What made you decide on SMU and Singapore for your postgraduate studies?
After studying in the UK for five years, I sought a programme that would help plug my knowledge gaps and provide the chance for me to gain global work experience and expand my network and exposure to different industries.
SMU has always been top of mind due to its prestigious ranking and reputation. And with Singapore being the business hub of Asia, SMU was a clear choice when I was deciding on my options for postgraduate studies.
What was the transition like moving to Singapore to pursue your MPA?
I was quite familiar with Singapore as it's only a three-hour flight away from Yangon, where I am from, and I often travel to Singapore. The city has always been one of the best places to live in with easy access for transportation and a very diverse environment where you get to meet a lot of people from around the world. The main difference is that I realised the pace of life in Singapore is much faster than in the UK, which is something I like.
How did the SMU experience meet your expectations?
As the lectures back in the UK were all conducted with over 200 students, I assumed this would be the same in SMU. However, I was pleased to find that all the classes were conducted seminar-style with around 30 students per class. This gives students greater opportunities to clarify questions on the spot and provides a suitable environment for in-class discussions.
What aspects of your SMU experience made you feel at home?
I was born and raised in Myanmar, but my ancestors were from China. Therefore, Singapore feels like a second home to me as nearly everyone can speak Mandarin. More importantly, I am always excited when it comes to food. Singapore is one of the best places in Asia for sampling cuisines from around the world.
What were some critical skills and knowledge you picked up during the MPA that was pivotal to your professional development?
The MPA curriculum is very well rounded and covers a wide range of topics that goes beyond accounting. More specifically, the skills and knowledge I gained from the Management & Strategy and Accounting Information System modules have aided me a lot as I joined the management consulting industry after graduation.
The Financial and Management accounting modules also come in useful as I have since joined my family business back home. They allow me to see a bigger picture when it comes to spearheading a business.
We are one of the largest FMCG companies in Myanmar, with our main focus in the beverages sector over the past few years. We manufacture and distribute our own branded products across the country. I am currently in the procurement department overseeing the purchases made locally and overseas for production and constantly trying to improve the business processes with the skills I have learnt.
