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Nanyang Business School empowers its students to innovate, lead and transform in the global business landscape

A VIBRANT KNOWLEDGE
HUB THAT FOSTERS
INTERDISCIPLINARY
AND CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE

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01 Aug 2024 09:12AM (Updated: 23 Dec 2024 10:02AM)
PRESENTED BY

Nanyang Business School empowers its students to innovate, lead and transform in the global business landscape.

In a world where business and technology intersect seamlessly, Nanyang Business School (NBS) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore stands at the forefront. Here, technology addresses critical challenges such as resource conservation and supply chain resilience. Its graduates, skilled in both  Asian and Western perspectives, emerge as ethical entrepreneurs who go on to champion sustainability.

A leading business education provider in the Asia Pacific — and consistently ranked among the world’s top business schools — NBS resides within the iconic Gaia, Asia’s largest wooden building and NTU’s eighth net-zero energy building. 

At NBS, graduates are empowered to innovate, lead and transform. Central to this strategy is the teaching of cultural intelligence (CQ) — the ability to function effectively in culturally diverse situations. Pioneered by NBS faculty in 2000, CQ is a cornerstone of the school’s pedagogical approach.

According to Professor Ng Kok Yee, assistant dean (faculty) at NBS and research director at the Centre for Leadership (CLCI) was established under NBS in 2004 to cultivate CQ in leaders and organisations. “Our research drives the programmes we develop for students at all levels,” she explained. “The data and insights we gain help us refine existing research and define new areas of study.” 

Professor Goh Kim Huat, associate dean of graduate studies at NBS, says the school is developing courses that emphasise AI’s role in driving business transformation.
“TO CULTIVATE GLOBALLY-MINDED BUSINESS LEADERS, WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING KEEN AWARENESS OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DYNAMICS AND DIVERSE CULTURAL LANDSCAPES.” 

Professor Goh Kim Huat, associate dean of graduate studies at NBS, said: “To cultivate globally-minded business leaders, we believe in the importance of developing keen awareness of international business dynamics and diverse cultural landscapes.” 

He noted that the MBA programmes at NBS boast a diverse student cohort. At the same time, courses such as Business Study Mission enable participants to travel to different countries, interact with local businesses and experience these environments firsthand. In addition, the MBA programmes feature a sustainability track for those aspiring to build careers in green technology and the sustainability sector.  

 

01:55 Min

 

BALANCING THEORY AND PRACTICE

Armed with a Bachelor of Science from the London School of Economics, Mr Jonathan Percival, 22, embarked on his Master of Science in Marketing Science at NBS in July 2023. 

Mr Percival, who is of British-Chinese heritage, chose Asia for his studies as he recognises the Asia-Pacific region as the “future powerhouse” of global economic growth. He was drawn to the stellar reputation and rich history of NBS, noting its strong brand awareness in his native London. 

Mr Percival described the programme as both academically rigorous and applicable to real-world business dynamics, with regular guest lectures from industry leaders providing a valuable balance to the theoretical framework of academic studies. Being surrounded by a cohort of highly competent and culturally diverse peers allows him to develop a globally inquisitive mindset.

In addition, the cohesive structure of the programme is a boon. Mr Percival noted how knowledge gained in digital marketing and marketing technology modules seamlessly integrates with high-level conceptual principles. Similarly, insights gleaned from finance and marketing analytics modules inform execution strategies.

Mr Jonathan Percival, who hails from London, chose NBS for his studies as he was drawn to the school’s impeccable reputation.
“I SEE NBS AS A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT IS EMBODIED BY BOTH ASIAN AND WESTERN CULTURAL DYNAMICS.” 

THE ADVANTAGES OF CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE

Dr Ng Xu Wen, in her 30s, enrolled in an Executive MBA programme designed for senior leaders in April this year. As the innovation and investment lead at Innoventures, a startup medical device accelerator, she collaborates with and invests in early-stage companies within the healthcare sector.

Dr Ng has found that proficiency in CQ provides a strong competitive advantage in professional environments. “While products and business models can be mimicked, culture is more challenging to replicate due to its subtle and intangible nature,” she said.  

In her view, a proficiency in and respect for diverse cultures are essential for global leaders, enabling continuous innovation across all facets of their work. “I believe our effectiveness in cultural interactions will empower us to navigate obstacles with agility,” she added.

In her EMBA cohort, participants are senior leaders from diverse sectors, and nearly half are women. Dr Ng is enthusiastic about leveraging their diverse knowledge, networks and resources. “I see immense value in harnessing this diversity to gain insights that drive business innovation,” she said.

A CULTURE THAT NURTURES AND PROMOTES INNOVATION

Dr Ng is no stranger to NTU — she completed her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees there, supported by a full scholarship that allowed her to pursue her PhD programme part-time while working full-time in a lab as a project officer. 

“NTU has a special place in my heart,” she shared. “The NTU culture facilitates an innovative and supportive environment, providing students multiple opportunities to stretch themselves and reach their full potential.”

Enrolling in the EMBA programme was a strategic decision for Dr Ng to enhance her professional trajectory and cultivate personal growth. “I hope to refine my leadership approach and deepen my understanding of fundamental business management principles,” she said. 

Dr Ng was particularly drawn to the EMBA programme due to its strong focus on leadership development and digital transformation. Reflecting on her experience so far, she described it as “amazing”, highlighting how faculty members have a knack for making the class “fruitful and fun”. 

Dr Ng Xu Wen, who completed her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in NTU, says the school facilitates an innovative and supportive environment.
“PICTURE YOURSELF SITTING IN A ROOM WITH OTHER SENIOR EXPERTS AND SPECIALISTS IN THEIR FIELDS, ALL EAGER TO SHARE THEIR WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.” 

REACH BEYOND, EXPAND YOUR PERSPECTIVE

To be held on Aug 31 at Sofitel Singapore City Centre, the NBS Postgraduate Fair 2024, — with the theme of “Reach beyond, expand your perspective” — will allow potential students to learn more about its master’s programmes. 

One of the event’s highlights will be a panel discussion on the effects of generative AI on jobs, industry and society at large, which Prof Goh will moderate. AI continues to captivate individuals, firms and governments alike, and this panel seeks to provide an early glimpse into how these technological advancements might shape future economies and societies.

Prof Goh highlighted that NBS is progressively integrating generative AI into more courses, enabling students to innovate within their course of study. Additionally, the school is strategically developing courses that emphasise the pivotal role of AI in business transformation.

Beyond this thought-provoking panel discussion, participants at the NBS Postgraduate Fair will have the opportunity to witness firsthand how technology, interdisciplinary insights and studies on cultural intelligence can converge to address complex challenges. They can explore the available graduate programmes, develop essential skills for sustainable influence and discover the myriad possibilities for their future.