From Chile to Singapore: How the NUS MBA Helped Angel Roca Step Into CFO Leadership in Renewable Energy
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Angel Roca
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A leap across the world
When Angel Roca boarded his flight from Chile to Singapore, he wasn’t just travelling more than 16,000 kilometres. He was spreading his wings to embrace a new chapter of growth. “Coming all the way from South America made it truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity,” he recalls. The move was sparked years earlier by a holiday trip to Singapore, where he was struck by the city’s infrastructure, energy, and pace of development. “Having one of the best airports in the world and a modern, efficient public transportation system is no coincidence,” he says.
That impression stayed with him. When the time came to pursue an MBA, NUS offered not only world-class academics but also the chance to live and learn in a country that had left such a mark on him. “My initial goals were to gain an international cultural and academic experience that would expose me to new ways of thinking and problem-solving,” he explains. “And I wanted to understand how a country could achieve such powerful economic development in such a short time.”
A group shot of Angel and his peers walking past the NUS logo at U-Town
Preparing for executive leadership
Today, Angel is CFO of Orion Power, a solar energy development and construction company. His role requires balancing strategic decisions with operational execution, and he credits the NUS MBA for preparing him to step into this responsibility.
He points to three defining experiences—first, group projects with peers from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. “Sometimes you had to be flexible, sometimes you had to lead, and sometimes you had to follow,” he reflects. “That dynamic is very similar to daily interactions across a company, where you need to bring out the best in everyone and make decisions that account for many variables.”
Second, Managerial Operations, a case study–driven course that sharpened his ability to analyse complex challenges and co-create solutions with peers. “It showed me the true value of a well-led brainstorming session — something that happens often when leading under uncertainty,” he says.
And third, Launch Your Transformation, an intensive week-long program that pushed students to their limits. “It was a shocking experience — you couldn’t stay quiet, and you were expected to contribute thoughtfully,” Angel recalls. “That mirrors leadership itself: stepping up, speaking wisely, and engaging fully with the challenges at hand.”
Angel having fun with his Consulting Project team after a successful meeting
Shaping decision-making in the energy sector
One class in particular continues to influence Angel’s daily work: Strategic Foresight. “We learned how to assess and evaluate in a structured way the possible outcomes of a decision — understanding that external factors influence each (decision),” he says.
For someone now operating in Chile’s fast-moving renewable energy sector, that perspective has been vital. “In the past, I might have made calls guided by instinct and data,” he admits. “Today, I systematically identify key variables, build scenarios, and focus on mitigating risks while improving foresight.”
The course also confirmed his decision to move into renewables. “Seeing how global trends were moving toward green energy made me feel that being part of this transition was the right decision. And Chile, being one of the world leaders in the shift, made that realisation even stronger.”
Angel’s visit to the first Orion Power plant with a BESS system, alongside his team and engineers
Expanding perspectives through real projects
Angel also recalls the Consulting Project as a turning point. “From day one, our first job as a team was to pin down what the company actually needed. Just as we thought we had it, the client switched our counterpart. And then switched again,” he laughs.
Each new contact brought a new agenda, meaning the team had to adapt constantly. “It wasn’t just about cultural diversity anymore — it was about understanding how priorities shift inside large organisations and how easily misalignment can creep in.”
The lesson stayed with him: focus less on the perfect solution and more on clarity, communication, and persistence. “You can’t always control the circumstances, but you can control how your team stays aligned and how you keep delivering value,” he says. It’s a mindset he now relies on daily as CFO, where strategy and execution collide with uncertainty.
Lessons that travel across borders
Beyond group projects and consulting, Angel highlights three more experiences that continue to shape his leadership.
The first was Sustainability Reporting and Analysis, which gave him tools to translate decarbonization into metrics that matter to investors and banks. “This has been key in my current role, as we’re implementing a reporting guide for stakeholders increasingly focused on sustainability,” he explains.
The second was Digital Business Transformation, a course that underscored the importance of technology adoption. “As CFO, I need to assess and sponsor initiatives from cloud systems to workflow tools — and this class showed how companies that failed to adapt are no longer around.”
The third was his semester exchange at NYU. “Beyond the classes and company visits, what stood out most was the perseverance required to make it happen,” he says. “Securing the spot and navigating the administrative hurdles taught me resilience and the importance of keeping a clear long-term vision.”
Selfie with the Baidu robot host during the Global Immersion Program (GIP) to China
Life in Singapore: challenges and rewards
Moving across the world wasn’t easy. “Being away from my wife, family, and friends for such a long period of time was tough,” Angel confesses. But he welcomed it as a chance to grow.
So, how did he cope with finding a social network? “Even though I’m not the most extroverted person, connecting with others was crucial. I always felt welcomed and included, even though I had come from afar.” He found support among his peers through late-night conversations, informal gatherings, and cultural exchanges
He also made a point to stay open. “I avoided rigid expectations and tried classes and company visits outside my comfort zone. That openness led me to the renewable energy space — work that feels both meaningful and necessary for the world.”
Opening session of the Sandbox Club with the participation of faculty members and students
Advice for future students
For prospective international students, especially those from Latin America, Angel has clear advice: embrace it fully. “It would be great to see more Latin American students crossing the Pacific to live such a unique and transformative experience as I did,” he says.
He encourages future students to experience Singapore beyond the classroom: “Don’t lock yourself only into the books — keep a balance so you can enjoy everything the city has to offer.” Travelling around Asia, joining MBA-organised trips, and celebrating cultural festivals with classmates were some of his most cherished memories.
And perhaps most importantly, he reminds future students to stay flexible. “Take things as seriously as needed, but also leave room for improvisation and the unexpected. Try classes or experiences you wouldn’t easily find back home. Live the MBA fully — not only academically but also culturally. Both will be equally rewarding.”
