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"MBA Alumni On The Nanyang-Waseda And Working At Microsoft Japan
"Work hard, play hard and be insatiably curious": Class of 2018 Graduate, Leo
Tan on the Nanyang-Waseda Double MBA and working at Microsoft Japan.
As an undergraduate studying applied chemistry, Leo Tan never imagined that he
would eventually work at tech giant Microsoft as an operations deal manager.
After obtaining his bachelor's degree, he filled roles in sales and business
development at two Japanese companies. His jobs allowed him to travel
extensively and work in countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India
and Japan. But he longed for something more.
"I had immense cultural exposure, but everything was happening so rapidly. I
wanted to take some time off to consolidate what I had learnt and do that in a
structured environment where I could also get a business education," says Leo.
He decided to further his studies by enrolling in the Nanyang-Waseda Double MBA
programme. A collaboration between Nanyang Business School and Waseda Business
School, the 14-month programme equips its participants with an understanding of
both global business and technology management.
Participants learn from Nanyang and Waseda professors both in Singapore and
Japan.
The programme appealed to Leo, as he was interested in technology and
proficient in Japanese, having worked as a translator and Business English
teacher to Japanese adults.
The Nanyang-Waseda Double MBA has helped him to develop a deeper appreciation
for the various perspectives of people from different cultures, industries and
socio-economic backgrounds.
"The opportunity to mix around with international classmates from all over the
world has really expanded my horizons. One of my biggest takeaways from the
programme was being able to learn and experience how everybody brought their
own strengths, weaknesses and personal experiences to the table," says Leo, who
works at Microsoft's Tokyo office under the firm's Aspire Experience graduate
programme. He completed his Double MBA last September.
In addition, the highly interactive nature of the Double MBA programme allowed
him to exchange ideas frequently with his classmates. "That really made me
realise how there can be many perspectives towards one issue. It's not
necessarily about which perspective is right or wrong. It's just different, and
we have to learn to respect that."
Through the programme, Leo also recognised the importance of being humble and
grateful for learning opportunities, and to leverage them. He represented
Nanyang Business School in competitions such as last year's John Molson MBA
International Case Competition in Montreal, where his team made it to the
semi-finals.
"These competitions allowed me to refine and hone my skills to look at problems
in a more structured way," says Leo, who adds that the programme has both a
high calibre of people and content.
The content he learnt, coupled with the interpersonal skills he picked up and
continues to develop, have helped him in his current role. "My main takeaway
from the Double MBA is the flexibility of thought and the humility to recognise
that multiple perspectives exist."
Besides these, the programme allowed him to build long-lasting relationships
with his classmates due to its small class size. The modules were also very
relevant as the faculty ensured that the course content was constantly updated,
he adds.
Reflecting on his time in Japan during the programme, he recalls his site
visits to established companies such as a 500-year-old Japanese dessert company
(Toraya Confectionery), an oil and gas conglomerate (JXTG), an electronics
multinational corporation (Panasonic) and Tokyo Disneyland theme park operator
(Oriental Land). "We had the rare opportunity to gain a wide breadth of
perspective from various fields such as entertainment, oil & gas and
technology."
Leo advises future MBA participants to "work hard, play hard and be insatiably
curious" - It's cliche, but the reason why it is cliche is because it's true,
he explains.
"School is a safe environment to make mistakes. In the industry, it's a
different ball game. So go in with an open mind and be curious about
everything. Make great friends along the way. And have fun!"
What do You means abot this tution fees?
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