Hear what our alumni has to say!
Ms Crystal Lee (South Korea)
Regional Manager
BASF (Chemical Company)
“MBS is a truly international business, and is well recognized by all important employers. My MBS degree will be an asset for me to find a good position when I move to Germany next year. I particularly like the networking opportunities at MBS. During my study, I got to know people from different countries and with different educational backgrounds.”
Mr Rick Hartono (Singapore)
Executive Director, United Overseas Bank
Mr Rick Hartono (Singapore)
Executive Director
United Overseas Bank
The Manchester Global MBA is the ideal business school which caters for busy professionals looking to develop their skills and knowledge to further their careers. It has global reach with its diversified network which allows students to attend workshops in various centres such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Manchester.
With a regional role covering APAC across 12 countries, it was imperative for me that I embark on continuous learning to broaden my knowledge and update my skill sets in areas such as International Business Strategies, Marketing and Strategic Management.
The banking industry is undergoing significant change and is extremely competitive and demanding. This MBA programme has provided me with the tools to develop talent, understand business strategies, and make better decisions in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment.
As an alumni, the Manchester Global MBA hosts ongoing talks and seminars on both soft and hard skills which allows further networking opportunities as well as continuous lifelong relationships and learning.
Ms Lai Lock See (Singapore)
Telco Sales Manager SEA, VMWare Singapore
Ms Lai Lock See (Singapore)
Telco Sales Manager SEA
VMWare Singapore
I do believe having an MBA qualification would boost to my professional profile and allow me to climb the career ladder. It was a difficult decision for me to choose between a full-time and a part-time MBA programme. Thankfully, the Manchester Global MBA made my life easier – students are given the choice to attend workshops in other regional centres, and I did take the opportunity to attend workshops at the overseas centres where I met peers from diverse professional background. Vice versa, I also got the chance to meet the others who travelled to attend workshops at the Singapore centre. Most importantly, the MBA programme provides the freedom to marry the academic theories and innovative ideas together, and to seek constructive feedback from the professors/lecturers. In short, every single moment on the MBA programme was a journey towards exceling in my career.
The alumni community in Singapore also plays an important role after graduation – it is the key to stay connected with the School and its graduates. The Manchester Business School Alumni Association of Singapore not only facilitates professional networking and workshop for continuous development, but also voluntary activities to contribute back to the society.
Mr Teo Teck Loon (Singapore)
Head of Business Projects, United Overseas Bank
Mr Teo Teck Loon (Singapore)
Head of Business Projects
United Overseas Bank
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
Learning is a continuous process and it has been my lifelong aspiration to expand my knowledge base beyond the computer engineering field which I specialize in. I believe that an MBA would complement this specialization and help me have a more holistic understanding of my company’s business operations and how I can make positive contributions to my workplace.
What were your key deciding factors when selecting an MBA?
There were several deciding factors for me when it came to selecting the right MBA. Firstly, I was looking to do a part-time MBA from an international university as I would like to be exposed to a more diverse and international learning experience. The accreditation that an MBA had were also important to me as it determines the quality of teaching and support provided by the institution. I was glad to learn that the Manchester Global MBA holds the ‘triple-crown’ status, one of the highest levels of accreditation a business school can achieve. Due to heavy work commitments, I had to pick an MBA that was flexible enough for me to juggle both my work and studies. The Manchester Global MBA allowed me to complete the programme in as little as 24 months or have the choice to stretch it up to 5 years. Last but not least, I liked that the MBA has a strong global network of alumni as it would help to create resiliency in my career by increasing my chances of learning about future career opportunities beyond the shores of Singapore.
What made you choose the Manchester Global MBA?
The Manchester Global MBA checked all the boxes in my ‘key deciding factors’ list – the academic structure and duration of the programme were a perfect fit; and most importantly, the 6 nights of accommodation sponsored by the school to attend workshops at any of its 6 global centres was the ultimate deciding factor as this indeed proved that the MBA is truly international as it encourages students to go out of their comfort zone and be exposed to global cultures and people.
What were the most memorable moment(s) on your MBA journey?
Personally, the MBA programme was very fulfilling and life-changing. I forged many friendships both in Singapore and across the globe. Till now, whenever I travel, I will still meet up with my fellow alumni who are based in that country. Academically, I felt that the learning experience was really enriching and matches exactly to what I was looking for. Of course, the most rewarding experience throughout the entire programme was when I graduated with a Distinction grade!
What were your biggest takeaway(s) from the MBA?
I am academically more well-rounded and socially more well-connected through the vast global alumni network.
How has your career progressed since doing the Manchester Global MBA?
The MBA workshops provides a very safe environment for students to make mistakes and learn from them. Through this learning experience, my confidence in public speaking and presentation has improved remarkably. This had led to my career progression within my organization from an individual contributor to a Team Manager within 5 years.
What are some tips/advice you can share with our prospective students planning to enrol into the MBA?
There are many choices in the market. Potential students have to be aware of what they really want to get out of the MBA programme. Do spend some time to evaluate your deciding factors and match them accordingly to what you want before making your decision. But one thing’s for sure, I’ve never regretted choosing to do the Manchester Global MBA!
Ms Lim Li Li (Singapore)
Head of Finance SEA, Wearnes Automotive Pte Ltd
Ms Lim Li Li (Singapore)
Head of Finance, SEA
Wearnes Automotive Pte Ltd
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
The business environment today is rapidly changing. Staying relevant is important. As such, I decided to pursue an MBA to gain a more comprehensive knowledge of business, improve my strategic thinking and gain access to networking opportunities.
What were your key deciding factors when selecting an MBA?
Key factors include duration of the programme, accreditation and ranking of the university, quality and depth of the courses and the standard of teaching.
What made you choose the Manchester Global MBA?
I decided on the Manchester Global MBA based on the university’s accreditation and ranking, practical-based teaching methods, opportunity to meet up with course mates from all over the globe, interact with peers of varying age groups, and the availability of an accelerated program.
What has your MBA experience been like thus far?
It has been a very fulfilling experience as I have gained tremendous knowledge and improved my strategic thinking skills, both from the professors and my fellow course mates.
How do you juggle your family/personal commitments with the MBA?
It was challenging as I have a very busy work schedule and family commitments. However, I understand that I have to make certain sacrifices when I signed up for the MBA and that I had to remain committed throughout the programme. Some sacrifices I had to make were reducing my internet surfing time and cutting down on social activities. I also had to put in late hours to read the materials and complete assignments. However, the support from my family and close friends helped me through the programme.
What has been your favourite course in the Manchester Global MBA so far? How is the Manchester Global MBA helping you reach your goals?
For the core modules, my favourite has definitely been ‘Strategy and Competition Part B’ as the theories and concepts taught were very relevant to the industry I am working in.
For the elective courses, my favourite so far has been ‘Negotiation Skills’ as the professors conducted it in a very interactive way and I could apply the theories I learnt to my workplace immediately.
Ms Lim Raen (Singapore)
Area Vice President, South Asia,
Splunk, Inc.
Ms Lim Raen (Singapore)
Area Vice President, South Asia
Splunk, Inc.
“Having always been interested to pursue lifelong learning, I knew I would return to school someday. 8 years after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, I found myself enrolled into Manchester Business School for an MBA through a friend’s referral.
The MBA program at Manchester Business School was very well structured and because of its highly international nature, it gave me the opportunity to meet different people from different countries and of diverse backgrounds. I especially loved the fact that I was able to attend workshops of elective modules in different cities, which I took advantage of for a couple of modules.
Other than the wonderful friendships, the most fulfilling part of the MBA programme for me, was the knowledge that I acquired, which put me in a position to grow my career in an increasingly globalized and digital economy.
Since I graduated, my career has progressed tremendously where I grew from being an individual contributor to a senior leader managing a team within a short span of a few years.
I would say that this decision to enroll with Manchester Business School for an MBA, was one of the best decisions I made in my life.”
Mr Daryl Pereira (Singapore)
Partner & Head of Cybersecurity Services,
KPMG Singapore
Mr Daryl Pereira (Singapore)
Partner & Head of Cybersecurity
KPMG, Singapore
“I started the Manchester Part-time Global MBA to accelerate my global adaptability, build a breadth of knowledge, enhance my influencing skills, gain global networks, build cultural adaptability and grow competence in running a business. During the programme i progressed from vice president at a global investment bank to a partner at a “big four” consulting firm. The Manchester MBA provides insights into innovative management concepts coupled with applied learning, which helps position you for career growth as the digital economy grows apace and globalisation intensifies.”
Mr Wouter Verheyen (UK)
Automation Team Lead - Megaprojects,
ExxonMobil Singapore
Mr Wouter Verheyen (Singapore)
Automation Team Lead – Megaprojects
ExxonMobil Singapore
Why did you choose to do an MBA?
“I chose an MBA so I could expand my knowledge base beyond the engineering discipline. The decision to embark on this MBA journey was not driven by career considerations, but more as another way to challenge myself and continue learning.”
Why did you choose to do your MBA with Alliance Manchester Business School?
“I’ve had the pleasure of graduating as Chemical Engineer from UMIST. When looking for the right MBA course, the Manchester Global MBA (18 month accelerated pathway) was a perfect fit for me. The part-time global program was the only program with just the right duration and workshops which I could combine with my family life and with the construction and startup of a petrochemical megaproject I was working on. Being able to travel to different centres for workshops definitely also influenced my final decision.”
Describe your MBA experience with Alliance Manchester Business School
“The courses were highly informative and challenging, and matched closely with what I intended to achieve. I liked very much that most assignments required linking the course concepts to our day-to-day jobs, which means I had the opportunity to apply findings and theories directly to my job and make a positive impact. The management tools I have been given throughout the different modules are helping me every day to look at projects and processes more holistically, and to identify practical solutions to often complex problems.
I had the chance to visit Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai, Manchester and Singapore and tapped into a massive worldwide network of MBS alumni contacts. The alumni engagement and extracurricular information sessions and lectures are truly what makes AMBS different from other MBA programs or schools.”
What did you enjoy most about your entire MBA experience?
“Definitely the network! I’ve had the chance to meet people from many nations, each and every one showing the same passion and drive to learn and share. I would highly recommend that everyone who plans to study (or is already enrolled) taps into this network to take the full benefit from this program.”
How has your career progressed since doing an MBA with us?
“I am about to start a new phase of my career in the United Kingdom, which comes with increased challenges and opportunities to influence my organisation at a regional and global level. The Manchester Global MBA has not only given me toolset to be more effective as practitioner or manager, but also taught me again how to learn, which I consider the most valuable part.
Finally, I can proudly say that the negotiations skills module has helped me in obtaining a reimbursement from my company for the course fees. Thank you AMBS Singapore team!”
Dr Vicpearly Wong (Singapore)
Director,
Taurean Investments; Orange Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics Pte Ltd
Dr Vicpearly Wong (Singapore)
Director
Taurean Investments; Orange Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics Pte Ltd
“When I embarked on my MBA, I was juggling between being a mum to a toddler and being a director to a new startup. However, there’s no time like now. My MBA journey was nothing short of remarkable. I grasped the full experience b travelling to Manchester, Hong Kong and China for electives I wanted to study. The knowledge I gained was immeasurable, second only to the wonderful lifelong friendships that i have cultivated.”
Dr Ava Tai (Singapore)
Managing Director,
AMPLE Asia-Pacific Private Limited
Dr Ava Tai (Singapore)
Managing Director
AMPLE Asia-Pacific Private Limited
“The Manchester Global MBA equipped me with well-rounded skills in managing strategy, operations, finance and human resources. It provided me with the capability to systematically manage global businesses and with professional networking opportunities. I can confidently bring these transferable assets to any organisation. It is a wise investment for career and leadership development and is certainly worth it!”
Mr Sunil Rai (Singapore)
Partner,
Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP
Mr Sunil Rai (Singapore)
Partner
Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP
“After I embarked on Global Manchester MBA programme, I was promoted to partner in a large law firm as well as appointed as Vice-Chairman of an inaugural Residents’ Committee overseeing over 1800 households. It was a remarkable challenge to manage a young family, heavy work schedule, intense grassroots commitments alongside rigorous studies. Thankfully, the Manchester MBA programme schedule gave sufficient time to absorb each interesting module alongside working with very knowledgeable peers with in-depth domain expertise. My experience during the Manchester Global MBA programme taught me how to learn, unlearn and relearn new skills and knowledge which helps in tackling the various complex challenges thrown up by the volatile economy. In my view, the MBA programme has helped me become a more valuable corporate advisor as I can now better understand and advise on various business perspectives and legal issues.”
Mr Au Yang Sian (Singapore)
Supply Chain Director
Ferrero, Singapore
Au Yang Sian (Singapore)
Supply Chain Director
Ferrero, Singapore
“Before starting the Global MBA at Manchester Business School, I had been a supply chain professional for more than 15 years, working across a wide range of industries. Upon graduating with my undergraduate degree, I worked my way up the ranks within the supply chain sector and reached the point where I felt I needed to expand my knowledge of certain business practices.
I wanted to equip myself with a strong foundation across all parts of business I didn’t yet have expertise in. To do this, I wanted an in-depth education at a reputable school. I researched various business schools, including those more local to me in Singapore, but I realised that MBS was the most suited to my needs.
On the MBA course, I wanted to be able to interact with my classmates and lecturers, to gain the widest variety of knowledge and insight possible. This was one of the major reasons I chose MBS; it had the best, and most diverse, network of students, who came from all over the world to study there. MBS’ global ranking was another factor in my selection, ranking highly and above the schools I was looking at in Singapore.
As expected, my classmates all came from a wide array of industries, which made for an eye-opening and enriching experience. For me, the strategic management module was one of the highlights of the course which became an integral learning for my current role now; it taught me to look ahead and plan for all eventualities – a mindset which previously I did not utilise.
The confidence I gained during the MBA was one thing I wasn’t expecting. It gave me the confidence I was lacking in my role to present to colleagues in top management positions. My overall approach to business has also improved; I now explore all perspectives, including financial and operational, when making decisions, which has given me much more of a professional edge.
The MBA actually helped me secure the role I am in now. Ferrero was not just looking for someone with supply chain experience; it was keen to employ a business-minded supply chain professional to help grow the business. I would not have been confident in applying for this job without the MBA. Upon joining the company, I saw that my MBA set me apart from other candidates and it is something that will continue to help me develop within the company.”
Mr Harminder Singh (Singapore)
Head of Commercial,
Garrets International
Mr Harminder Singh (Singapore)
Head of Commercial
Garrets International
Why did you choose to do an MBA?
I have always valued education. Being a professional from the Maritime Industry I wanted to enhance my skills and diversify my competence to align better with the present world economic situation which has been very turbulent and dynamic in the recent past. I wanted to do something of my own and step outside my comfort zone and I felt I definitely need the MBA to change my mindset and move forward.
Why did you choose to do your MBA with Manchester Business School?
Manchester Business School has had a very good overall rating & high global ranking plus a good fit into my budget. Their local presence in Singapore gave me an opportunity to study in a world class Business School. The classes were conducted over the weekends and sometime on Fridays which gave me the flexibility to work and study at the same time. Some weekends were still spare to keep up with my family and kids.
Describe your MBA experience with us
During my time, the MBA programme was extensively spread over 3 years yet even gave me time to celebrate the achievements in between the semesters. There was a variety of business subjects and electives to choose from. The support from the school and faculty professors in Manchester and the student support from the Singapore centre never made me feel left out. It was rather intense continuous involvement using classroom lectures, group presentations, teamwork sessions, overseas class options, digital platform for students to be involved in group discussions, questions with the tutors, and many more academic activities round the semester which kept me so busy and occupied that 3 years just passed by so quickly. It was not an easy MBA to handle but then the benefits were obvious – personally I believe hard work is the key to success.
What did you enjoy most about your MBA experience with us?
I have liked quite a few areas of the Manchester Global MBA. The alumni network is very lively and active which I personally found very beneficial for networking and interacting with people from all sorts of industries. I enjoyed most of the modules and they were simply unforgettable. These modules were conducted with so much of practical approach where every student got his hands on involvement. The practical approach was just perfect for the purpose of understanding the business models and implementing in the real world. The workshop facilitators were very supportive and I even enjoyed the privilege of having a professional coach to assist with our career developments and progression.
Has your career benefited from doing an MBA with us? If so, how?
I personally benefited a lot from this programme in terms of skills and knowledge acquired. The Manchester Global MBA gave me the mental strength to take on the new challenges. It really helped me plan strategies for a few companies which offered me management jobs even while I was still undergoing the MBA programme. I choose a somewhat entrepreneurial route by opening Garrets International office in early 2013. Its been 5 years and Garrets today is established as one of the large maritime catering companies well known in the far east which previously had no presence in the eastern world.
Mr Sonny Wee (Singapore)
General Manager, Carrier Brunei
Mr Kelly Williams (United States)
Director of Business Development and Operations
American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
Why did you choose to do an MBA?
In 2015 I relocated to Singapore with my company to help launch our Southeast Asia subsidiary. With this assignment came increased responsibility and exposure to senior leaders and stakeholders within the organisation. This was an incredible opportunity to learn and demonstrate my core competencies and strengths; however, it also exposed deficiencies in managing a profitable subsidiary. Managing a top line sales budget is much different than delivering a profitable bottom line. After self-reflection and awareness, I decided an MBA from a quality business school would be necessary for my professional development.
Why did you choose to do your MBA with Manchester Business School?
The MBA qualification is becoming more and more commoditised and offered by numerous institutions. As such, the decision to pursue an MBA at a quality business school is becoming more prudent. The University of Manchester and Manchester Business School are world-renowned institutions as demonstrated by their research output, faculty and staff, facilities and networks.
In a globalised economy, we are now forced to work within organisations and environments outside of our comfort zone. This exposes us to diverse individuals and business practices. The Global MBA is a collection of accomplished practitioners across various sectors and geographies. Manchester Business School’s Manchester Method is a distinguishing factor from other MBA programmes. The Method allowed me to work in multinational groups and settings, solve real world business problems and reflect critically on current business practices and management challenges.
Describe your MBA experience with us.
The Manchester Global MBA programme challenged and exposed me to individuals and business practices from across the globe. Studying with diverse classmates and attending workshops from academics and practitioners with global experiences has equipped me with the knowledge base and experiences to grow my career.
Furthermore, the network established with both the Global and Full-Time MBA students, faculty and staff cannot be overstated. The opportunity to share ideas and issues with individuals from various professional backgrounds and experiences offers new insights and management perspectives.
What did you enjoy most about your MBA experience with us?
The global experiences, network and learning. Business is no longer restricted to borders which means learning must be transnational. I have made enduring professional and academic connections on 5 continents! These individuals are readily available to discuss management/business issues or just have a conversation via email, phone or text. Professors such as Dr. Paul Evans have been incredible mentors and teachers, even after the completion of the course. These are friendships which will last for years to come.
How has your career benefited since embarking on the Manchester Global MBA?
I have recently accepted the role as Director of Business Development and Operations for the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore. The Manchester Global MBA, coupled with my commercial experience, has adequately prepared me to embark on this challenge. The last two years has been incredibly challenging. Managing an academically rigorous MBA, along with work and family commitments, is a character building exercise. Once completed, however, you feel prepared to take on the world.
Academically, each course could be applied professionally. The B2B Marketing elective is a perfect example of this. After the workshop in Manchester, Dr. Judy Zolkiewski, one of Europe’s great marketing professors, assisted to conduct a portfolio analysis of my current clients. I was able to take this back to my team and apply immediately.
Mr Uros Zikic (Singapore)
Analyst,
Credit Agricole
Mr Uros Zikic (Singapore)
Analyst
Credit Agricole
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA with Manchester Business School?
I received numerous positive feedback from alumni about the Manchester Global MBA programme. I attended an information session at the Singapore Centre and was impressed by the both the academic depth and industry experience that the faculty possess, and realized that this is the sort of professors and lecturers that I wanted to be taught by, further cementing my decision to enrol into the programme.
What was your Manchester Global MBA experience like and what did you like best about the programme?
It has been a challenging and enjoyable journey at the same time. All the modules are very well taught, and enough time were given to students to prepare before attending each workshop. I also liked that I had the opportunity to meet so many fellow students from all around the world and work closely with them, opening my eyes to a wider perspective of the business world.
Ms Christy Tan (Singapore)
Head of Markets Strategy and Research for Asia,
National Australia Bank
Ms Christy Tan (Singapore)
Head of Markets Strategy and Research for Asia
National Australia Bank
“I’ve always wanted to pursue further studies at a U.K. University. Following a relocation from Singapore to HK in 2014, I made up my mind to join the programme.
I was extremely glad I did so. The workshop style of programme delivery and the availability of other centres allowed me to plan my schedule way in advance, while kick-starting many global networking opportunities.
Since joining the programme, my career has reached new heights – I was instrumental in the building of NAB’s research platform in Asia and involved in NAB’s strategy in connecting Australian and New Zealand businesses into Asia. On the academic front, I was shortlisted for The MBA Student of the Year Award by AMBA (Association of MBAs).
The support from my family, course-mates and the helpful staff has kept me going – they were the force behind my professional and academic successes.”
Ms Kimmis Pun (Singapore)
Managing Director,
Standard Chartered Bank
Ms Kimmis Pun (Singapore)
Managing Director
Standard Chartered Bank
“I am a strong believer in life-long learning as it enhances and updates one’s academic and professional knowledge. I have already amassed a number of professional qualifications, so a reputable MBA is a natural extension in terms of complementing my management skills.
The banking industry nowadays is highly competitive and demanding. The MBA programme has equipped me with practical tools to develop talents, drive strategies, deliver outcomes and deal with challenges. It is a valuable asset for anyone concerned with career planning.
Unlike some quick-fix degrees, the programme comprises a well-developed curriculum based on a genuine knowledge infusion philosophy, and is truly global and unbeatable in its coverage due to the provision of subsidized study at other centres and supervised hands-on research and projects.
Networking with fellow students because of the diversity in culture and values was priceless. The diversified network derived from class-attendance in various centres, such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Manchester, facilitates a better understanding of cross-continental cultures and stimulates our thinking.
And in terms of time management, time is to be managed by leaders. Determination and perseverance is paramount in prioritizing ambitions among reality. Due to the hectic travel with ample time waiting at airport and inside the plane, reading of study materials and articulation of thoughts becomes good pastimes. As a working mother, it is, of course, difficult to strike a balance between work, study and family. However, having a supportive family and domestic helper alleviates the burden, and gives me room to pursue my passion.”
With careful advance planning and online academic support, the MBA programme, to me, is a bliss.”
Mr Kelly Williams (United States)
Director of Business Development and Operations,
American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
Mr Kelly Williams (United States)
Director of Business Development and Operations
American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
Why did you choose to do an MBA?
In 2015 I relocated to Singapore with my company to help launch our Southeast Asia subsidiary. With this assignment came increased responsibility and exposure to senior leaders and stakeholders within the organisation. This was an incredible opportunity to learn and demonstrate my core competencies and strengths; however, it also exposed deficiencies in managing a profitable subsidiary. Managing a top line sales budget is much different than delivering a profitable bottom line. After self-reflection and awareness, I decided an MBA from a quality business school would be necessary for my professional development.
Why did you choose to do your MBA with Manchester Business School?
The MBA qualification is becoming more and more commoditised and offered by numerous institutions. As such, the decision to pursue an MBA at a quality business school is becoming more prudent. The University of Manchester and Manchester Business School are world-renowned institutions as demonstrated by their research output, faculty and staff, facilities and networks.
In a globalised economy, we are now forced to work within organisations and environments outside of our comfort zone. This exposes us to diverse individuals and business practices. The Global MBA is a collection of accomplished practitioners across various sectors and geographies. Manchester Business School’s Manchester Method is a distinguishing factor from other MBA programmes. The Method allowed me to work in multinational groups and settings, solve real world business problems and reflect critically on current business practices and management challenges.
Describe your MBA experience with us.
The Manchester Global MBA programme challenged and exposed me to individuals and business practices from across the globe. Studying with diverse classmates and attending workshops from academics and practitioners with global experiences has equipped me with the knowledge base and experiences to grow my career.
Furthermore, the network established with both the Global and Full-Time MBA students, faculty and staff cannot be overstated. The opportunity to share ideas and issues with individuals from various professional backgrounds and experiences offers new insights and management perspectives.
What did you enjoy most about your MBA experience with us?
The global experiences, network and learning. Business is no longer restricted to borders which means learning must be transnational. I have made enduring professional and academic connections on 5 continents! These individuals are readily available to discuss management/business issues or just have a conversation via email, phone or text. Professors such as Dr. Paul Evans have been incredible mentors and teachers, even after the completion of the course. These are friendships which will last for years to come.
How has your career benefited since embarking on the Manchester Global MBA?
I have recently accepted the role as Director of Business Development and Operations for the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore. The Manchester Global MBA, coupled with my commercial experience, has adequately prepared me to embark on this challenge. The last two years has been incredibly challenging. Managing an academically rigorous MBA, along with work and family commitments, is a character building exercise. Once completed, however, you feel prepared to take on the world.
Academically, each course could be applied professionally. The B2B Marketing elective is a perfect example of this. After the workshop in Manchester, Dr. Judy Zolkiewski, one of Europe’s great marketing professors, assisted to conduct a portfolio analysis of my current clients. I was able to take this back to my team and apply immediately.
Ms Miho Izumi (Japan)
Senior Account Manager, Business Advisory,
Global Partners Consulting Pte Ltd
Ms Miho Izumi (Japan)
Senior Account Manager, Business Advisory
Global Partners Consulting Pte Ltd
Why did you choose to do an MBA?
I was the youngest employee in my company selected to be based outside of my home country of Japan, to manage the business with almost 50 people under me, from across 10 different departments.
Although I was given this opportunity at work, I felt that I had reached a plateau in terms of people and business management and so I decided to pursue an MBA. A further motivation to take on an MBA was because I was looking for a career change in Consultancy and wanted to become a better advisor.
Why did you choose to do your MBA with Alliance Manchester Business School?
One of the key reasons why I decided to pursue my MBA with Alliance Manchester Business School was because of the flexibility and portability of the programme. I knew that I wanted to be able to continue working whilst pursuing my MBA and the Manchester Global MBA was able to do just that for me.
I also liked the fact that this programme was able to provide me with a global perspective on business management and that it would also allow me to travel to any of AMBS’ 6 global centres for electives and residential workshops. Global networking was important to me as well because I saw building lifelong global connections as an important part of advancing my career.
Describe your MBA experience with Alliance Manchester Business School.
My MBA journey with Alliance Manchester Business School was definitely a memorable one. When I first started the programme, I found out that I was pregnant. However, I knew that this wouldn’t be an issue as this MBA was flexible enough to allow me to plan my MBA studies and classes to fit around my personal life, commitments and work schedules. The blending learning approach was extremely beneficial to me throughout my pregnancy as I was able to keep up the pace with online tutorials, lectures and bulletin board discussions.
During my MBA, I had the opportunity to travel to Manchester for several residential workshop and I must say that I loved my time there as I was exposed to people whom I would have never been able to meet in Japan and Singapore.
All in all, I was able to meet many wonderful people throughout my MBA journey that have helped me through not one, but two pregnancies during the course of the programme, and am very thankful for their support in being part of this great achievement.
What did you enjoy most about your entire MBA experience?
In my opinion, the biggest takeaway from the programme has to be being able to meet people from very diverse nationalities and professional backgrounds. This has helped me extensively in my career and life. I like that Alliance Manchester Business School also organizes regular alumni events where I am able to reconnect with my fellow classmates and even meet new alumni.
How has your career progressed since doing the MBA and how did our programme contribute to this?
The Manchester Global MBA allowed me to secure my dream job of a Business Advisory Consultant. The MBA also helped me to change my way of thinking! I now see things from a much wider and global perspective which is an important part of client advisory.
To summarize, I am very happy with what the Manchester Global MBA has helped me achieve in my life and career. Thank you, Alliance Manchester Business School!
Ms Charlotte Ho (Hong Kong)
Vice President,
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Ms Charlotte Ho (Hong Kong)
Vice President
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
“As an accountant, I have a genuine interest in business. An MBA provides a holistic solution, allowing me to understand how different aspects of business fit together to achieve corporate goals. With its high ranking and solid reputation, the Manchester Global MBA was the right choice. Not only did it introduce me to a wide-ranging network of business professionals, I believed it would be beneficial in terms of career advancement.”
Mr Rakesh Sharma (India)
General Manager,
Pacific Basin Shipping (HK) Limited
Mr Rakesh Sharma (India)
“The Manchester Global MBA elevated my career by equipping me with a wide range of knowledge. I am able to understand, analyse and find solutions for most on-going issues on finance, accounting, operations, international business, marketing and company strategies with the cases and theories I learnt from the programme. The up-to-date course materials allow me to apply the solutions instantly in my work.
In the programme, rather than just canned knowledge, theories are substantiated with real-life examples from companies. The learning process, hence, was very effective and constructive. Moreover, as we were assigned to analyse our own company with the skills learnt, the homework could be applied to my company and so solve real problems.
As I discussed my assignments with my company’s managers, the learning went both ways. On one side I learnt from their experience of managing the company; on the other side I was able to provide them with my new insights and directions, learnt from my MBA. Theories and actual examples about shipping were challenging, but it was a great way to learn and understand the problems in depth. I was promoted to General Manager in the first year of holding my MBA and there is consistent improvement in my overall results.”
Ms Marie Nakamura (Japan)
HR Director,
Walmart Japan
Ms Marie Nakamura (Japan)
HR Director
Walmart Japan
“This programme gave me a lot of opportunities in my life. As well as solid knowledge and accreditation, I gained great friends, proactive mindset and colorful cities’ memories of its sites (HK, Shanghai, Singapore and Dubai). I can surely say that this programme contributed to enrich my career and life.
The biggest merit of this course is learning while working. You don’t have to take any risk to stop your current work for this course. In addition, I could apply my learning directly into the practical work. While learning “leadership”, “process management” or “negotiation” etc., I tried and exercised them in my real business situation.
The School has a policy, “Learning by Doing”. Therefore, the programme itself contained a lot of activities such as field research, business simulation or group works. I enjoyed learning with these experiencial activities.
The discussion with my classmates from all over the world broadened my view and raise global mindset. I actually felt difficulty to cut in the enthusiastic discussion and the presentation at first. However, I noticed it is necessary to tell my opinion and try to be more proactive and assertive in the class. This kind of experience can expand business capability and toughness. I could not have gained this type of exposure without going this course.
You would make effort to take balance between this program, work and your private life. But this is not so difficult if you are good at planning since this program has some flexibility which afford “adjustment” to your situation. I actually married, gave a birth to a child and changed my job and house while taking this program although I did not expect and imagine when I started.
I strongly recommend taking this course since you would step into the next stage through the leaning from the course.”
Mr Akihiro Yoshida (Japan)
Project Manager,
Toyota Tsusho Corporation
Mr Akihiro Yoshida (Japan)
Project Manager
Toyota Tsusho Corporation
“Having more than 11 years of working experience in the private sector, I was attracted by the ‘Original Thinking Applied’ and ‘Learning By Doing’ features of the MBA programme. The programme has indeed been very practical and useful for me in applying what I have learnt in the classroom directly to my work place. The workshops I attended also focused on team-building activities, thus allowing me to interact with classmates from different cultural and business backgrounds, helping to broaden my perspective on doing business.”
Mr Sean (Hyungsik) Pyun (South Korea)
Project Department, McQuilling Brokerage Partners Asia
Mr Sean (Hyungsik) Pyun (South Korea)
McQuilling Brokerage Partners Asia
“In my 10 years of working experience, I have always thought that being a specialist was good enough for my portfolio. However, I realized in recent years that there is a growing need to be more of a “generalist”, should I wish to advance my career to the management level in any company. With that new-found belief in mind, I thought to pursue an MBA, as I believed that it would be very useful in helping me achieve my next goal in life – which was to climb to a managerial level.
Due to my tight working schedule, one of the main deciding factors in selecting the right MBA for me was flexibility – which the Kelley-Manchester MBA clearly provided. Other key criteria for me were the school’s reputation and the global perspectives & network it could provide me. Having an international network and global business acumen was important for me, because we are living in a highly globalized world, with plenty of opportunities to work in multi-national companies, with multi-cultural colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
The Kelley-Manchester Global MBA fit these requirements for me perfectly, and I am happy that I get to experience the best of US and UK business education. I am also happy to say that I will graduate with 2 MBA degrees from 2 of US and UK’s most notable business schools.
With 8 global workshop locations, I am excited about being able to connect with classmates and peers from all over the world and across varying industries. Other than that, I am also impressed by the highly-qualified faculty from both Manchester Business School and Kelley School of Business.
So far, I’ve had the chance to visit Kelley School of Business in Bloomington, Indiana for orientation and residential workshops. The experience I had while I was there was nothing short of outstanding. I’ve learnt a lot from the classmates I met there, and have since forged close relationships with them.
I have since applied to attend workshops in Manchester next semester, and am very excited to be meeting new people from all over the world to add on to my growing Kelley-Manchester network!”
Mr Salah Almansour (Kuwait)
Assistant Manager - Assurance,
Ernst & Young
Mr Salah Almansour (Kuwait)
Assistant Manager – Assurance
Ernst & Young
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA with Manchester Business School?
I wanted to challenge myself further and get myself out of my comfort zone. Both my bachelor’s degree and professional qualifications have been in accounting and I thought that an MBA would be a right fit for my profile and I also wanted to enhance my knowledge and skills further.
What was your Manchester Global MBA experience like and what did you like best about the programme?
The diversity of the students was a key element. Students came from all across the world and are driven and share similar career advancement goals. The workshops have also been very diverse and interesting with a mix of professors that travel across the 6 centres to deliver consistent and high standards of teaching. In addition, I also got the chance to attend workshops in 3 different countries during my studies – São Paulo, Dubai and Singapore, and enjoyed all of them.
How do you find the workshops that you have attended? Have they been useful towards your daily life and your job?
The workshops I attended were extremely relatable to my daily work and perhaps my personal life as well. There were not as many theoretical aspects as what I had expected, instead they were very practical and applicable.
Ms JooHyun Jun (South Korea)
Manager,
Siemens
Ms JooHyun Jun (South Korea)
Manager
Siemens
“With over 15 years of experience in sales & marketing within the consumer and manufacturing sector, I was nonetheless looking for an opportunity to further strengthen my strategic thinking skills and to expand my global network. The Manchester Global MBA proved the perfect fit.
I chose this degree over an MBA at a local university within South Korea, as it offered the chance of studying in different centres worldwide, from which I could strengthen global networks and accrue much-needed business skills. From these experiences, I emerged a true global citizen.
My academic journey was not without challenges, not least because I had to work in parallel. However, I managed to overcome them with support from family. The payoff was worth it – initial feedback from recruitment firms and corporate peers point towards opportunities which would not have been available had I not completed the degree.
The MBA has not only strengthened my core skills through diversified business experiences, it has also given me yet more motivation to pursue my business dreams. With this in hand, I believe that my future is limitless!”
Mr Inki Kim (South Korea)
Vice-President of Overseas Sales Division,
LG Siltron
Mr Inki Kim (South Korea)
Vice-President of Overseas Sales Division
LG Siltron
“I chose Manchester Global MBA because of its stellar reputation and because the programme offers great flexibility for time-starved students like me who could not attend classes on weekday nights. I found the workshop experience extremely applicable to real-life. Every subject came with practices featuring actual cases, which I along with other group members would attempt to solve, and which would then be presented to professors and peers. On the career front, the MBA was extremely helpful for me in switching to Sales and Marketing after a long stint in engineering. I found that practical lessons learnt from the program could be applied directly to the new job, especially Game Theory—part of Managerial Economy and Negotiation Skill. If the programme were simply designed around theories, it wouldn’t be much help for me, unlike this programme! Overall, I was impressed with the degree of practical application involved—certainly, its motto ‘Original Thinking Applied’ was well-embedded into the programme itself.”
Mr Sven Zuber (Switzerland)
Executive Director,
UBS
Mr Sven Zuber (Switzerland)
Executive Director
UBS
“I chose the Manchester MBA not only because of its top ranking, but also because of its flexibility and portability, in case I had to move to another country during my period of study, which turned out to be the case. I currently head a multinational team in the Chief Investment Office across APAC for UBS, following various roles in global financial institutions.
It was a highly invigorating experience for me, you will be forced out of your comfort zone when starting an MBA, and having a flexible MBA setup is key. This programme is also crucial in helping me connect the dots between topics and to present strategies through application of learned frameworks.”
Ms Nicole Tretwer-Matthes (Germany)
Head of Logistics Services, APAC,
Swarovski
Ms Nicole Tretwer-Matthes (Germany)
Head of Logistics Services, APAC
Swarovski
“I have always believed in learning new theories and applying these to corporate settings. Much of what I have gained throughout the programme I have integrated into workplace practices – from managing stakeholders and presenting information in a more contextual way to questioning everything with a critical eye. Real benefits were reaped – my career soared towards the next level.
From the time I was accepted into the programme up till I graduated, I moved country three times. Thankfully, the blended learning concept and modular approach of this degree fully accommodated these changes, allowing me to complete the degree on time. I would also highly recommend that students take up the programme’s offer and study at two other international centres. In fact, I find these experiences so impactful that I decided to travel at my own costs to a third centre!”
Ms Joanne Ormandy (New Zealand)
Chief Information Officer,
JLL (Greater China)
Ms Joanne Ormandy (New Zealand)
Chief Information Officer
JLL (Greater China)
“I think the knowledge of business strategy and finance I acquired has greatly enhanced my career, as I gained a thorough understanding of end to end business in the programme. The course helped me to fill in my gaps in learning and gain a holistic understanding of business. This has helped me move into more senior management positions, managing P&L’s and driving business strategy.
I am also grateful for having the opportunity to study in four centres. By leveraging and learning about the work experience of the other students, the international modules provide an overview of how companies operate in various markets. The experience has allowed me to better understand the work culture of my team located in other countries.
It was difficult to study while working, especially as I travelled a lot for work. I was lucky that my family, my employer and direct manager were all amazingly supportive. You need exceptional time management skills, prioritising what needs to be done. Don’t leave assignments and study to the last minute.”
Mr Ryan Gonsalves (UK)
Head of International Mortgage,
HSBC
Mr Ryan Gonsalves (UK)
Head of International Mortgage
HSBC
“When I moved to Hong Kong in January 2009 to take up my position as the Senior Regional Mortgage Leader for Asia Pacific at The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), I was also looking for the right MBA program to boost, surprisingly, my confidence.
It was a very practical course. I was able to apply what I’d learnt from the course directly into my working life. For example, to support my MBA projects and assignments, I would arrange to meet the senior leaders at the bank. For an assignment topic on motivation I met the HR Director for HSBC Asia and when a question for marketing needed to be tackled I sat with the Marketing Proposition team to get a practical understanding of how they approach the problems in real life. The benefits gained from the programme will last throughout my career and I’ve recommended three people to do the course at Manchester.”
Ms Astor Chan (Hong Kong)
Founder and CEO,
Solution in One
Ms Astor Chan (Hong Kong)
Founder and CEO
Solution in One
“There are several reasons for choosing Global MBA. Firstly, this is a global programme. Professors come from main campus at UK to deliver trainings to students in the programme, they bring the global experience and vision to the students. Secondly, students with different nationalities join the programme, e.g. Korean, Japanese, American, European etc. This provides a great opportunity for students to exchange ideas from both the cultural and intellectual perspectives. Finally, the programme is flexible, this helps me to complete the programme in my busy work schedule.
As a lawyer, I may be more focused on the legal perspective. However, this programme has broadened my vision and thinking through the trainings in various management skills, such as in corporate finance, marketing, strategic management, etc.
Furthermore, students are encouraged to think out of the box, which helped me to excel my skill to provide legal advice in a holistic approach, by giving strategic and practical advice.”
Mr Henri Lehkonen (Australia)
Business Development Director, APAC Financial Services,
Ernst & Young
Mr Henri Lehkonen (Australia)
Business Development Director, APAC Financial Services
Ernst & Young
“I benefited no end from the flexible, workshop-based approach of the degree. What attracted me to MBS in the first place was precisely this flexibility in managing workshops around my packed travel schedule, while still providing face-to-face teaching, group work and networking opportunities. Given that I am a frequent traveller, this is a godsend. I also relish the opportunity to meet new people from a variety of employment, skill and cultural backgrounds – people who go beyond my tightly-knit financial services circle.
At the same time, I gained significant knowledge in subject areas I had not been previously exposed to, including strategy and operation management, while enjoying a refresher on my core strengths in finance and accounting. The course struck me as deeply practical – I was able to take away many concepts from the MBA modules and apply them to my role, especially the strategy subjects, which allowed me to gain new perspectives on global companies.
I took full advantage of the global nature of the workshops, stopping by Singapore, Manchester and Dubai (besides Hong Kong) in completing my degree. It was great to see a new city and meet a new cohort of students, and that working in groups with people from different cultures was a great learning experience.”
Mr Gerhard Zielinski (Netherlands)
Clinics Director, Greater China
Bupa
Mr Gerhard Zielinski (Netherlands)
“I choose Manchester Business School because of its very practical and case-based nature. At my company I’m actively involved in business transformation and change management and I’m looking for real world knowledge and experience that can help me in my daily work.”
Mr William Brady (Ireland)
Director, Supply Chain Quality,
Moog Inc
Mr William Brady (Ireland)
William has an engineering and project management background and has worked in Asia Pacific (Japan and Singapore) since 1994. He is currently the general manager of the Japan operations of Moog Inc, an American firm listed on the NYSE (www.moog.com).
Ms Yulia Kuksina (Russia)
Global Head of Sales and Marketing,
GlobalTrading Journal
Ms Yulia Kuksina (Russia)
“I believe that MBS offers the perfect combination of distance learning and face-to-face interaction, besides being a university of stellar reputation. One of my most memorable moments from my years of study was probably my visit to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for one of my electives “Doing Business in Brazil’. With its emerging economy and amazing culture, Brazil had always captivated me, and when MBS offered an elective there, I felt like I could not give it a miss. On another note, getting my MBA at MBS had certainly helped my career progress, as it taught me to see the bigger picture as a business manager. I was also supremely grateful for being given the ‘Merit’ award for my studies. I’m not a perfectionist as I don’t believe that perfection exists, but I always give things my best shot—I’m focused and not easily side-tracked. With no peer pressure or regular classes to force you to stay ahead, what success boils down to, ultimately, is all based on internal motivation.”
Mr Darren Barrett (UK)
CFO,
Arcadis Asia
Mr Darren Barrett (UK)
“I’ve been in Asia for about three years now. I chose to study my MBA with Manchester Business School because it has a flexible way to study. I travel extensively in my role and I never stay in one location too often. The integrated approach of Manchester Business School allowed me to study in my own time, but also offering online lectures as well as workshops in various locations fitted in well with my travel plans.”
Ms Crystal Lee (South Korea)
Regional Manager,
BASF (Chemical Company)
Ms Crystal Lee (South Korea)
Regional Manager
BASF (Chemical Company)
“MBS is a truly international business, and is well recognized by all important employers. My MBS degree will be an asset for me to find a good position when I move to Germany next year. I particularly like the networking opportunities at MBS. During my study, I got to know people from different countries and with different educational backgrounds.”
Ms Donna Buckland (New Zealand)
Finance Director, Prudential Corporation Asia
Ms Donna Buckland (New Zealand)
Finance Director
Prudential Corporation Asia
“I have always been committed to the importance of acquiring new knowledge. So, studying for an MBA was always very high on my “to do” list. The Manchester Global MBA was a natural choice for me, given its triple accreditation and the University’s overall focus on social values.
In particular, I found the blended learning format ideal for me – with its intensive workshops in global centres, complemented by online lectures, it allowed me to manage my busy work schedule at the same time . The practical nature of the programme meant that I could continuously apply new knowledge to my workplace, with the aim of creating new opportunities, as well as delivering complex, dynamic change.
I would like to thank the programme’s support staff, who went the extra mile in tailoring the programme for students’ needs, especially mine. Working with them, they made a challenging journey so much more manageable; for which I am grateful.”
Mr Luca Donati (Italy)
Chief Strategy Officer, Magazzin Fashion Group & Coffee
Mr Luca Donati (Italy)
Chief Strategy Officer
Magazzin Fashion Group & Coffee
“My goal in pursuing an MBA was simple – to build upon my two decades’ worth of experience in publishing, media, digital communications, investment banks and international law firms through deepening my understanding of strategy and finance, thus taking my career onto the next level.
The Manchester Global MBA was a very well-structured programme that allowed me to upgrade and update myself by learning from some of the latest theories and case-studies – knowledge I could immediately apply in the workplace.
Since graduation, I have not only moved forward in my career, but have also been inspired to start an entrepreneurial adventure on the side – something I would never have thought of in the past.”
Mr Glenn Carney (UK)
Sales Director, Greenlane Biogas
Mr Glenn Carney (UK)
Head of Customer Business
Rolls Royce Energy, Singapore
“I was satisfied with the course from the onset. In particular, the diversity of my fellow MBA colleagues has brought me significant benefits; the invaluable mix of talents, from heads of world class companies to those working within SMEs has really broadened my horizons. The structure of the course is a big advantage, as it enables you to work to your strengths which complemented my previous education and was specific to my business sector. The mix of team and individual projects offers a great chance to work with others as well as develop your own style. I really believe that studying for an MBA at Manchester Business School equips business professionals with the tools and confidence they need to become business leaders. This is a development I have experienced personally and have seen in my MBA colleagues as well.”