights into both of these areas.” He chose to take his second degree in Singapore since he had already lived there for half a year in 2018 and found it to be a deeply fascinating country that thought decades into the future. He was also engrossed by the local food, culture, and business style.

“Something that I find super interesting about Singapore is that you can see people from all kinds of cultures across the world just walking downtown,” Benedikt reflected. “I think that is the most special thing about the country—how Singapore manages different cultures to live peacefully next to each other; it’s quite astonishing for a country that’s under 60 years old.”

Besides that, Benedikt also considered the growing importance of Asia in international business.

 

Key takeaways from the programme

Benedikt, who wanted to continue his consulting career after his studies, found the classes relevant for his future job. “I think the MBA was more of a confirmation that this is the right choice or the right way to go,” he said. “I got to know a lot of people from different industries and companies.  That was most enriching to me because I got new insights into new industries.”

His classes on technology and e-business stood out: the content covered contemporary business trends but provided insights that could be applied to specific industries. It was also accessible to students like Benedikt, who lacked a tech background.

Benedikt was particularly impressed by the case studies that offered actionable business insights. “It wasn’t about what one company did right or wrong, but more about what we can learn from the failure of one company for others,” he said.

Taking these classes in an Asian context also broadened his horizons and gave him an understanding of how business is conducted in different parts of the world. Being a European with an intimate knowledge of doing business in Asia could give him a leg up career-wise. “What is unique is that I have one degree from Europe and one degree from Asia, and I think that is a combination that not a lot of people can offer,” Benedikt said.

The community and the network of people he met along the way were also key takeaways for Benedikt. As the valedictorian of his batch, he credits most of his achievements to his fellow MBA candidates.

“Looking back, I think my achievements are also the result of the vigorous and fruitful collaboration we had across the MBA programme.  Ultimately, I would say 80% of the MBA courses are based on teamwork. I think that’s what I’m super grateful for: I had a lot of good teams that were working well, where I could learn a lot,” Benedikt said.

He added that a big plus of NTU is that the average age of candidates is a little younger than that of other programmes, so he could bond with his classmates and grow together as a community.  “It’s more about all the learnings that you could take away from that… the memories and the learnings to take away, you profit every day from that.”

 

Are you interested in a double Master’s programme?

For anyone looking to take on the Nanyang Double Masters Programme, Benedikt offers a few words of advice.

“The most important thing is to be open to new experiences,” he explained. “There are some people who know what they want to do and where they want to go. And I think that’s good if you’re sure that that’s what makes you happy.

“But for me, the best choice is always to be open, curious, and see what opportunities emerge. And if they emerge, take them.”

Find out more about the Nanyang Double Masters Programme, and how it can potentially double your opportunities for advancement in the world of business.

Nanyang MBA

The Nanyang MBA is a flexible 12-month or 18-month programme designed to fuel your growth into a future-ready leader equipped with the skills needed to excel in a global, digital environment. The programme aims to develop impactful, culturally adept leaders who embrace the connection between business, technology, and innovation to excel in global environments and adapt to each new wave of digital change.

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MSc Business Analytics Student and ASEAN Development Scholar: “Adapting to the future of work is imperative for professional success.”

MSc Business Analytics Student and ASEAN Development Scholar: “Adapting to the future of work is imperative for professional success.”

by | Oct 31, 2022 | MSc Business Analytics

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC BUSINESS ANALYTICS

MSc Business Analytics Student and ASEAN Development Scholar: “Adapting to the future of work is imperative for professional success.”

In 2022, Nanyang Business School (NBS), part of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), launched the ASEAN Development Scholarship to nurture outstanding talents from the members of the ASEAN states to pursue a specialised masters with a generous partial scholarship.

Lee Jiun Kai, a Malaysian, is part of the inaugural batch of scholarship recipients. He certainly leaves an impression with his deep conviction that reskilling is a must to evolve with the times – he had switched from pharmaceuticals to business analytics.

He says,

“Enrolling in the NBS MSc Business Analytics (MSBA) programme is a way to equip myself with programming skills and remain competitive in today’s highly data-driven marketplace.”

Let’s hear more from Jiun Kai on how he intends to make the best of the programme and scholarship.

Q: Jiun Kai, your undergraduate studies and work experiences have been in the pharmaceutical field. What made you decide to pursue the MSBA?

 

Jiun Kai: I genuinely believe that adapting to the future of work is imperative for professional and personal success. Today, technology has taken centrestage. In due time, it will replace what I used to do as a pharmacist. It’s time to push myself in new directions and acquire new skills.

 

I’ve also come to appreciate the significance of alternative data when I was enrolled in the Charter Financial Analyst programme. I’ve since been using data as one of my decision-making tools in investing.

 

Because of these reasons, it became a natural step for me to embark on the MSBA programme.

 

Q: Business analytics is a new field for you. How did you prepare yourself to take on an entirely fresh challenge in the form of the MSBA programme?

 

Jiun Kai: I expected the MSBA programme to be coding intensive, so I enrolled in a few Python courses provided by online education platforms. I also spent time with textbooks on data science and machine learning. These efforts paid off.  Before starting the programme, I gained a good grasp of programming concepts, facilitating my understanding of the MSBA study materials.

 

I have to add that the MSBA programme also embraces students like me who want to change career paths while having little programming knowledge.

 

Q: You’re currently about three months into the MSBA programme. What do you wish to gain at the end of the journey?

 

Jiun Kai: “The programme has much to offer, but I particularly look forward to sharpening my skills in using different programming languages in machine learning. The insights provided by machine learning form the core of analytics in almost every industry. Some industries that rely heavily on predictive insights include finance, healthcare, FMCG, and logistics. The applications of machine learning are vast.”

I’m also excited about career opportunities in Singapore, which has emerged as one of the most competitive countries in embracing technological advances and providing a nurturing environment for data graduates.

 

Q: We want to congratulate you on receiving the ASEAN Development Scholarship. How do you plan use this “gift” to the fullest?

 

Jiun Kai: The ASEAN Development Scholarship is a priceless gift because it offers me time and space to focus on my studies, and smoothening my career transition from pharmaceutical to business analytics. Without the scholarship, I would have to work part-time to cover my tuition fees and living costs.

 

I’ll be making use this gift to the fullest in two ways. First, I hope to add to the diversity of the MSBA programme with unique perspectives that combine my healthcare experiences with my business analytics learnings. Second, I hope to bring this combination to the workplace to offer innovative solutions and valuable insights.

 

Q: Do you have three tips to share with prospective applicants to the MSBA programme?

Jiun Kai: “The MSBA programme is looking for candidates with a strong passion for analytics. Prior experience in programming is secondary. You must, first and foremost, demonstrate a strong interest in analytics.”

Next, make the necessary preparations before the programme begins. Enroll in courses, read up as much as possible, and try to gain fundamental knowledge in at least one programming language. For example, I recommend obtaining the PCEP certification from the Python Institute.

 

Last but not least, be aware and fully utilise the resources provided by NTU. Studying should not be the only focus. NTU provides high-touch career consultation services and ample workshops to prepare us for future challenges in the workplace. So, look for these and other extracurricular activities to make your student life more holistic.

Head to our website to learn more about our ASEAN Development Scholarship

 

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ASSESSING THE FUTURE OF FREIGHT WITH NANYANG EMBA’S OLIVIA CASHIN

ASSESSING THE FUTURE OF FREIGHT WITH NANYANG EMBA’S OLIVIA CASHIN

by | Oct 30, 2022 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Assessing The Future Of Freight With Nanyang EMBA’s Olivia Cashin

According to the World Trade Organization, the volume of global merchandise trade increased by 9.8 per cent in 2021. The increased demand for global products has directly contributed to the growth of industries such as global freight forwarding.

Freight forwarders navigate customs clearance, shifting shipping fees, and tense political environments to ensure the safe arrival of goods at their destinations. The role of freight forwarders — and indeed, that of most actors within the value chain of global trade – will only evolve in tandem with new changes in the business environment.

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) had the unique opportunity to sit down with Olivia Cashin, VP & Head of Value Added Services APAC at DHL Global Forwarding Management (Asia Pacific) and current EMBA participant to talk about the future of freight forwarding.

Olivia’s history in the freight industry

During her early career as a cargo sales consultant for a German national carrier, Olivia supported global freight forwarders. In this role, she worked to ensure that freight shipments were delivered correctly amidst political or economic crises, changing regulations, and volatile taxes and tariffs.

Olivia was soon headhunted by DHL for her in depth knowledge on freight management. In her 17 years at the German logistics giant, she has contributed to regional strategy in APAC, led the development of international hubs, including Customs Brokerage Services (CDZ), and negotiated with national agencies to influence a regulatory customs framework, among other responsibilities.

Three trends defining the future of freight

Freight forwarding and supply chain logistics have tended to be very traditional, says Olivia, but the world is changing. Technology has made it impossible to stay stagnant; new players like Amazon and Lazada have surprised and innovated in highly disruptive ways to create new arenas of competition. Olivia identifies three major trends defining the industry today:

1) Creative, human-focused strategy in people and change management

Big businesses can be highly resistant to change. DHL operates across hundreds of countries and its global workforce speaks many languages. In large organisations, changes related to technology usage, operational improvements, and newer best practices must be adopted uniformly across hundreds of thousands of people.

“Senior leaders must have the creativity and cultural awareness to design a change management strategy that is relevant to their unique team and regional composition.”

Olivia Cashin
VP & Head of Value Added Services APAC
DHL Global Forwarding Management (Asia Pacific)

2) Automation and digitalisation

The new generation of e-commerce businesses has invested heavily into technologies and platforms that facilitate last-mile logistics, door-to-door delivery, and shipping at scale. Their presence, Olivia explains, has motivated traditional firms to reflect carefully about their own tech roadmap.

She says, “In the world of freight forwarding, there are few off-the-shelf tools or technologies we can use to improve processes. We need a solid strategy to ensure that the technologies we choose are worth the time, effort, and cost.”

3) Infrastructure

External business environments can either help or hinder global trade. Governments in turmoil and trade conflicts have a very real effect on the day-to-day responsibilities of a freight forwarder. Regulations — and the lack thereof — can complicate day-to-day operations.

“No organisation operates in a vacuum.”

Olivia points out that no organisation operates in a vacuum. Collaboration between regulators, governments, and the private sector is necessary for progress. Olivia and her team, for example, lobby and negotiate actively with national agencies to encourage the development of regulatory customs frameworks.

Building a career in freight and logistics

Freight forwarding as an industry may not seem glamorous or high-profile, but there is enormous room for growth as international trade becomes more advanced. Concerns within the industry — such as sustainability, automation, and international relations — are waiting to be solved. There are plenty of opportunities for motivated individuals and aspiring women leaders.

Olivia’s first-hand awareness of the industry’s upcoming challenges inspired her to pursue continuing education from a business school. She wanted to expand her connections beyond her daily circles of partners, colleagues, and team members and gain exposure to new trends. She also sought an environment that could refresh and upgrade her cultural dexterity, a sustainability mindset, and creativity.

A confident step forward with NTU’s Nanyang EMBA

Olivia’s requirements were fulfilled by Nanyang Technological University’s Executive MBA (EMBA). Uniquely designed for busy executives who desire practical educational experience, the EMBA offers a deeper understanding of business and its intersection with technology and innovation.

The Nanyang EMBA programme has helped Olivia to nurture more fruitful relationships with her team members and clients while also raising her awareness of the potential impact of technologies such as Web 3.0, the metaverse, and artificial intelligence. “There is so much sharing and learning to be done in the EMBA,” she says. “It has been a deeply invigorating experience.”

As technologies continue to evolve and the workforce becomes more global, senior leaders in freight forwarding and beyond will be called to update their knowledge.

Keen to learn more about the Nanyang Executive MBA? Download the Nanyang EMBA brochure.

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Building a Global Career With NTU’s Financial Engineering Masters

Building a Global Career With NTU’s Financial Engineering Masters

by | Oct 28, 2022 | MSc Financial Engineering

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC FINANCIAL ENGINEERING

Building a Global Career With NTU’s Financial Engineering Masters

While studying for his bachelor’s degree in investment in Beijing, Alex Tan realised his growing interest in quantitative finance.

“To be more competent in this field, I decided to further my studies in financial engineering,” he says. “I shortlisted Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore for this next step. Ultimately, I chose Singapore because of its solid reputation as an international finance hub. Plus, I love its tropical weather.”

After meticulous research and discussions with seniors and classmates, he decided on Nanyang Technological University, (NTU) Nanyang Business School’s (NBS) Master of Science (MSc) in Financial Engineering (MFE) programme.

“NTU is known for opening doors to global career opportunities,” Alex says. “This was perfect for me, as I knew I wanted to go all out to see the world.”

“NTU is known for opening doors to global career opportunities,” Alex says. “This was perfect for me, as I knew I wanted to go all out to see the world.”

How MFE Exceeded His Expectations

Alex graduated from the MFE programme in July 2022. Reflecting on his learning journey, he describes two aspects of the programme that impressed him.

First, the programme’s rigorous curriculum assured him he would emerge from it well-equipped for the industry.

“I like a good challenge, and indeed, the programme truly challenged me,” he says. “It required deep dedication, time, and effort on my part. The reward is that the lessons I gained helped me greatly during my job search.”

Upon graduation, Alex applied to join the Rate Sales team at China International Capital Corporation. He shared that MFE modules such as Fixed Income Securities and Bond Management Strategies prepared him well for the tests during the job application process.

He clinched the job and is now based in the company’s Tokyo office. The MFE modules, he says, are also invaluable for his current role, where he brokers Chinese government bonds with investors.

“Trust me, even if one doesn’t choose a quantitative finance career, he or she can still apply the skills acquired from the MFE programme to many aspects of work. Analytical, programming, and finance skills are all in demand in various finance fields,” Alex says.

Second, Alex highlights that the MFE programme has taught him to be highly collaborative.

“Working with people of different nationalities during the MFE programme, I learnt to be a better person,” he says. “I improved my communication skills and experienced how generosity and teamwork make life’s journey enjoyable. Without my classmates, the programme will be a lot more painful.”

From Shanghai to Singapore and Tokyo

One could call Alex a global soul – which is why he was drawn to Singapore and NTU’s international flavour while considering where to embark on his master’s degree.

He had begun his career in Shanghai and did stints in Beijing and Singapore before heading to Tokyo.

Alex can converse in three languages: Mandarin, his native tongue; English; and Japanese, which he studied and has passed the highest level of its proficiency test.

He describes the cities he has worked in: “Shanghai is modern and fancy, and life is convenient there. Beijing is a super big city. There are always new things to explore after work. In Singapore, the work culture is more generous and inclusive, while in Japan, things are rigid, which means there is good risk control.”

Alex always brings an open mind and heart to places and people wherever he might be.

“I focus on the goodness of others and learn from that. This approach allows me to make more friends and understand diverse cultures,” he says. “I gradually adapt to the place by building up my social and support networks in a new city.”

He adds, “My motivation for exploring new places is simple: I don’t want to regret anything in life while I still have the time and energy. And that’s my tip for prospective applicants to the MFE programme too. Just go for it!”

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Hear from Ying, ASEAN Development Scholar, on the MSc Marketing Science Programme

Hear from Ying, ASEAN Development Scholar, on the MSc Marketing Science Programme

by | Oct 18, 2022 | MSc Marketing Science

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC MARKETING SCIENCE

Hear from Ying, ASEAN Development Scholar, on the MSc Marketing Science Programme

In 2021, Nanyang Business School (NBS) launched the ASEAN Development Scholarship. This scholarship aims to nurture outstanding individuals from ASEAN member countries by providing them with opportunities to pursue a specialised masters degree.

Phanthitra Sae-Chen – or Ying for short – from Thailand is part of the inaugural batch of scholarship recipients. She stands out with a solid academic record, leadership potential in her career experiences, and a keen desire to learn (she is studying Japanese now after gaining proficiency in English and Mandarin while Thai is her mother tongue).

Let’s hear from Ying about how she intends to make the best of the scholarship opportunity.

Q: Ying, you started your career in design and art direction in advertising. What made you change your career track and specialise in marketing?

Ying: Yes, I used to work in an advertising agency, and this was where I first got curious about marketing. I became fascinated by how consumers think and why they act the way they do when they buy something.

I want to understand their needs, how to persuade them, and explore how consumers can benefit a business or brand. I decided to get serious about marketing and embarked on the MSc Marketing Science (MMS) programme.

Q: Why Singapore and why the MMS programme at NBS?

Ying: I had three criteria when evaluating a postgraduate programme: location, course structure, and timeframe.

Singapore has always been my first choice in terms of location for pursuing a master’s degree. It is close to my hometown, Thailand, and a business hub where I can deep dive into the Southeast Asian market. Plus, NBS has a beautiful campus.

The MMS programme is rigorous. It covers fundamental marketing knowledge like Consumer Psychology and the latest marketing innovations like Consumer Neuroscience and Neuromarketing, which is particularly interesting to me.

That I could complete the MMS programme in one year is extremely attractive. It’s neither too long nor short.

Q: What were your expectations when you embarked on the MMS programme? Has the programme met your expectations?

Ying: The programme turned out to be much more robust and vibrant than I had anticipated.

First, I’ve been impressed by the NBS Admissions Team. They provided me with constant support throughout the admissions process, which made me feel assured and not alone.

The other passionate team is the Graduate Studies Career Development Office. The team offered advice and provided resources in my job application journey, which have been of great help.

Finally, the classroom diversity in NBS has been a wow factor. It was fantastic to get to know people from so many different cultures, learn from them and understand their unique perspectives.

Q: Congratulations on being an ASEAN Development Scholar! How will you make use of this “gift” to the fullest?

Ying: I’m incredibly grateful to have received the ASEAN Development Scholarship. It has given me confidence and motivated me to work harder in my learning journey.

With this “gift”, I intend to be an active contributor in class. I will also maximise my time in NBS by attending various career events and workshops and gaining as much as possible from them. I want to use the time to explore Singapore and make more friends from different cultures – I’m at the right place to do so.

Q: What three tips would you like to share with candidates entering the MMS programme?

Ying: The first tip is to be open-minded. Your classmates are diverse in terms of talent, background, and nationality. Be prepared to listen to different ideas. Giving constructive feedback while learning from one another will be highly beneficial.

Second, be flexible. Everything changes quickly in this digital age. Being adaptable to new technologies and social platforms is critical for marketers.

Finally, be prepared to face challenges because the MMS programme is quite an intensive journey. Managing your time and prioritising tasks are essential for success.

Head to our website to learn more about our ASEAN Development Scholarship.

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