Describe your personal brand.

I am Lim Tern Poh, a dual-MBA graduate from the National University of Singapore and Peking University; I am driven by integrity, continuous learning, and leadership.

With a multidisciplinary expertise in AI and business, I excel at connecting the dots across various fields. My strong communication skills and deep understanding of diverse concerns enhance my ability to approach problems with fresh perspectives and align stakeholders toward a common vision. My academic background, including an MBA and a Master of Computing in AI, equips me with a robust and versatile skill set.

My unique ability to bridge Western and Eastern business practices truly sets me apart. Spending a year in Beijing as part of my dual-degree program has given me a profound understanding of both cultures. This multicultural experience enables me to facilitate international business dealings effectively, making me a well-rounded global leader.

My long-term goal is to leverage my diverse skill set and cultural insights to drive innovation and foster global collaboration. I aspire to create impactful change in the business world by bridging cultural gaps and promoting technological advancements.

What were you doing before The NUS MBA?

Before starting my MBA journey, I was the Associate Director at AI Singapore and the Head of AI Products at Yoozoo’s Global AI Innovation Lab. In these roles, I led AI initiatives and developed innovative AI products to address complex business challenges. I hold a Master of Computing in AI from the National University of Singapore, completed in 2022.

Currently, I am actively seeking career opportunities where I can leverage my dual MBA from NUS and Peking University. I aim to drive strategic initiatives and implement cutting-edge AI solutions to enhance business performance. I am particularly interested in roles within the technology, healthcare, and finance sectors that involve overseeing AI-driven projects and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Outside of my professional commitments, I am deeply engaged in the AI community. I have been mentoring startups with Global 500 since 2020 and recently joined Google’s Startup Accelerator Program (AI-First) as a mentor in 2024. Additionally, I serve as an executive committee member of the AI Professionals Association in Singapore. My passion for AI extends to public speaking. I frequently deliver keynotes at AI events, including a notable presentation on Generative AI for Elsevier’s digital marketing team and the Scopus AI product launch.

This blend of professional experience, academic excellence, and active community involvement underscores my commitment to advancing the field of AI and nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Please share your key achievements and leadership roles on the programme.

I am honored to receive the Mandarin Alumni Gold Medal, the Outstanding Graduating Student Award, and the Valedictorian title for the NUS MBA Class 2024. These awards recognize my academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the NUS MBA community.

As an executive committee member of the NUS MBA Tech Club, I conducted three AI classes for my batchmates and moderated a panel discussion with industry AI experts. Additionally, I served on the executive committee of the NUS MBA Entrepreneurship Club, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. I was a finalist in the INSEAD Product Game 2023, where I used Generative AI to create a career mentoring app for students, and a runner-up in the NUS Venture Capital Investment Competition 2024.

I maintained a perfect GPA of 5/5 throughout my NUS MBA. I also took cross-elective modules in the Duke-NUS Healthcare Innovator Program (DHIP). I obtained a provisional patent for a MedTech device to improve cervical cancer screening convenience and secured a S$50K innovation grant from the Academic Medicine Innovation Institute. Furthermore, I got accepted into Antler’s prestigious startup incubator program and attempted to launch a startup while completing my MBA. On a personal note, I successfully balanced my academic and professional commitments while welcoming a new member to my family as a first-time parent.

These accomplishments reflect my dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. They align with my long-term goal of driving impactful change in the business and technology sectors, ultimately contributing to a more innovative and interconnected world.

What has been the single most stand-out experience of your MBA?

The most stand-out experience of my MBA journey at NUS has been my participation as a Business Fellow in the Duke-NUS Health Innovator Program. This unique opportunity allowed me to collaborate with two clinicians to tackle Singapore's low cervical cancer screening rates.

We formed a diverse team, each member bringing unique skills—analytical prowess, strategic thinking, and presentation skills. Our collective efforts led to the development of a MedTech device to improve the convenience of cervical cancer screening. This project resulted in a provisional patent and secured a S$50K innovation grant from the Academic Medicine Innovation Institute.

This experience profoundly influenced my personal and professional development. It taught me the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the power of leveraging diverse skill sets to solve complex problems. It also reinforced my commitment to using technology for social good and innovation. Specifically, I gained valuable insights into the healthcare sector and honed my ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Reflecting on this experience, I realise its broader significance in shaping my future aspirations. It has solidified my goal to drive impactful change through innovative AI solutions and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

What advice would you give to other MBA aspirants?

The MBA journey is both transformative and challenging. Here are some key pieces of advice to help you maximise this experience:

Build Meaningful Networks: Networking is about building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts. Attend events, join clubs, and participate in group projects. As an NUS MBA Tech Club executive committee member, I conducted AI classes and moderated panel discussions, forming lasting connections with industry experts and peers. These relationships can support you throughout your career.

Contribute to the Community: Give back to the NUS MBA community. Mentor others, participate in student organizations, and share your expertise with classmates. While at NUS, I actively mentored startups and was involved in the NUS MBA Entrepreneurship Club. This involvement enriched my experience and helped build a supportive community that fosters growth and collaboration.

Be Resilient and Adaptable: The business environment is unpredictable. Cultivate resilience and adaptability. Be ready to pivot and adjust your plans as needed. While completing my MBA, I balanced launching a startup and managing family responsibilities. This flexibility will serve you well in both your personal and professional life, as the job you want might not be available when you graduate, and your career direction might change as you learn new knowledge from your peers.

In summary, focus on building genuine relationships, contributing to your community, and being adaptable. These strategies will help you navigate the complexities of the MBA journey and beyond, ultimately leading to a fulfilling and impactful career.