Radhika Naidu

Master of Media and Communication, 2025

Senior Assistant Director, Community Partnership and Communications Group, Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore

I had wanted to pursue further studies for years, but the timing was never quite right. Turning 40 prompted me to finally take that step. Having built my career in communications and public relations without formal academic training in the field, the Master of Media and Communication (MMC) gave me the opportunity to strengthen my professional experience with an academic foundation and gain new perspectives on the work I had learnt largely through practice.

One of my most memorable experiences was a crisis communications class that culminated in a simulated press conference. With cameras rolling, reporters asking challenging questions and new developments introduced throughout the exercise, we had to think on our feet, make decisions and respond under pressure. It was an immersive experience that pushed me to trust my judgement and apply what I had learnt in an unfamiliar, fast-moving situation.

The overseas immersion in Sydney offered another perspective. Meeting media and communications professionals and lecturers and learning about the issues and legislation shaping the industry there, connected our classroom discussions to developments beyond Singapore and broadened my understanding of communications in different contexts.

Balancing postgraduate studies with a full-time career was challenging, but it also strengthened my discipline and gave me the opportunity to learn alongside classmates with different professional experiences and perspectives. The friendships and professional connections I made through MMC were also a valuable part of the experience.

Completing MMC gave me greater confidence to step beyond what was familiar, take on new challenges and explore new opportunities. It reinforced the value of continuing to learn at different stages of one’s career and gave me new perspectives that I can bring back to my professional practice.