The making of leaders

"My years at NTU were truly formative – they instilled in me a growth mindset and deep resilience that continue to guide me in my banking career today. NTU taught me that true leadership begins with purpose, perseverance and the courage to keep evolving."

Melisa Hendrawati
CFO, Superbank
(NBS/2007 & 2011)

"Studying environmental engineering at NTU taught me that the complex challenges I encounter are never engineering problems alone – they require understanding policy, finance, economics and human behaviour. I apply the same approach when assessing potential deals and when working on value creation efforts afterwards. Oftentimes, it helps me identify opportunities others might miss."

Alwyn Rusli
Head of Investments & Value Creation (Private Investments), Trihill Capital
(CEE/2017)

"The University provided unparalleled platforms for leadership, fostering my ability to guide and work well with others. NTU equipped me not just with engineering knowledge, but also with the values and versatility to lead a purposeful and impactful life."

Andi Sanjaya Tjong
Country Lead (Indonesia) & Principal/Partner, BG&E Consulting Engineers
(CEE/2010)

"NTU was where my curiosity turned into confidence. Studying computer science and mathematics and diving deep into research sharpened my problem-solving skills. Living on campus taught me collaboration. NTU’s forward-looking spirit continues to guide how I build and lead at my e-commerce solutions company today."

Brian Marshal
Founder and Group CEO, SIRCLO
(CCDS/2012)

"I can’t deny that Be Your Own Bae, the collection of short stories I worked on during my master’s degree at NTU, is particularly dear to me. Without the time, support, tutelage and creative energy the University provided me, I would not know the joy and pride I now feel whenever I think of this book in my readers’ hands."

Daryl Yam
Managing Editor & Writer, AFTERIMAGE, and Co-founder, Sing Lit Station
(SOH/2023)

"When I arrived in Singapore at 17, NTU provided a safe space for me to discover myself. Faculty members like Assoc Prof Quek Hiok Chai believed in my strengths and brought out the best in me. Energised and empowered, I was inspired to start and lead a community-based healthcare organisation in India, with a mission to transform care for the most vulnerable newborns and mothers."

Aarti Kumar
CEO and Principal Scientist, Community Empowerment Lab
(CCDS/2000 & 2006)

"NTU shaped how I think and lead – to dream audaciously, yet execute with precision. That balance has become my foundation as a leader of an influencer marketing company: eyes on the stars, feet on the ground, always turning ideas into results that matter."

Evangeline Leong
Founder and CEO, Kobe Global Technologies
(NBS/2008)

"The successful revival of Wuzhen requires working with multiple stakeholders, including partners in government, the arts and business. NTU’s international business management training, especially its emphasis on analytical thinking, developed my modern business mindset and strengthened my ability to innovate, work across borders and anticipate strategic opportunities."

Chen Xianghong
CEO, Dingdu Group
(NBS/2005)

"My entrepreneurship journey in agritech began at NTU with a course that led to a competition and my first startup – and I’ve not slowed down. Every venture I’ve built carries NTU’s influence because the University forged my mindset, playing a defining role in my formative years as an entrepreneur."

Sven Yeo
Co-founder and CTO, Archisen
(SBS/2010)

"The Nanyang Business School’s focus on entrepreneurial leadership and service to society has shaped how I define success – it is not just about growing a business, but also about making a positive impact in our communities. These lessons continue to guide me, where we champion inclusive hospitality and sustainability to create meaningful experiences for our people, guests and communities."

Carolyn Choo
CEO and Managing Director, Worldwide Hotels
(NBS/1999)

"NTU has been instrumental in defining both my professional journey and personal ethos. It gave me a strong foundation in engineering while fostering a spirit of curiosity, innovation and collaboration. Its intellectually stimulating and multidisciplinary environment cultivated in me a mindset to view challenges as opportunities to create lasting impact."

Er Tham Wai Wah
Chief Engineer and Senior Director of the Engineering & Project Management Division, Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore
(CEE/1991)

"My university education gave me a broad spectrum of knowledge that was crucial in launching my career in accounting. I am grateful for the supportive tutors who encouraged discussions that nurtured my curiosity, and for the many meaningful connections I formed with my peers."

Lee Sze Yeng
Managing Partner, KPMG Singapore
(NBS/1991)

"My time at NTU shaped not only my career, but also my values and sense of purpose. It taught me to lead with heart and to keep people and community at the centre of my work. This enduring spirit continues to guide my journey in public service, whether it is nurturing youth in education or engaging people to appreciate the arts."

Low Eng Teong
CEO, National Arts Council, Singapore
(NIE/1995)