Pongdao Premrote: Transforming Actuarial Expertise into Sustainability and Innovation with The NUS MBA
|
|
Pongdao Premrote
|
“The NUS MBA gave me the confidence to explore new industries and apply innovative solutions,” says Pongdao (Prae) Premrote, reflecting on her career shift. With a background as an actuarial consultant in retirement and investment, Prae is now carving a niche in the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry while championing sustainability and innovation. Based in Bangkok, Prae’s story highlights how the NUS MBA can help professionals transition across industries and lead initiatives with a global outlook.
Shifting gears with new perspectives and confidence
For Prae, the NUS MBA marked a significant turning point in her career, enabling her to transition from financial consulting into the dynamic F&B sector. “The program’s diverse network of peers from various industries expanded my perspective,” she shares. “Gaining insights into different business practices allowed me to apply this knowledge to my new field.”
The MBA’s global focus, especially on Asia, proved particularly valuable for Prae’s career aspirations. The program equipped her with the confidence and regional expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of the F&B industry, a highly competitive and rapidly evolving sector.
As a recipient of the prestigious NUS MBA Achiever Scholarship, Prae also found additional motivation to excel in the program. The scholarship further reinforced her commitment to making the most of the MBA experience, driving her towards impactful contributions in her new field. Not only did the academic program play a crucial role, but her internship at Volkswagen’s Innovation Hub also had a significant impact.
During her MBA, this internship provided hands-on experience that deepened her understanding of how businesses can drive meaningful change. “Working on projects aimed at reducing environmental impact deepened my understanding of how businesses can drive meaningful change,” she reflects.
With a personal passion for sustainability, this hands-on experience reinforced Prae’s belief that sustainable practices are essential to long-term business success. This perspective shaped her approach to integrating sustainability into her career, aligning it closely with her vision of influencing industries and contributing to global progress.
Building on this foundation, Prae has remained deeply connected to the NUS MBA alumni network, which she describes as an invaluable resource for mentorship, career guidance, and industry insights.
Advice for future MBA candidates
On the strong connections offered by the alumni network, Prae says this: “Embrace every opportunity the NUS MBA offers. Get involved in clubs, activities, and exchange programs,” she suggests. “While academics are important, the relationships you build with your cohort will prove invaluable in the long run.”
But for her, the NUS MBA is not solely about academic achievement. It’s a platform for fostering connections, broadening perspectives, and building a foundation for a successful, globally connected career. “Engage fully, stay open to learning, and take advantage of the rich network of peers and mentors at NUS,” she advises potential candidates.
Regular events hosted by the NUS MBA office across different countries have allowed her to build strong relationships with alumni from various cohorts.
“These gatherings provide opportunities to discuss industry trends, explore collaboration opportunities, and share advice on career progression,” she says. For Prae, the alumni network continues to be a vital source of support, keeping her engaged and informed in a rapidly changing global environment.
A reminder to dream big and embrace challenges
Prae’s journey highlights how the NUS MBA equips professionals to explore new industries and pursue their passions. Her ability to integrate sustainability into her career reflects the program’s emphasis on equipping students with a forward-looking mindset and practical tools for success. Whether it’s driving public awareness of financial literacy or exploring innovative approaches in the F&B industry, Prae’s story demonstrates how the NUS MBA empowers individuals to lead with purpose and adapt to an ever-changing world.
For those considering the NUS MBA, Prae’s story serves as a reminder to dream big, embrace challenges, and leverage the program’s opportunities to shape a career that aligns with your passions.
