National University of Singapore NUS Business School

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Students Say - Academics
"Asia is fast becoming the center of global business activity," students at the National University of Singapore Business School remind us, and "NUS is one of the best schools, both to learn about how business is conducted in Asia and to network with corporations established in the region." The school is "considered one of the best universities in the world and the topmost business school in Asia." The school's location "offers a strategic advantage," because Singapore "is the financial hub of Asia and the hub of all Asian business. "NUS Business School gives the best possible value" and prepares students for a solid business career overall, "where the regional job market, especially for a career in finance, is quite good." NUS' graduate business programs offer "a global perspective with an Asian outlook" augmented by "the ability to be part of a multicultural society in Singapore. You can enhance your understandings of, and contacts within, the Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian business cultures here." Students also extol "the excellent facilities, especially the libraries and auditoriums," the "very strong faculty," and the excellent "value." NUS has long offered a part-time program. It recently added a full-time program that "has increased class sizes; the school administration has been able to handle it very well and there have been no logistical or administrative issues." Students have the option to pursue a general MBA or one with a specialization in either real estate management or health care management. Either way, they must complete a 10-course core module that "provides a holistic view of the entire business world" while giving us "exposure to all different fields of management." All of the modules "are very important, the type of courses you'd take even if they were electives." Students also tell us that the program and the entire environment are very flexible. "We are free to do what we want (obviously within the parameter of rules), which helps us in being as creative as we want. Professors are eager to help us in various international events and competitions. This is a great impetus for students that brings out the best in them." Students tell us that "administrators are open to discussion on improving the course and integrates new business concepts in the curriculum," which they appreciate.

Students Say - Admissions
NUS seeks applicants who "have leadership capabilities and the strong desire and drive for academic and management excellence" and who are "motivated, mature, focused and have a desire to make a positive impact on business and society," according to the school's website. Applicants to the NUS School of Business must provide the Admissions Office with transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work, GMAT scores, TOEFL or IELTS scores (for non-native English speakers), two letters of recommendation, and a resume demonstrating at least 2 years of professional experience after obtaining their first degree or equivalent. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and may be required to take further evaluation tests. Interviews are conducted face-to-face or via phone for candidates located overseas.

Students Say - Campus Life
The NUS program carries a moderate workload, allowing for a "fantastic balance between studies and fun." The workload also means that "students have time to think about career moves, take part in business plan competitions and do some job searching." Extracurricular events include "lots of competitions, amazing speakers from the industry, lots of different activities with student clubs," and "wonderful parties like International Day and the Deepawali celebration." An annual Graduate Business Conference "brings us all together." In the past, the conference has featured such noteworthy keynote speakers as Jimmy Carter and former GM Chairperson John Smale. On campus, "The MBA lounge is the place to be if you [want to] be a part of the ‘in' group. Discussions ...range from politics, business ethics, case studies, and the venue for the next ‘jam' session (basically music, booze, and fun)." Some students complain that "the layout of the school is not ideal, because it is spread out over too many buildings." NUS draws a "mature and serious" student body of professionals "who are obviously occupied with how their careers are going and who are earnest in wanting to learn." These "well-traveled" MBA candidates are highly international; India and China are heavily represented, while students from the United States, Switzerland, Norway, Korea, and other far-flung locations fill out the student body. In terms of background, students "come from engineering, commerce, medicine, architecture, and many more fields. As the median work experience is about six years, there is a good quality of contribution that people make in the class."

Students Say - Careers
The Career Services Office (CSO) "is a strong point of the NUS Business School," students report. One writes, "I was surprised to see so many companies coming over for on-campus recruitment." Another adds, "The CSO is changing so fast and for the better. Many job postings" are available to choose from. Some here feel that the office could do a better job bringing recruiters to campus; others counter that those who complain mostly "come from places where the placement cells actually ensure that companies come and recruit on the same day. That is not the way it works in Singapore and most of rest of the world." Companies most likely to hire NUS MBAs include: ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, Hewlett- Packard Singapore, International Enterprise Singapore, KPMG International, Ministry of Trade and Industry, National Computer Board, NEC Singapore PTE LTD, Proctor & Gamble, Philips Electronics, Shell Eastern Petroleum, Singapore Police Force, Sony Systems Design International, and Swiss Bank Corporation.

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