The Next Curve: Exploring New Pathways Beyond Corporate Leadership

Amid rapid technological change, experienced professionals are finding new ways to apply their expertise, build new capabilities and continue creating meaningful impact. But what possibilities can open up beyond traditional corporate roles, and how can experienced leaders continue to draw on their knowledge, experience and networks to shape what comes next?

These important questions took centre stage at The Next Curve: Exploring Career Pathways Beyond Corporate Leadership. Organised by the NTU NBS Alumni Association and supported by the NBS Alumni Relations Office, the event was part of the NBS Alumni Leaders Dialogue series— which brings alumni leaders together to exchange perspectives, experiences and insights with the wider NBS community.

Benedict Leow, Vice President for the Continuous Learning Pillar
of the NTU NBS Alumni Association, hosted the event.

New Pathways, New Possibilities: Insights from NTU Alumni

The dialogue was moderated by Lim Kai Ning (NTU BUS & B.ACC), Co-Founder and CEO of The Courage Chapter, a social enterprise developing employment models that enable experienced professionals to apply their expertise for greater business impact.

The panel featured three NTU alumni who have taken different pathways beyond conventional full-time corporate roles.

Building a Resilient Portfolio Career

For Allen Cheong (NTU B.BUS), Founder of Kai Asia Advisors, stepping away after 25 years in investment banking and corporate finance was both a strategic decision and a test of courage. Instead of taking on another full-time corporate role, Allen built a multifaceted portfolio career. Today, he balances fractional and advisory roles in capital markets and sustainability alongside speaking, training, and grassroots leadership roles.

“When you leave a prestigious institution, your corporate badge and client lists stay behind. You are suddenly challenged to articulate your intrinsic personal value,” Allen reflected.

He emphasised that clarity rarely comes before action; instead, clarity comes through action. Allen shared how professionals can create greater flexibility, diversify career risk and continue applying their experience across different areas.

Building Commercial Rigour to Social Impact

Daniel Chew (NTU B.ACC), a corporate veteran who served as Global Finance and Tax Director for major multinational companies, began considering his next chapter at the age of 50. This eventually led to a new opportunity to apply his corporate experience in the social sector when he joined HCSA Community Services, a local charity, as Group Head of Sustainability and Partnership.

Drawing on his commercial acumen and networks, with the backing of enthusiastic supporters and committed colleagues, Daniel found great joy in enabling the sustainable growth of HCSA from a mid-sized charity of 50+ staff with a planned budget deficit of more than 10% in 2024 into a large charity of 100+ staff that serves more clients and consistently operates in surplus.

He encouraged alumni to approach career transitions through energy management rather than simply time management. He also called on leaders to contribute their four T’s: Talent, Ties, Treasures and Time.

Entrepreneurial Grit and Creative Autonomy

Offering another perspective on career reinvention, Ted Ng (NTU B. Computer Engineering) shared how he left the corporate technology sector to start an independent commercial photography business.

Navigating the uncertainty of self-employment required resilience. However, his shift from consumer photography to business-to-business corporate and commercial assignments helped establish his business.

“You have to manage everything yourself,” Ted noted. “The outcome may look very different from what you first imagined, but taking that decisive first step is what opens unexpected doors.”

From left: Daniel Chew, Lim Kai Ning, Tan Soon Liang, Allen Cheong and
Ted Ng at the NBS Alumni Leaders Dialogue: The Next Curve on 17 September 2026.

The Power of the NBS Alumni Ecosystem
Beyond individual stories, the event highlighted the wider NBS alumni community's role in supporting lifelong learning, career development and continued contribution. Tan Soon Liang, President of the NTU NBS Alumni Association, challenged conventional perceptions of retirement:

“The window between 54 and 64 shouldn’t be a cold, lonely transition. Our alumni community holds an immense reservoir of institutional knowledge and leadership maturity. Why should that end when someone leaves corporate life?”

He shared that the NTU NBS Alumni Association seeks to engage alumni across different career stages—from those starting to build their careers to those navigating mid-career transitions or exploring opportunities beyond corporate life.

Soon Liang encouraged alumni to stay connected, participate in upcoming events and volunteer to support the NBS community.

NBS alumni took part in an interactive roundtable discussion on the
theme “Reflect, Reimagine and Act”, exploring strategies for career transitions.

 

As alumni exchanged perspectives during the roundtable discussions, the evening reinforced a broader message: career longevity is increasingly about continuing to learn, adapt and find new ways to apply one's experience. Whether through leadership, advisory work, entrepreneurship, teaching or community contribution, there are many pathways for experienced professionals to continue applying their experience and contributing in meaningful ways.