REPLY: 1:153/716.0 ff3e36d6
MSGID: 2:5064/54.1315 5ff5588b
CHRS: CP866 2
TZUTC: 0300
TID: hpt/w32-mgw 1.4.0-sta 30-03-12
Ardith!

"MBA Alumni On The Nanyang-Waseda And Working At Microsoft Japan
"Work hard, play hard and be insatiably curious": Class of 2018 Graduate, Leo
Tan on the Nanyang-Waseda Double MBA and working at Microsoft Japan.

As an undergraduate studying applied chemistry, Leo Tan never imagined that he
would eventually work at tech giant Microsoft as an operations deal manager.

After obtaining his bachelor's degree, he filled roles in sales and business
development at two Japanese companies. His jobs allowed him to travel
extensively and work in countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India
and Japan. But he longed for something more.

"I had immense cultural exposure, but everything was happening so rapidly. I
wanted to take some time off to consolidate what I had learnt and do that in a
structured environment where I could also get a business education," says Leo.

He decided to further his studies by enrolling in the Nanyang-Waseda Double
MBA programme. A collaboration between Nanyang Business School and Waseda
Business School, the 14-month programme equips its participants with an
understanding of both global business and technology management.

Participants learn from Nanyang and Waseda professors both in Singapore and
Japan.

The programme appealed to Leo, as he was interested in technology and
proficient in Japanese, having worked as a translator and Business English
teacher to Japanese adults.

The Nanyang-Waseda Double MBA has helped him to develop a deeper appreciation
for the various perspectives of people from different cultures, industries and
socio-economic backgrounds.

"The opportunity to mix around with international classmates from all over the
world has really expanded my horizons. One of my biggest takeaways from the
programme was being able to learn and experience how everybody brought their
own strengths, weaknesses and personal experiences to the table," says Leo,
who works at Microsoft's Tokyo office under the firm's Aspire Experience
graduate programme. He completed his Double MBA last September.

In addition, the highly interactive nature of the Double MBA programme allowed
him to exchange ideas frequently with his classmates. "That really made me
realise how there can be many perspectives towards one issue. It's not
necessarily about which perspective is right or wrong. It's just different,
and we have to learn to respect that."

Through the programme, Leo also recognised the importance of being humble and
grateful for learning opportunities, and to leverage them. He represented
Nanyang Business School in competitions such as last year's John Molson MBA
International Case Competition in Montreal, where his team made it to the
semi-finals.

"These competitions allowed me to refine and hone my skills to look at
problems in a more structured way," says Leo, who adds that the programme has
both a high calibre of people and content.

The content he learnt, coupled with the interpersonal skills he picked up and
continues to develop, have helped him in his current role. "My main takeaway
from the Double MBA is the flexibility of thought and the humility to
recognise that multiple perspectives exist."

Besides these, the programme allowed him to build long-lasting relationships
with his classmates due to its small class size. The modules were also very
relevant as the faculty ensured that the course content was constantly
updated, he adds.

Reflecting on his time in Japan during the programme, he recalls his site
visits to established companies such as a 500-year-old Japanese dessert
company (Toraya Confectionery), an oil and gas conglomerate (JXTG), an
electronics multinational corporation (Panasonic) and Tokyo Disneyland theme
park operator (Oriental Land). "We had the rare opportunity to gain a wide
breadth of perspective from various fields such as entertainment, oil & gas
and technology."

Leo advises future MBA participants to "work hard, play hard and be insatiably
curious" - It's cliche, but the reason why it is cliche is because it's true,
he explains.

"School is a safe environment to make mistakes. In the industry, it's a
different ball game. So go in with an open mind and be curious about
everything. Make great friends along the way. And have fun!"

What do You means abot this tution fees?

--- GoldED+/W32-MINGW 1.1.5-b20120519 (Kubik 3.0)
 * Origin: �®¤ª®à¬ª : à § ¢ 2.5 ­¥¤¥«¨, ¢ á« ¡®© ª®­æ¥­âà æ¨¨. (2:5064/54.1315)
SEEN-BY: 1/123 50/109 90/1 105/81 120/340 123/131 221/0 6 226/30 227/114
SEEN-BY: 227/702 229/101 424 426 664 1016 1017 240/1120 1634 1895
SEEN-BY: 240/2100 5138 5411 5832 5853 8001 8002 8005 249/206 317 250/25
SEEN-BY: 261/38 280/5003 313/41 317/3 320/219 322/757 331/313 333/808
SEEN-BY: 335/206 364 370 342/200 382/147 450/1024 463/68 467/888 2454/119
SEEN-BY: 4500/1 5000/111 5001/100 5005/49 5015/42 46 5019/40 5020/830
SEEN-BY: 5020/846 1042 2047 2140 4441 5053/51 5054/8 5064/41 54 5075/128
SEEN-BY: 5080/68 102 5083/1 444
PATH: 5064/54 5020/1042 221/6 335/364 240/1120 5832 229/426