NUS Business School is one of the biggest names in the Asian business school landscape. In recent years, it has cemented itself in the top 20 of the Financial Times Global MBA rankings, holding its own against world-renowned European and US schools.
But what is it actually like to study at NUS? BusinessBecause caught up with seven stars of The NUS MBA, where they shared their ambitions, highlights of the program, and how their MBA is teeing up their dream careers.
Kat Volante | MBA Energy Club President & CleanTech Advocate
Kelvin Ling | O&G Manager Turned CleanTech Entrepreneur
Shalini Arulanandam | Singapore Civil Defence Force Chief Medical Officer
Roger Tan | Marketing Professional With A Social Impact Drive
Corinne Ablaza | Aspiring Clean Energy Infrastructure Investor
Shikha Malhotra | Building Digital, Inclusive & Innovative Products
Stanislav Borisov | Building Singapore's Innovative Clean Energy Future
Current students
Kat Volante
Kat is a first year student on The NUS MBA. She has a bachelor’s in electronics and communications engineering, as well as nearly seven years under her belt working at Manila Electric Company (MERALCO).
She’s the president of The NUS MBA Energy Club, recipient of the Graduate Business Forum Student Leadership Award, and finalist of the Kellogg Energy Case Competition.
1. Describe your personal brand.
A dynamic, creative, and well-rounded individual passionately dedicated to making a positive change to the community via her contributions in the energy sector, particularly in renewables and related technologies.
2. Why did you pick NUS?
Experts say that the global economic centre of gravity is shifting towards the East, and so I believe it would be strategic for me to gain more exposure and establish my professional network in this region.
Within Asia, NUS was the best choice for me given its excellent reputation, rigorous curriculum, and stellar alumni network. In addition, it is strategically located in Singapore, the world’s most competitive economy, where several multinational corporations operate and a vibrant, multi-cultural society lives.
3. What has been the stand-out experience of your MBA?
Receiving the prestigious Graduate Business Forum Student Leadership Award (SLA) in recognition of my achievements as first female president of The NUS MBA Energy Club has been one of the key highlights of my MBA journey so far—of my entire life even!
The SLA is conferred to students who have exemplified leadership, innovation, and commitment within the business school community and beyond.
4. Tell me something about The NUS MBA that others might not know.
NUS MBA students are given countless opportunities to enhance their leadership potential (via student council), gain industry exposure (via MBA Consulting Projects, company visits, networking sessions), give back to the community (via charity programs), and immerse themselves in the global business environment (via study trips, case competitions). There is indeed so much more to learn and experience outside the classroom!
5. Who is your personal hero?
My dad has always served as my inspiration and benchmark for success. He has done extensive work on technical and vocational education and training, rural economics, and community development, for different organizations including the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, and International Labour Organization in developing countries all over the world.
His grassroots approach in making the world a better place is admirable, and I am hoping I could achieve even just a small fraction of what he has accomplished so far.
6. What advice would you give to other MBA aspirants?
Be like a sponge — soak it all in and make the most out of your MBA journey! Step out of your comfort zone, push boundaries, and rediscover yourself every day. You will be surprised by how much you will be transformed by the entire experience.
