Describe your personal brand.
I foster excellence through sincerity and perseverance.What were you doing before The NUS MBA?
I graduated from NUS with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science in 2014. Since then, I have been working in the business information industry. I began my career at Thomson Reuters as Data Analyst, developing databases. I then joined Bureau van Dijk as Assistant Director, developing partnerships. During my MBA, I transitioned to DC Frontiers, where I currently serve as Lead Product Manager/Deputy CPO, developing products that enable data-driven decisions. Outside of work, I'm interested in Taekwondo, Buddhist philosophy, watercolour, capybaras, and guinea pigs.
Please share your key achievements and leadership roles on the programme.
I am pleasantly surprised to receive the Ernst & Young Prize for Best Student in Financial Management, especially since I have never worked in the finance industry. I believe there are two key reasons for this: Firstly, Prof. Ruth excelled at simplifying finance concepts and helping us build a strong foundation. Secondly, when my team worked on assignments, we each attempted the questions individually, then compared and discussed our approaches. We learned through our own and each other's mistakes.
What has been the single most stand-out experience of your MBA?
I vividly remember my first Corporate Strategy class when it was my turn to share a fun fact. I mentioned winning a bronze medal in a Taekwondo competition, which earned cheers from my classmates. When I added that there were seven participants and eight medals, everyone burst out laughing. Our professor, Prof. Nitin, gave me a concerned look and humorously remarked, "Dale, our first lesson in Corporate Strategy is to play to your strengths, and yet you've just exposed your own weakness." That simple yet profound lesson has stayed with me.
What advice would you give to other MBA aspirants?
To those who are not yet at the finishing line, please keep calm and carry on! Things will get better!
To those who are contemplating if an MBA is worth it, I would say that it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Personally, I am grateful that I had the chance to learn, to make mistakes, and to learn from the mistakes. Would I do it again? Yes!
