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   "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?   
      
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