Pioneering Innovation in Healthcare: The Inaugural NUS MBA Healthcare Case Competition

The inaugural NUS MBA Healthcare Case Competition was more than a success—it was a global showcase of talent, innovation, and collaboration. Spearheaded by the NUS MBA program, the 2024 competition drew 128 applicants across 27 teams, representing 26 schools from 13 countries. Centered around real-world challenges, the competition provided a dynamic platform for students to craft actionable, data-driven solutions. With backing from generous sponsors like Singapore Biodesign, Melon Medical, and MedTech Actuator, the competition brought academic rigor and real-world impact into sharp alignment. Among the many highlights were the winning pitches by Team Shecure (NUS), Team Visionaries+ (University of Indonesia), and Team Heat Hackers (NTU & NUS), along with the standout efforts of finalist teams like Bravira, Power-Up, and VivaCare.

Student Voices: Behind the Scenes and On the Front Lines

For Gladia Chork Hotan, MBA student and President of the Organising Committee, spearheading the competition was nothing short of transformative. “It has been a whirlwind of vision, dedication, teamwork, resolve, and perseverance,” she shared. Sparked by her vision to establish a flagship healthcare case competition at NUS, Gladia rallied a team of passionate peers—Munirah, Cassie, Laura, and Justin—to bring the idea to life. With no prior blueprint to follow, they charted their own path, forming partnerships with sponsors and case companies like Blue Oak, Melon Medical, Elocare, and QuantumTX. “We wanted the competition to be widely publicised on an international stage,” Gladia said, and through strategic outreach, they attracted an incredible sign-up across the globe. The result? A high-caliber competition with deeply engaged teams, a vibrant international presence, and an impactful final round capped by a memorable networking dinner. “I’m thankful for the committee’s dedication and resolve… and I hope future students will take the NUS MBA Healthcare Case Competition to even greater heights.”

For finalist Trendy Tan of Team Bravira, the experience was equally powerful—but from the other side of the table. Leading a cross-continental team split between Singapore and the U.S., Trendy managed tight deadlines, shifting time zones, and heavy academic workloads with strategic focus and composure, while studying on an exchange at the Kellogg School of Management. “We ran on a 24-hour cycle: while one half of the team slept, the other was working,” she recalled. Named after a blend of bravery and resilience, Team Bravira proved its mettle with bold ideas and sharp execution. “This was my first case competition, and the learning curve was steep,” she said. “But I walked away with new friendships, better judgment under pressure, and a clearer sense of how to lead in high-stakes, cross-cultural settings.” Her message to other MBA students? “Dive in. The pressure is real, but so is the growth.”

A huge shout out to the organising and event committee for making this year’s case competition such a successful one!