Embracing Change to the Fullest with the Nanyang EMBA

by Nanyang Business School | Jul 27, 2023 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Embracing Change to the Fullest with the Nanyang EMBA

Ask Damian Leach to describe his three-decade career; he will tell you it is now in its “fifth phase”.

Phase five for Damian is a Global CIO role in one of the largest global lessors of shipping containers, Seaco (https://www.seacoglobal.com) based in Singapore where he runs the Global IT team from. Damian also continues to support his wife’s business venture, Lush Platters (https://www.lushplatters.com), which supplies premium wine, cheese, cold cuts, and grazing tables across Singapore.

Damian began his career at a London dot-com startup before leading professional services teams across Europe delivering core banking technologies. He spent seven years in Australia with companies like American Express to lead Expert Engineering across the APAC region before moving to Singapore to head up a global IT team at Standard Chartered Bank. Damian transitioned to Workday as the Chief Technology Officer before recently joining Seaco as Global CIO, still based in Singapore. In his spare time, Damian coaches and mentors’ startups across Asia.

As a Nanyang EMBA graduate, Damian has spoken about how the programme at Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Nanyang Business School helped him become a culturally savvy global leader and planted the seeds needed for a growth mindset.

“I still enjoy debating with my cohort from the EMBA programme – when we meet each other for drinks, and dinner. We have a number of very successful CHROs, CFOs, CEOs, global leaders and business owners in our cohort” he says.

“For our EMBA project we researched and developed biometric interactive voice security system as a project thesis, this is still live and in use today at the Bank. It’s rewarding to see the difference we were able to make during the program, and that it lives on, long after we graduate.”

“The executive EMBA programme taught me to look beyond where I am today and peer into the future. I was on a precipice, if I didn’t try to make the jump out of the Banking and Finance sector, I would always regret it.”

Courage to change

Switching industries as a senior leader requires courage. Damian credits a lot to both instinct and timing but also recognised the values the Nanyang EMBA taught him. This certainly helped to conquer his fear of failure through his personal growth, product and market innovation and entrepreneurship in all development aspects.

While attending the EMBA’s overseas component at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley he studied Business Psychology. Damian discovered he was a leader with an entrepreneurial flair, and it helped him foster a realisation that he wanted to start a Technology company of his own.

This learning was further enhanced during a later session with Sequoia Capital, during which EMBA participants designed a new business and had to pitch the idea to Sequoia and design the proposal for a digital application.

“It marked a mental shift that I should start listening to myself more, in terms of how my brain and personality is naturally wired, and the skills and activities that make me tick. Sometimes to learn, one needs to be uncomfortable, recognise the need to stretch one’s own capability limits to understand where our core strengths truly are.”

These experiences led him to launch his own technology start-up, and in unison support his wife in starting Lush Platters. When the pandemic hit, he needed to pivot fast to accommodate a different strategy, it was key to not only success, but survival.

“This was hard it took great courage and debate, but we had to look at the facts and focus.” Damian reflects. “At the time we faced the decision to close, or double down on both businesses and adapt, evaluating if the business was robust enough to withstand change and could we afford it?” Lush Platters enjoyed a successful pivot and growth whilst Damian made a conscious decision to close the technology startup.

Constant career evolution

Damian transitioned from Banking and Finance to CTO for Workday, a role which included technical writing, technology evangelising, directing product strategy, and building business and cloud transformation strategy with customer and prospect CIOs.

The change represented a major departure from the executive’s previous position managing a global IT team of 250 people, and overseeing multimillion-dollar P&L. “Being a CTO was a great experience, however after a couple of years I recognised that I wanted to be creating and leading the change not influencing it for others”. After talking to hundreds of CIOs Damian realised that being a CIO was the next logical career path.

Now as Seaco’s Global CIO, Damian spearheads the company’s full IT scope and front to back services, drawing upon a wealth of expertise spanning global IT P&L management, digital transformation, development, cloud, security, operations, cyber, infrastructure, end-user services amassed throughout his career.

He is enjoying the diversity that this new role offers in one of Singapore’s primary industry sectors and each days brings new opportunities. “In my second week at Seaco, we embarked on a transformative CSR trip to Vietnam, collaborating with Action on Poverty (https://www.actiononpoverty.org). It was a humbling experience, fostering deep connections with colleagues and creating lasting impact on the community which will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

“Seaco’s commitment to impactful CSR initiatives resonates profoundly with me, marking one of the most rewarding chapters in my career—one I’ll always cherish,” he reflects.

Damian is also committed to lifelong learning, recently becoming a Certified Professional in AI, Ethics and Governance at NTU, and is looking forward to innovating with AI at Seaco.

Summing up his Nanyang EMBA experience, “every new experience is like planting a seed, with patience and care over time you can see the tree grow.” Even after a decade, lessons from the Nanyang EMBA continue to prove their worth throughout his career evolution, “The seed I once planted in the EMBA is now bearing fruit that I am also sharing with others.”  

“New opportunities start to surface because of the energy you put into every interaction,” Damian says. “The growth mindset that you develop over time through experimentation, acknowledging sometimes this may involve failing but never being afraid to continue to learn change, adapt and expand your horizons is critical.” he concludes.

About the Nanyang Executive MBA

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

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

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

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

Nanyang EMBA

Leadership Development

Alumni Stories

Technology

A day in the life of a data scientist at Alipay

by Nanyang Business School | Jul 20, 2023 | MSc Business Analytics

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC BUSINESS ANALYTICS

A day in the life of a data scientist at Alipay: Solving complex customer problems with data analytics

Data is now the most valuable asset in any financial services organisation, data analytics and quickly becoming the leading technologies driving the growth of fintech. As the fintech sector grows, data analysts will play a crucial role in harnessing the power of data to develop innovative and personalised products and services.

Shen Yi, a data scientist for Ant Customer Experience at Ant Group, is navigating this exciting landscape. Ant Group owns Alipay—the world’s largest mobile payment platform with over 1.3 billion users and 80 million merchants.

Given Alipay’s scale and reach, one can only imagine the amount of financial and customer data that Shen Yi has to sift through daily. Take a peek into a day in his life as a data scientist, and learn how a Specialised Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore helped kickstart his new career path.

At the cutting edge of fintech and CX innovations

As a data scientist for Ant Customer Experience, Shen Yi’s primary responsibility is enhancing customer experience (CX) and anticipating problems related to using Alipay.

He employs time series prediction to forecast when customers will call in, so that call centre staff can prepare in advance. He also uses machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques to identify problems and optimise processes to assign customers to the right customer service staff.

“Rather than waiting for our stakeholders to raise problems, we try to find problems in the workflow from the perspective of data and then apply the latest algorithms and technologies to solve them,” he explains.

However, in his line of work, most of his challenges have little to do with data technologies or algorithms. Instead, his crucial difficulty is helping his different stakeholders understand the value and impact of data science.

“Not all our stakeholders know what data science can do,” he reveals. “Often, they want to solve business problems through conventional methods rather than seeking an optimised or intelligent solution.” Shen Yi has to work harder to explain processes and results to different stakeholders and find ways to present data easily.

Despite these challenges, his role keeps him excited, as he is constantly exposed to the latest technical developments in fintech and CX. Ant Group provides training camps related to large language models, optimisation, and causal inferences, which not only improves his technical skills but also broadens his views on the developments in the sector.

“It’s exciting to see how big data can play a crucial role in exposing and solving problems that are almost impossible for human to address or detect,” he shares.

And as the field grows, so does Shen Yi. “Every time I complete a new project, learn one or two new algorithms, or gain command over one or two new tools.”

Making the shift from finance to data analytics

With a background in Finance Management, a career in data analytics was a massive shift for Shen Yi. He enrolled in an MSBA from NTU’s Nanyang Business School (NBS) to make the leap.

“The programme has a solid technical curriculum,” he says. “For students like me with a Finance background, it’s important to construct a systematic understanding of big data and AI technologies. The courses on machine learning and AI taught me the principles and deductions of algorithms and how to realise algorithms with code and apply them to solve problems.”

There are many interdisciplinary electives for MSBA students, such as cybersecurity and blockchain.

As part of his data practicum, Shen Yi also spent nine months working at the e-commerce company Shopee, where he gained hands-on experience in cutting-edge fintech and CX technologies and collaborated with experienced professionals in the industry.

Technical know-how aside, his biggest takeaway from the MSBA programme is the soft skills needed to work well with others. “I think the most important skill set I learned is how to cooperate with others to solve problems,” he recalls.

During the MSBA programme, he was required to complete group assignments in almost every class. This honed his innate strengths as a data analyst and taught him how to communicate well with others, deal with conflict, and handle emergencies that may get in the way of project advancement.

“In my line of work, I am required to collaborate with product managers, operations specialists, data engineers, and software developers,” he says. “In this industry, no individual can complete a project alone—businesses thrive when thousands of intelligent brains have efficient discussions and information exchange.”

Forging new career pathways with a Specialised Master’s in Business Analytics

As Shen Yi builds his data analytics career in China, having an MSBA degree from NTU has opened doors.

“Most Chinese companies welcome graduates from NTU because of NTU’s reputation,” he shares. “It’s not very difficult for NTU graduates to find their ideal position with the knowledge they learned and the social circles they built during their stay in NTU.”

He adds that NTU’s career office has equipped him with valuable resources for employment opportunities, with some career instructors specialising in the Chinese employment market.

Despite his success, Shen Yi doesn’t rest on his laurels and maintains an objective outlook on the rapid advancements in his industry. “Being a data scientist requires a solid command of algorithm and engineering knowledge, and it’s impossible to learn everything about data science in one or two years in the programme—especially when the field is rapidly developing,” he says.

For those aspiring to a career in data analytics, Shen Yi has this advice: “Find one specific field in data science you’re interested in or particularly good at,” he says. “Data science isn’t a specific discipline and can always be applied to other fields, such as finance and healthcare. If you’re already in a field you are familiar with—coupled with a command of data science and big data technologies—you’ll surely succeed in that career path.”

Like Shen Yi, you too can forge new career pathways in data science with a Specialised Master’s in Business Analytics. This interdisciplinary programme equips students with the technical know-how and hands-on experience they need for the dynamic world of data analytics, a vital component in today’s digital-first organisations.

Download MSc Business Analytics Brochure

An EMBA, a new job, and a move overseas? How this tech leader managed it all

by Nanyang Business School | Jul 20, 2023 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

An EMBA, a new job, and a move overseas? How this tech leader managed it all

Leveraging the cultural intelligence and innovation expertise of Nanyang Business School, Alex Tan made the leap from Asia to the Middle East – all part of plans for a global career as he aims for the C-suite.

Like many keen on pursuing a global career, Alex Tan has always wanted to work overseas. “I dreamt of moving to the Middle East, US, or China,” says the senior technologist.

This goal was realised in 2022 when the former vice president of digital technology at a Singapore investment firm landed a role as enterprise digital architect for Dubai-based conglomerate Al-Futtaim, relocating to one of the world’s largest emerging markets.

“The MENA exposure, which is new to me, and the company’s wide breadth of business domains, increases my business acumen as I prepare myself for a C-suite role,” he says.

Despite the new cultural and business environment, Tan adjusted quickly and is already making an impact at work – achievements he credits to the Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA) programme, having secured the position midway through his studies.

“With a deeper understanding of global business dynamics, market trends, and emerging economies, the programme equipped me with the knowledge to navigate international business environments in Dubai quite effectively,” the senior leader says, citing a comprehensive curriculum that combines advanced business knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.

“This makes graduates like us well-suited for leadership roles in multinational companies.”

World-class cultural insights

Tan’s career in tech began when he graduated from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) two decades ago with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering.

In 2022, he returned to his alma mater – one of Asia’s most comprehensive research-intensive universities – for the Nanyang EMBA. The programme is run by NTU’s Nanyang Business School (NBS), which houses the world’s foremost research centre for cultural intelligence.

The Nanyang EMBA programme draws on NBS’s wealth of research, case studies, and world-class faculty to imbue participants with the cultural dexterity to succeed globally. This is achieved with deep insights into emerging markets, cross-cultural communication, business practices and consumer psychology.

The programme also includes cultural immersions to two partner institutes: Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management.

At Tsinghua, Tan learned how to do business in China via foreign direct investments – learnings that later informed his understanding of the emerging market Dubai. “It was intriguing to learn how Apple and Tesla were able to do better than others,” he says.

“Beyond opportunities to attend top institutions in the East and West, the programme’s bootcamp structure was also a draw, enabling the senior leader to continue his studies even as he settled into a new role halfway across the world. The 13-month, part-time programme is delivered in six segments of intensive learning, each lasting two weeks.

“The entire programme is split into manageable segments and focuses on a few modules at a time,” Tan explains. “By taking it step-by-step, the workload becomes more approachable, and I felt I could maintain a sense of progress and accomplishment throughout.”

Advocating for innovation

Since arriving in Dubai, Tan has been struck by the emirate’s ambitious projects and innovative, entrepreneurial spirit. Between 2017 and 2021, the city attracted projects worth US$1.4 billion – more than Singapore, London, and even New York.

Here, he credits the Nanyang EMBA for enabling him to capitalise on opportunities, thanks to the programme’s emphasis on cultivating innovative leaders. Modules develop participants’ entrepreneurial attitudes, and impart knowledge of intrapreneurship, which occurs when companies empower staff to think creatively and take risks.

With intrapreneurship, large organisations that are part of a mature technical system can still grow – and avoid being disrupted, Tan says, citing learnings from the Haas School of Business: “The Berkeley professors taught us that it’s okay to fail, and to be willing to learn from failure.”

These learnings have directly impacted his influence at work as a key advisor on organisation-wide projects related to app development, automation, analytics, and cloud.

The enterprise architect is now advocating for a growth mindset within Al-Futtaim, and developing an internal innovation network through hackathons, innovation labs, and cross-department collaboration.

“I am glad that some of these have been set in motion after my proposal to the CTO,” he says, adding that colleagues “understand the need for enhanced customer experience but are afraid to take risks”.

Similarly, as he moves forward with his career, the desire to take risks and engage in constant self-development is Tan’s greatest takeaway from the Nanyang EMBA.

“Self-development fosters personal growth, resilience, and adaptability,” he says. “These qualities are highly sought after in today’s global business landscape.”

About the Nanyang Executive MBA

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

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

Nanyang EMBA

Leadership Development

Alumni Stories

Going Digital, Going Global: Redefining Leadership with the Nanyang Executive MBA

by Nanyang Business School | Jul 20, 2023 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Going Digital, Going Global: Redefining Leadership with the Nanyang Executive MBA

As technology transforms industries, it’s also rapidly reshaping what great leadership looks like. Today’s leaders face the challenge of spearheading their companies’ digital transformation while keeping diverse teams on board with change.

Kentaro Takenaka is no stranger to this challenge. He is the Head of Corporate Hedging for Asia at Convera — a B2B cross-border payments company that gives businesses worldwide a smarter way to transact overseas. With next-gen technologies shaking up the financial services industry, Kentaro saw the need to update his leadership skills.

“Convera has been in the midst of a transformation to become a fintech leader in the financial industry,” he explains. “At that time, I was Corporate Hedging Associate Director, preparing to join my organisation’s senior leadership team. Pursuing an MBA has always been on my wish list of ‘things to do’, and this seemed like the right opportunity.”

Preparing for a digital and diversified world

To help him lead effectively in today’s digital economy, Kentaro sought an Executive MBA (EMBA) programme offering a strong technological focus while providing insight into the global and Asian business landscapes. The EMBA programme at Nanyang Business School (NBS) checked both these boxes.

“Many modules in NBS’s curriculum explore the impact of new technologies,” he says. “This is something I don’t believe other programmes offer.”

Given Convera’s global footprint, Kentaro also needed a programme to give him a window into diverse cultures. NBS offered this global perspective with the right blend of East and West. “The clincher was the chance to take classes at the University of California, Berkeley, and Beijing’s Tsinghua University,” he shares. “It fosters global-mindedness in a very balanced way.”

As a senior leader, another consideration for Kentaro was flexibility in schedule. “The Nanyang EMBA is remarkably flexible, as I could opt to graduate in 13 months or over a few years.”

“Super-flexibility”: the secret to success

In a fast-changing digital age, leaders must change just as rapidly to keep up. Kentaro says his time in the Nanyang EMBA has given him the tools to become an agile leader.

“NBS taught us different types of leadership, but the most important takeaway is that my version of a leader should change depending on the organisation’s internal and external environment,” he shares.

He cited a time at Convera when his team was not delivering results, which called upon him to adopt a ‘coercive’ leadership style. “You have to decide what kind of leader you must be for a certain period. This ability is called ‘super-flexibility’, as we learned at UC Berkeley.”

Before joining Convera, Kentaro spent over a decade with a Japanese bank. “In banking, we usually had a five-year plan — but in five years, technology has advanced, and the world has changed,” he laughs.

This lesson is stands Kentaro in good stead as Convera embarks on a fintech transformation. The global organisation plans to invest millions in technology over the next few years to streamline processes and improve customer experience. Kentaro is better equipped to stay adaptive and communicate with his teams, to “keep everyone paddling in the same direction.”

A broader perspective of digital disruption

As Head of Corporate Hedging for Asia at Convera, Kentaro advises businesses on managing their foreign exchange risk. It’s a role that challenges him to connect with business owners across many industries, and he credits his EMBA experience with his success in this.

“NBS touches on technology in many modules — from blockchain to global supply chains,” he explains. “Even in traditional modules like accounting, we studied how technology is disrupting industries of all kinds.”

The diversity of his classmates factored in too. “I worked with classmates from different industries, like logistics and medicine. It was very fascinating.”

This well-rounded perspective has given Kentaro a stronger understanding of his client’s industry backgrounds and pain points. He recalls a recent meeting with a customer in the oil industry, where they had a meaningful chat about digital disruption in the oil supply chain. “The customer was delighted that we could have an open discussion,” he says.

Cultural agility in a global setting

Beyond diverse industry backgrounds, Kentaro’s role as a regional director brings him in contact with colleagues and customers of diverse cultures. This was a fresh challenge for him, as his past banking career was relatively less multicultural.

“Currently, I work with not only diverse Asian nationalities but also people from Ireland, New Zealand, America, and Europe,” he shares. “As a leader in a global environment, I have to be adaptive and understand cultural intelligence.”

Cultural intelligence is a key pillar of the Nanyang EMBA, and Kentaro says his overseas experience at UC Berkeley has shaped him as a leader. “In an all-Japanese organisation, there are less hiccups because everyone has the same background,” he reflects. “But through the programme, I learned that a diverse team can bring in new values and creativity — even if things get done slower.”

But much of Kentaro’s learning also took place outside class time. Working on group projects with coursemates from diverse cultures has given him insight into different perspectives. “This has also created enormous networking value globally,” he adds.

Leading with confidence in a changing world

Ultimately, Kentaro highlights that for senior leaders like himself, the EMBA offers the disruption to the status quo they need to tackle a changing world.

“The MBA programme you might have taken a decade ago will be different from what you learn in the Nanyang EMBA,” he advises. “This is a great opportunity for you to update your leadership skills and redefine what leadership can look like.”

About the Nanyang Executive MBA

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

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

Nanyang EMBA

Leadership Development

Alumni Stories

Japanese Alumni

Financial Services

Forging new paths in entrepreneurship with the Nanyang Executive MBA

by Nanyang Business School | Jul 20, 2023 | Nanyang Executive MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG EXECUTIVE MBA

Forging new paths in entrepreneurship with the Nanyang Executive MBA

Our professional lives move in phases. From our early years, our work experience prepares us for leadership positions where our skills can make the most significant impact.

For industry executive Colin Yang, with his 20-plus years of experience in the offshore oil and gas sector, shifting to the next career phase demanded a clear vision forward.

“I tell my children, I’ve been working with oil and gas for the first half of my life,” Colin explains. “For the second half, I want to do something different or change the industry – I want to help improve the environment and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.”

Completing a Nanyang Executive MBA (EMBA) degree programme in 2017 gave Colin the structured thinking to synthesise what he’s learned over his career; it also gave him the courage to kickstart the next entrepreneurial phase of his career.

Making the most out of a turning point in his career

For nearly 20 years, Colin followed a straightforward career path, starting as a drilling engineer and working his way up the executive ranks of the world’s largest offshore drilling contractors and oil service companies.

In 2015, Colin moved to Singapore to assume the role of Chief Operating Officer for Swissco Holdings, a Scott and English (S&E) Energy subsidiary. The move put him in touch with the region’s leading business schools based in the country.

“It was a good time for me to check out some local programmes in universities to help improve myself,” he recalls.

The Nanyang EMBA drew his interest: aside from Nanyang Business School’s (NBS) stellar reputation globally, the programme’s emphasis on corporate sustainability and digital transformation caught his eye. It aligned completely with his growing interest in sustainability and renewable energy.

Colin enrolled in the Nanyang EMBA programme in 2016. The timing would prove fortuitous: Swissco Holdings decided to cease S&E Energy’s operations the year after, just as Colin completed his EMBA. His newly-minted background would give Colin a different perspective on his career – and the chance to execute a meaningful career pivot.

Unlocking connections and opportunities in Asia and beyond

Over the years, Colin already had ample management skills and industry experience. He needed the systems to help synthesise and leverage his experience into new growth opportunities in Asia’s burgeoning renewable energy market.

His EMBA education helped to fill this gap. “The modules and case studies were an excellent way to consolidate what I’ve learned in the past,” Colin tells us. “The programme’s curriculum, covering the core concepts of business and leadership, provided structural frameworks for analysing, strategising, and leading.”

Drawing on NBS’s wealth of research, practical insights, and renowned faculty, the Nanyang EMBA programme helps experienced executives like Colin enhance their cultural adaptability to thrive in today’s hyper-connected environment.

“The programme helped me understand Asia and global business better, to supplement what I’ve already learned by working with international companies,” he says.

Most importantly, the social networks he nurtured during the programme gave him the courage to kickstart the second phase of his career. “My classmates, who have since become my friends, encouraged me and reminded me that I have rich experience, held different leadership positions and that it was probably time for me to do something different,” he recalls.

Finding a path to renewable energy and sustainability

Colin parlayed his deep knowledge of the oil and gas industry to found Keystone Offshore, a Singapore-based asset management company that services the offshore oil and gas and renewable energy sectors.

The company supports offshore renewable energy-related developments that can help accelerate the global transition to net zero: a growing concern for Singapore and the rest of the world.

Keystone Offshore’s projects, particularly, tap renewable energy from geothermal resources and ocean waves, which tie in neatly with Colin’s experience in offshore energy projects. Recently, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sinopec to jointly develop a feasible solution for geothermal resource utilisation in Singapore.

Leading with impact and giving back to society

This renewed focus on sustainability ties into Colin’s sense of altruism, a value he learned from his parents. “We were not a rich family, but growing up, I always saw my parents try their best to help people in our community,” he recalls.

“So, when I settled in Singapore, I wanted to be part of a community,” he adds. “I’ve been serving in local community centres and sponsoring charitable activities. I’ve also encouraged my children to become members of different volunteer organisations.”

In recognition of his selfless community work, Colin recently received a Charity and Voluntary Service Award from Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. “It’s not something you look for when you do volunteer work, but I’m still honoured to receive this recognition,” he says.

Colin embodies NBS’s ethos of leading with impact, leveraging his leadership position to forward positive change in the world. And as he continues to work with green technologies and charitable organisations, in his way, Colin is leaving the world better than he found it.

Figure 1 – Colin receiving the Charity & Voluntary Service award from Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

About the Nanyang Executive MBA

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

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

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

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

Nanyang EMBA

Entrepreneurship

Alumni Stories

Sustainability

Oil & Gas

Humans of MBA – Series 4

by Nanyang Business School | Jul 13, 2023 | Nanyang MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG MBA

Humans of MBA – Series 4

Bridging The Gap Between Business And Technology

Arora Sanmeet Singh believes an MBA will provide a strong academic foundation in business strategy and planning. His quantitative analytics and project management skills will enable him to bridge the gap between technical and business teams and deliver growth strategies using analytics and technology. Sanmeet is confident that an MBA from Nanyang Business School will provide international exposure and cultural understanding, aiding his journey to becoming a successful leader in the future.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

With exponential growth in data and new emerging technologies, there is a requirement of a professional who understands the business needs and can describe a solution for them using data.

Given my strong acumen for quantitative analytics and project management skills, I feel MBA is the right next step for me to acquire strong academic foundations of fundamental business disciplines like business strategy and planning.

I wish to play a critical role in bridging the gap between technical teams and business teams and delivering growth strategies using analytics and technology.

Nanyang MBA will help me gain international exposure and cultural understanding, which will aid my journey to becoming a successful leader.

A Broader Perspective To Becoming A Global Citizen

Zhu Ziwen (Zora) pursue an MBA at Nanyang Business School to gain a broader perspective, improve her business skills, and become a global citizen. Zora believes that operating across borders and cultures is essential for success in today’s interconnected business world. The diverse student body and international faculty at NTU provided a valuable learning platform, which has given Zora the confidence to pursue a career beyond China.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

My decision to pursue an MBA at Nanyang was driven by a desire to broaden my horizons, enhance my business acumen, and become a global citizen. In today’s interconnected business environment, the ability to operate across borders and cultures is critical for success. Nanyang MBA’s diverse student body and international faculty provided an excellent learning platform for various professors and students.

This experience has given me the confidence to pursue a career beyond China. I am eager to find a job in Singapore’s dynamic FMCG, technology, or e-commerce industry to further my career aspirations and global citizenship.

Pushing Boundaries And Charting Ahead For Women Empowerment

Cheong Chee Lee Carolyn had customer relationship and project management experience and wanted to boost her career into a commercial or managerial role, so she pursued an MBA. The MBA provided Carolyn with a new perspective on business and inspired her to move up the career ladder, especially as a woman advocating for empowerment.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

Getting an MBA has always been on my to-do list. Having eight years of customer relationship management and project management experience, I knew that an MBA would complement my work experience to better boost my career trajectory into a commercial or managerial role. With a myriad of modules such as strategy, marketing and economics, the MBA has given me a fresh perspective of seeing the bigger picture on businesses.

Moreover, I was greatly inspired by Sheryl Sandberg’s book titled “Lean In”. I decided that I want to move up the career leader to have a “seat at the table”. As an advocate for woman empowerment, I also take pride in pushing my improvement to be a better person than I was yesterday and hopefully inspire future generation (especially girls) to dream big!

Strengthening Foundations For Greater Business Leadership

Shivam Patel has experience in analytics and product development and wants to improve his understanding of business by pursuing an MBA. Shivam hopes that this degree will help him develop a strong foundation in business fundamentals and prepare him for a successful career. Shivam’s long-term goal is to build and lead global teams and believe that introspection and soft skills are essential to effective leadership. Pursuing an MBA provides opportunities to work with people from diverse backgrounds, which helps to develop these skills.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

Firstly, having worked at the intersection of analytics and product development, I needed to understand business context better. I am looking at an MBA to instal in me strong foundations of fundamental business disciplines to set myself for success in my future career.

My long-term vision is to build and lead global teams. Before I lead others, it’s critical to know self. MBA allows me time to introspect, which helps me to better understand my strengths and the areas I need to work on to improve my leadership abilities.

MBA throws us in situations where we get to work with people from different backgrounds. Through this experience, I am building soft skills that are vital in managing diverse groups, being inclusive, and getting the best out of people.

Breaking Barriers And Overcoming Adversity

Minbo is the epitome of woman in power as she worked her way up all the way from a remote village in China to studying in a prestigious school in Singapore. She is proof that if you dream it, you can achieve it.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

Working abroad and studying in a world-class prestigious institution often seems impossible to achieve socially, mentally, and financially for a girl from a remote village in China. I am glad that I made it in the end.

I have always wanted to do an MBA, as I know it can help me go further and fly higher. I have been working in the male-dominated construction industry for nearly seven years and contributed across the full lifecycle of large-scale projects. Now it is time for me to reinvent myself by unlearning and relearning, come back as a better version of myself, take on bigger challenges, and bigger responsibilities and help shape a better world.

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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6 Essential Steps To Successfully Turn Your Internship Into A Full-Time Job

by Nanyang Business School | Jun 21, 2023 | MSc Marketing Science

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC MARKETING SCIENCE

6 Essential Steps To Successfully Turn Your Internship Into A Full-Time Job

Landing an internship while studying at a business school can be the launchpad for career success. Internships allow you to put your new knowledge and skills into practice, and impressing your manager could result in a full-time job offer.

But how do you get there? Sylwia Tran (pictured) is one business student who managed it.

She moved to Singapore to complete a Master’s in Marketing Science programme offered by Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore. After graduating, she landed a six-month internship at Heineken in Singapore, which she successfully turned into a full-time assistant brand manager role.

We spoke to Sylwia to find her six top tips for making that lucrative internship a long-term job.

1. Understand the local culture

Part of the reason for moving to Singapore to complete her degree was to get insights into the working culture in Asia. As her Master’s programme neared its end, Sylwia found a short, three-month internship at a local furniture company called Castlery. This local experience made landing other internships much easier.

“The competition in Singapore was very tough, especially for a foreigner like me,” she explained.

“In the internship interviews after graduating, they would say, “I see that you’ve already worked for three months in Singapore, so I guess you’re familiar with the way of working and the culture.” That gave me a little bit of an advantage.”

Sylwia adds that understanding which companies are hiring foreigners will also help you prioritise opportunities.

2. Be intentional with your internship applications

With so much competition for internship contracts, many students take a ‘quantity over quality’ approach, applying to as many opportunities as possible. But Sylwia advises against this.

“I was not applying massively—I was very, very intentional in every application,” she explains.

With a target industry and department in mind, Sylwia sent out 10-15 internship applications tailored specifically to each role.

This intentionality meant Sylwia could spend more time tailoring her cover letter and CV to each role, adding keywords and matching job descriptions to tasks she’d completed in past work. And it worked—Sylwia landed a six-month role as a marketing excellence intern.

3. Make the right first impression

First impressions count, especially if you’re trying to turn your internship into a full-time career. Sylwia says that although your first week on the job might not be too intensive, having the right mindset is vital.

“I didn’t do much to prepare,” she admits. “Just make sure you’re well presented, be positive and excited, and get to know people.”

4. Have frequent check-ins with your manager

Sylwia advises students to focus on developing a relationship with their manager, which could make the difference between getting a job offer and not.

“I made sure that I always had a weekly catch-up with my manager, just to make sure that we were aligned regarding tasks and expectations,” Sylwia explains.

A strong relationship with your manager can also help if you need to speak to someone about your struggles during your internship.

“I remember I was so nervous and stressed out for the first two months because it’s the time when the learning curve is very steep,” Sylwia says. “But if you struggle initially, it’s essential to communicate and talk about those struggles.”

5. Focus on building a network

While many graduates will prioritise building connections with senior management at their internship, Sylwia says the breadth of contacts you’re making also matters.

“Though you need to focus on your hiring manager, it’s a big plus to have a good relationship with everyone else,” she says. She advises students to network widely and to put effort into making those connections.

“It’s your job to remember the people you’re working with, thank them, or even just casually invite them for coffee to build connections,” Sylwia explains.

6. Make an impression

“I think when we do an internship, we think that we’re not contributing enough and that we’re nobody,” Sylwia says. Instead, make yourself seen, through getting credit for projects or just being someone people know.

Sylwia asserts: “Don’t be afraid to show what you’ve done during your time, and don’t take any internships just to do work. You need to make sure to be heard and seen.”

Sylwia thought this had the most significant impact on landing her full-time role at Heineken.

“It’s all about taking the initiative. We don’t need to know everything—it’s about showing commitment, ambition, and passion.”

The article first appeared on BusinessBecause.

Find out more about the MSc Marketing Science programme here.

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Humans of MBA – Series 3

by Nanyang Business School | Jun 5, 2023 | Nanyang MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG MBA

Humans of MBA – Series 3

Beyond The Optimum Solution And Switching Perspectives

To Ashlin Sherry, the MBA programme has provided a valuable and unparalleled educational experience. It includes challenging coursework and diverse classmates encouraging critical thinking and personal growth.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

An MBA was never on my to-do list. I’ve always enjoyed working with tech and happily worked on challenging problems that my field provided. However, I realised that I needed to look at the bigger picture.

As an engineer, we are trained to provide the most optimum solution to a problem, but I knew I wanted to make that switch – to move from ‘how do I solve this problem best?’ to ‘What are the problems that are worth solving in the first place?’

To that end, the MBA made the most sense to me. The experience I had so far in the programme has been unparalleled. The opportunities to learn and grow are immense, from the professors who push you to think deeper to the classroom discussions with a diverse cohort who challenge your fundamental assumptions and your way of thinking. As much as I believe that the MBA gives me an added boost to my career and leadership trajectory, I also think that it has moulded me into the person I aspire to be.

Learning Leadership And Finance Through The Asia Lens

Featuring our exchange candidate from Germany, Jan Schrempf  visited @nanyangbizschool for a semester to take on a variety of MBA modules to expand his skills and knowledge. During his time here, he made the best of his time making new friends from all over the world while exploring different parts of the country.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

Having worked for five consecutive years as a Lean Management Expert in the automotive industry after my undergraduate studies in Economics, I joined the part-time MBA programme at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management in Germany for the following reasons.

On the one hand, I was looking for a consecutive master’s programme that would help me develop my leadership abilities and switch careers towards finance and business development. On the other hand, I wanted to join a programme that would allow me to deepen my knowledge of Economics scientifically through a master’s thesis, extend my professional network to other industries, and spend a full-time study term abroad.

Being Asia’s top financial centre and providing one of Asia’s best academic programs in business, Singapore and the Nanyang Business School became my primary choice for spending four months abroad as a full-time MBA student to pursue my goals.

The Power Of Diversity And The Future Of Big Data

In the future, big data analytics will increasingly focus on data freshness with the goal of real-time analysis, enabling better-informed decisions and increased competitiveness. That is when Yu Bin decides to pursue an MBA to hone her business acumen and enhance her technical abilities.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

Three years ago, I decided to join a one-year-old new team in EY, resigning from a major bank in South Korea. At that time, the team had little presence in the data audit industry, but this decision made me start my career as a data analyst and led me to do MBA.

As a data analyst, I was passionate about data analytics and satisfied with my position, pioneering data audit services in Korea, and refining my technical skills. However, I realised I should be proficient in technical skills but generate insights derived from a deep understanding of the business to become a competent analyst.

Hence, I joined NBS, known for its competitive programmes to hone business acumen and enhance technical abilities. In addition, diverse people from different backgrounds motivate me to become a better person, and I believe it is the value of diversity that NBS pursues in this journey.

Developing A Holistic Skillset For Effective Team Leadership

Tan, Sheng Wei (Jake) is grateful for the opportunity to manage high-profile projects in the hospitality sector but acknowledges that these often-required self-motivation and external team collaborations. Jake feels ready to take on a management role, drawing on his diverse project experience. He believe that pursuing an MBA will help him develop their skills and enhance his ability to lead teams effectively.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

I am thankful for the opportunities I received where I could own and drive high profile projects within the hospitality sector. Nonetheless, these projects are mainly self-driven and/or require me to leverage external team collaborations. With substantial hands-on experience working on projects. I am ready to lead and drive team wins by holding a management role.

I firmly believe that enrolling in the Nanyang MBA allows me to develop my all-round skillset, complementing my core competencies to maximise the impact i can make taking on a management role.

Driving Digital Transformation For Enterprises

Zhou Chenxi (Nancy) has spent four years in marketing and research roles across the automotive and consulting industries. She is passionate about helping traditional industries grow through digital transformation, and that the future success of businesses will be proportional to their ability to harness big data. Nancy wishes to transition into a consultant role to help enterprises transform in the future and pursuing an MBA will help her gain the necessary skills and knowledge to do so.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

After four years exploring marketing and researching roles across automotive and consulting industry, I eventually found the point that I feel passionate about and perfectly combine my undergraduate major – Advertising, and my interest: helping traditional industries to growth through digital transformation.

Successful business decisions should not come from intuition but highly depend on rigorous data-driven reasoning. Except for Internet giants who lead this process, many players in traditional manufacturing industries also begin to seek transformations. Undoubtedly, businesses’ future success would be proportional to the ability to harness big data.

I found it so fascinating to see this trend, and I wish to transition into the role of a consultant to help enterprises to transform in the future. MBA would help me to scale new academic and practical heights lay a solid foundation in business, and establish a global mindset, which will be crucial in this journey.

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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Humans of MBA – Series 2

by Nanyang Business School | May 22, 2023 | Nanyang MBA

Graduate Studies Blog

NANYANG MBA

Humans of MBA – Series 2

Expanding Horizons through a Global MBA

Getting an MBA is a personal achievement for many. The same goes for Masato Totokawa, who took this opportunity to broaden his perspectives of the world. The experience will enrich his journey in the pursuit of higher learning.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

Getting an MBA abroad was on my bucket list. I expect it will broaden my horizon and enrich my personal and professional life by learning with classmates from diverse background. Secondly, as a professional accountant, I have been passionate about how my expertise in finance can assist a company’s business to grow further. The practical course in Nanyang MBA offers me an opportunity to develop fundamental business acumen, which will act as a springboard to a higher level in finance.

So far, everything in Singapore is new to me. I feel like my brain is sweating every day for hard work. I am excited to see what I can achieve in this intensive program.

Taking on the Dynamic World from an Introvert to an MBA Trailblazer

Vidya Balasubramaniam pursued an MBA to take her career and life to the next level. She has groomed herself to adapt to the dynamic world and has worked in the Human Capital Management domain at Citi Group.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

I pursued an MBA to take my career and life to the next level!

Flashback to my journey until now, I would say that from being the ‘most peaceful introvert of the class’ to coming out of my shell, I have presented myself per the dynamic world. Through exposure to various opportunities, I realised that the success of any venture rests on the PEOPLE working on it.

This motivated me to embark on my career with Citi Group in the Human Capital Management domain. Having witnessed how people-based decisions impact an enterprise’s overall strategy. I now wish to explore the other levers that drive strategy.

My MBA experience at NTU has allowed me to perfectly connect these dots by developing a strong business management understanding, networking with people from various backgrounds, building up leadership skills and accessing resources that can help me achieve my professional and personal goals. With an MBA under my belt, I’m confident that it will open doors for me and positively contribute to any organisation I’m part of – now or in the future.

Above all, with each day in a new country, I am learning more about myself and the world around me – something which would not have been possible if I had stayed within my comfort zone at home!

Paving the Way for Sustainability

Audrey Yip saw an opportunity to upskill and pursue her interest through the MBA programme as the world focuses more on sustainability. The inspiring story of leaving one’s home country to invest in oneself motivates our cohort. Don’t be afraid of believing in yourself.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

Honestly, I never thought I would have a chance to study MBA. Since Nanyang Business School first launched a Sustainability track in the MBA programme, my pursuit of ESG & Sustainability brought me here. More than that, leaving my hometown and company to study abroad as a full-time student is another miracle in 2022.

I am very grateful to meet many passionate professors and friends from all over the world and different industries at NTU and they all inspired me and strive to be better in all areas of my life. I feel abundant and thankful to be a student at NTU!

Discovering More in the Hub of Tech and Finance

The desire to find new opportunities and a fascination with the local industry intrigued Leo to pursue an MBA in Singapore. A hub for tech and financial businesses, the country has played a critical role in the decision for Leo to come to South Asia to explore more.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

One of the primary drivers behind my decision to pursue an MBA programme in Singapore was my desire to look for new opportunities that would change my life. Additionally, because my previous position required me to collaborate with Singaporean co-workers frequently, I had the opportunity to learn more about both the local industry and the way of life of Singaporeans.

Knowing that Singapore has become the Asia hub, particularly for tech businesses and financial institutions, has drawn a variety of expertise to the country to help improve society. And this also became one of the main motives that brought me to South Asia to investigate other ways of life.

Navigating Unique Business Challenges with Design Thinking and Leadership

To Shubham Agarwal, all companies have their challenges and issues to solve. Getting an MBA from NTU will allow him to hone his problem-solving skills, accelerate his business acumen and expand his network globally.

Why did you choose to do MBA?

During my four years of work experience, I realised that each business problem is unique and requires root cause analysis. I understood the need to enhance my strategy and project management skills when supporting big marketing and sales teams across various geographies.

An MBA allows me to orchestrate my path to evolve into a decisive global leader in by enhancing my design thinking and business modelling, it provides me a platform to build bonds with a diverse cohort of thought leaders and Alumni representing multiple nationalities.

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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Chat with MSc’s participants – Ask them about campus life, work experiences and more!

by Nanyang Business School | May 2, 2023 | MSc Accountancy, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Financial Engineering, MSc Marketing Science

Graduate Studies Blog

MSC ACCOUNTANCY, MSC BUSINESS ANALYTICS, MSC FINANCIAL ENGINEERING, MSC MARKETING SCIENCE

Chat with MSc’s participants – Ask them about campus life, work experiences and more!

Curious about student life and the authentic experiences of our participants in Nanyang Business School (NBS) but don’t know where to start?

With our newest platform, Unibuddy, it’s even easier to find out all about NBS by having conversations with our Unibuddies, the student ambassadors from our current Specialised Masters cohort and get all your questions answered. Don’t miss this chance to connect with our friendly and knowledgeable Unibuddies!

Here are three popular questions you can expect to have answered:

1. What does it take to get into NBS?

You’re wondering if you have the right qualifications to apply for a particular NBS programme, or you may be a prospective participant from a different field and need guidance on making a huge change.

Every NBS student is unique yet has a wealth of similar experiences to share. Our -chat feature offers a brief overview of each Unibuddy’s background so you can approach the one who is most relevant to your profile.

For example, Cieci from Singapore studied English Literature before enrolling in the MSc Marketing Science programme. Ye Ang from Malaysia was trained in chemical engineering before joining the MSc Financial Engineering programme. Reach out to Unibuddies like them on how they approached their career transitions and preparations for applications and interviews.

2. What is campus life like?

You’re wondering about the curriculum and classroom setting, whether you can juggle work, life and studies and if there is even time to have fun.

Our Unibuddies come from all over the world and have diverse priorities and interests. They are ready to share their experiences on campus and what a global classroom setting entails.

Ishmita (MSc Business Analytics) from India enjoys painting and manages her time to fit her hobbies into her busy school life. Sihua (MSc Accounting) from China loves travelling and will be able to share her perspectives on opportunities in Southeast Asia. Kawintra (MSc Marketing Science) from Thailand enjoys café hopping, so chat with her to find out the good places in Singapore to have a cuppa.

Whether it’s about life in NBS or Singapore, each Unibuddy has their own take on it, and you can now hear directly from them about the different possibilities.

3. How does NBS fit into future career plans?

Embarking on a master’s degree is critical in advancing one’s career. Many have chosen to enroll in an NBS programme to enter hot fields like data analytics or widen their career opportunities in Southeast Asia, the fastest-growing consumer market today.

Mark has chosen the MSc Business Analytics programme as part of his plan to become a data scientist in Singapore. Hilary from Canada and in the MSc Marketing Science programme, is keen on digital marketing opportunities in the region.

Chat with them on why they chose NBS and Singapore, and the opportunities, and support they receive here that are helping them meet their career goals.

Here are more of our Unibuddies and start a conversation with them today!

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