In higher numbers than ever, MBA applicants are turning to Asian business schools. Nanyang grad Kabeer Chaudhary launched a career in Singapore after a social media internship with PwC.
In higher numbers than ever, MBA applicants are turning to Asian business schools. The prospect of differentiating themselves from other grads, strong economic growth and high MBA Ranking universities is attracting business leaders from across the globe.A recent report by QS Top MBA predicted that China would see a 35 per cent increase in MBA applications, with India set for a 29 per cent surge. Surprisingly, the United States, for all its ivy-league institutions and MBA Jobs appeal, was set for only a 2 per cent increase in applications.
Many Asian business schools, including Nanyang Business School in Singapore and China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in China, claim international reach. Candidates have gone global in search of the best programs too.
So it comes as no shock to hear that Kabeer Chaudhary, an MBA graduate from Nanyang, moved to Singapore from Mumbai to set himself apart from other graduates.
“That was one of the biggest considerations,” he says. “If you come from a business school in the US or Europe which is not Ivy League and plan to apply to an Asian company, a home-grown MBA would be preferred over you. Because we’ve studied here, we have the exposure to Asian business culture.”
But many top Western programs provide international exchanges to their Asian counterparts. It has become an integral part of the modern MBA.
At London Business School, 40 per cent of second-year MBA students spend a term abroad at over 30 different international schools, including AGSM in Australia, CEIBS in China and the Tuck School of Business in the US.
Is living in an Asian country for the full duration of an MBA really essential? Kabeer thinks so.
He has always had a passion for the media industry. “I got to meet a lot of different media companies during those one and a half years,” he says. “So my chances of getting a job over a guy in the US who applied to an Asian firm were much better. I already had a network, which was eager to pass on jobs to me.”
MBA Jobs are often the key consideration. 50 per cent of a recent MBA cohort at CEIBS stayed in China to look for work after graduation and it is increasingly likely for students to stay in the country where they attended b-school.
Recent surveys show that the US continues to dominate employer demand for MBAs in most sectors. Entrepreneurship, leadership, strategy and marketing roles are most likely to be given to States-based MBAs, according to a QS Top MBA report.
For roles in the media industry, however, Asia is a big player. Kabeer began his career in the sector at Endemol, a leading television production company in India. He wanted to make a switch into online-media and Nanyang has been instrumental in making that happen.
“Singapore is the hub of Asia for most media companies,” he says. “I knew I’d be exposed to new markets with huge potential for growth. And by the end of the MBA I knew I wanted to be part of the digital media industry in Singapore.
“The media industries in Europe and the US are not growing as fast as in Asia. Singapore is a few years behind the rest of the world (in this sector) which means there is huge room for growth. People here are ready to adopt new technologies.”
Growth (the economic kind) is also a huge carrot at the end of the MBA stick. For all the talk of developed industries in the West, there is also an economic crisis crashing through Europe.
Some countries in the Asia-Pacific region managed to stay relatively free from the credit crunch, and growth is much higher than both Europe and the US.
China, for example, has an annual GDP growth rate of about 8 per cent. Even Singapore, where growth is slightly lower (about 5 per cent), it is better than the US, on 4 per cent, and considerably higher than the UK, on less than 1 per cent (which is hailed as a breakthrough).
Asia’s economic stability influenced Kabeer’s decision. “Strong economic growth means there is an extremely strong entrepreneurial and enterprising spirit,” he says. “Because of the money, people are energetic, are happy to change the way they live and are open to new ideas.”
Yet, with such economic growth, average MBA earnings are not as high as in the West. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), European MBAs have the highest median starting salaries, around $100,000 per year.
Figures from the US are slightly lower at $90,000, compared to between $55,000 and $70,000 in Asia.
When Kabeer began his MBA in Singapore, he did so with an open mind. He says you should assess your options while at b-school and utilize the careers department to help find you a job in the region after graduation.
For him, Singapore was the perfect fit. After an internship with PwC, advising clients on social media, he landed a job with Mobext, a leading advertising and marketing agency.
“Nanyang gave us the opportunity to meet a lot of companies on campus and we had many networking sessions,” he says. “I collected contacts during the MBA, all helpful and relevant people. Some of these alumni have even become my clients now.”
Those considering a move to Asia will need to consider which MBA programs are on offer, the industry they plan to go into and whether Asia is the right career choice for them.
For Kabeer, Nanyang “definitely” helped him launch a career in Singapore. “It might have been easier to start here with an MBA from an Asian business school,” he says.
“But moving to Singapore wasn’t the problem. Switching to online media was, and an MBA has helped me a lot.”
Kabeer hasn’t looked back since.
Student Reviews
Good campus life and extra-curricular activities
This is a great place to learn and interact with more like-minded people. The campus is something that stands out to me. The infrastructure is great and the university is very well-built. There is lots to do on the high campus, from a large number of eating joints to the numerous clubs and sports activities. I also quite like Singapore as a country, as there is so much to do around not very far from campus. The educational facilities are extremely good, there are lots of opportunities to take on research projects and do industrial projects, which I really enjoy. The only thing I dislike about NTU is that the number of international students is really low and I would like to see a larger international intake in the future. Definitely recommend for the amazing educational facilities and on-campus social life.
An international campus that provided diverse choices for students
It's a beautiful campus with a high degree of internationality, providing diverse choices for students in terms of research opportunities and career consultation. Also, scholars are knowledgable and very inspiring, and are good at motivating the thinking of students.
Great University
In overall, the university has met my expectations with its wonderful lectures and research staff. However, there are some issues with the administrative side, i.e. administration may give you different answers on the same question. Also, the university’s website often provides outdated information and it takes time to get what you need; perhaps there is not enough people for managing it.
Good resources
I would recommend. Good resources for research. Knowledgeable professors and instructors. Conducive environment for studying and doing assignments. Helpful staff and faculty. Food options are good. An overall good place to study.
inefficient communication and lack of transparency
The administrative team at the university is slow to respond and is often inadequate in their responses and solutions. The uni is also unclear and resistant to explain their actions and motivations when carrying out policies or when questioned
Formative experience for success
NTU prioritizes giving students ample time for independent research. The academic schedule consists of 6–7 weeks of study, followed by a week without classes, allowing students to catch up on any material they may have missed. This is succeeded by another 6–7 weeks of study, culminating in a week dedicated to final exam preparation and exams.
The curriculum is designed to be student-friendly, minimizing burdens such as excessive assignments, projects, exams, quizzes, and attendance requirements. This approach affords students the freedom to pursue personal interests and self-development. In my experience, each of the four courses I took had a comparable workload, typically comprising 2 assignments, 3 easy labs, 2–3 quizzes (some without), and 1 final exam.
In contrast, comparable courses at other universities often entail significantly heavier workloads, including 3 homework assignments, 5 projects, 5–6 pop-up quizzes, mandatory attendance, 2 midterms, and 1 final exam. Moreover, each project typically demands 3–4 days of work.
It is hard work, but it pays off.
Academic atmosphere
Nanyang Technological University offers a vibrant academic atmosphere that fosters innovation and excellence. The strong emphasis on research and practical learning equips students with real-world skills. Positives include access to state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative projects, and a diverse student body. However, the competitive environment can be intense, leading to high stress levels. NTU's academic atmosphere encourages growth but requires resilience to thrive.
Diverse professors
As a student at Nanyang Technological University, I have been extremely impressed with the quality of education I have received. The professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about their subjects, which makes learning engaging and enjoyable.
The teaching styles vary from lecture-based to interactive discussions and group projects, providing a well-rounded learning experience. The use of technology in the classrooms also enhances our understanding of the course material. One of the things I love about NTU is the diversity on campus. Not only are there students from all over the world, but the professors also come from various backgrounds, making the learning environment truly global. English is the main language spoken on campus, which makes it easy for international students to feel at home. In terms of examinations and coursework, the workload can be challenging at times, but the support from professors and classmates makes it manageable. The exams are fair and assess our understanding of the material effectively.
Video lectures
As a student at Nanyang Technological University, I am extremely impressed with the transportation options available on campus. The buses and shuttles make it easy to get around the huge campus. The beautifully landscaped garden campus adds a peaceful and scenic vibe to studying. The facilities, from the state-of-the-art labs to the comfortable study spaces, are top-notch. The video lectures are a convenient and effective way to supplement classroom learning.
Focus on science
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) excels in its focus on engineering and science degrees. The curriculum is robust, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Professors are industry experts, providing invaluable insights. State-of-the-art facilities enhance learning experiences. Opportunities for research and internships abound, fostering innovation and professional growth. NTU's emphasis on cutting-edge technology prepares students for real-world challenges. NTU's commitment to engineering and science education is unparalleled, shaping tomorrow's leaders in these fields.
great canteens
While at Nanyang Technological University, I can confidently say that the quality of education here is excellent. The professors are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and the curriculum is challenging yet rewarding. The campus itself is green and natural, providing a peaceful and inspiring environment for learning. The canteens offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable food options, catering to different dietary preferences. From local delights to international cuisines, there is something for everyone. The student housing facilities are also well-maintained and comfortable, providing a home away from home for students. NTU's reputation as a top-ranked university is well-deserved, with cutting-edge research and a strong emphasis on innovation.
high quality education
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is a top-notch educational institution that offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for students. The campus is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and the faculty members are highly experienced and knowledgeable in their fields. As a student at NTU, I have had a positive experience so far. The university provides a conducive learning environment and encourages students to think critically and creatively. The campus is vibrant and diverse, with a strong sense of community among students and staff. I would definitely recommend NTU to prospective students looking for a high-quality education in a supportive and stimulating environment. The opportunities for research, internships, and extracurricular activities are plentiful, and the university is committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for future success.
Student experience
As a student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the experience is vibrant and enriching. Surrounded by lush greenery, the campus offers a serene environment for studying and relaxation. While parties and nightlife options are available, the focus leans more towards academic pursuits. The campus buzzes with activities, clubs, and events, catering to diverse interests. However, the tuition cost is competitive, offering value for the exceptional education and resources provided. I recommend my university
High quality of life
As a student at Nanyang Technological University, I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality of education. The faculty is highly knowledgeable and supportive, fostering an engaging learning environment. Tuition fees are reasonable for the value provided. The campus food options are diverse and delicious, catering to various dietary preferences. The transport system is efficient, with easy access to public transportation. NTU offers a high quality of life, combining academic excellence with a vibrant campus culture.
good value for money
At Nanyang Technological University, I find the tuition fees reasonable considering the quality of education and resources provided. The university offers diverse programs, experienced faculty, modern facilities, and opportunities for research and internships. While tuition costs are substantial, the value for money is evident in the comprehensive learning experience and the potential for career advancement. NTU delivers on its promise of excellence, making it a worthwhile investment in one's future.
