Ideas and execution: Four business schools in Asia fostering business-savvy graduates

“Ideas are worthless without the execution; execution is pointless without the ideas,” says author, speaker and world-famous entrepreneur, Gary Vaynerchuk. His sentiments have never been more true. Today, employers are working tirelessly to scout and hire versatile talents who possess both the business acumen and leadership qualities to implement forward-thinking business solutions to grow their organisation exponentially.

Both hard and soft skills are needed to achieve such results. Hence, many employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates who are exceptional in their communication, collaboration, problem-solving, self-management, professional, technological as well as ethical reasoning skills. 

These soft skills are “essential” or “very important” factors 93% of employers consider in a candidate when making hiring decisions. To hone the above and more, look no further than Asia, where countless business-focused universities are developing a new generation of corporate climbers.

The University of Manchester (South East Asia)

Three dynamic part-time masters’ programmes are currently being delivered in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan business environments. Source: The University of Manchester (South East Asia)

First in the 2021 THE Impact Rankings; 27th in the QS World University Rankings 2022; 21st in the world for executive education by the Financial Times Executive Education 2020; most targeted university by the UK’s top employers; and 25 Nobel laureates among their current and former staff and students. These are just some of the accolades under the University of Manchester’s belt. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, The University of Manchester (South East Asia) — does its part from the heart of Singapore.

The University of Manchester (South East Asia) offers part-time, blended learning Masters’ programmes, a combination of online learning and face-to-face workshops, allowing busy professionals to access quality teachings, global perspectives and a world-class student body that The University of Manchester is known for fostering.

All aspirations are welcome to relish in one of its three part-time masters’ programmes. With the Manchester Global MBA, students study alongside a diverse, multicultural network; its flexible nature means busy professionals can seamlessly integrate learning into their lives. This programme is just as portable as it is flexible, making it possible for students to transfer to another Global Centre if required, without disruption. The MSc Financial Management equips you with the financial knowledge and skills sought by organisations worldwide and helps you gain a deep understanding of the financial markets in a global context. Meanwhile, the MA Educational Leadership In Practice develops solid educational leadership skills and helps you gain the critical edge needed to become an empowered leader.

Each programme is assignment-based, eliminating the stress of examinations for professionals who already have a lot on their plate. Learners can be comforted by the fact that The Manchester Method produces highly employable alumni who are ready to tackle real-world challenges.

Aside from applying their newfound knowledge in their respective organisations, the students are also participating in live business projects and interactive workshops with real-world case studies. Click here to find out how else The University of Manchester (South East Asia) is producing highly-sought after graduates.

Monash University, Malaysia

Monash Malaysia students have access to excellent academic tutors, top-notch learning facilities and outstanding research opportunities. Source: Monash Malaysia

The Monash University School of Business’s long-standing reputation for excellence in research and teaching is evident through its position as a global top 100 university and the fact that it is accredited by the Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

An education here can change the world as well. The School of Business is proud to be a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) — an initiative of the United Nations and business schools worldwide. In fact, curricula are regularly realigned to incorporate responsible management education.

At Monash Malaysia, many courses offer internships and work placements that give industry exposure to students to build upon their employability skills. Moreover, these experiential and hands-on opportunities help students to discover potential career paths and goals. Monash graduates also have the advantage of using the services of the Employment and Career Development to maximise their career opportunities. Little wonder why 72.3% of its graduates manage to secure employment within six months of graduating. 

Bayes Business School, Dubai

The EMBA programme at Bayes Business School in Dubai attracts some of the finest talents from reputed establishments. Source: Bayes Business School

As part of City, University of London, the AMBA-accredited Bayes Business School (formerly Cass Business School) is globally known for its world-class business education, excellent research reputation, and deep engagement with practice. 

Its Dubai campus is well-positioned for this development. Offered from the Dubai International Financial Centre — a financial and business hub connecting the region’s emerging markets with the markets of Asia, the Americas and Europe — several programmes are on offer to propel aspirants up the corporate ladder.

Take the 20-month, part-time Executive MBA (EMBA) programme, for instance. This programme ranks among the best in the world while ensuring maximum flexibility to those with existing responsibilities. Its core module covers all key areas of business and management. Meanwhile, electives allow students to specialise in a particular area of business — offered in London, Dubai and several other important international locations.

International electives include South Africa – Leading Change in a Complex World, the China International Study Tour, Las Vegas – Strategic Marketing in Action: Exploring Location Brands, San Francisco Silicon Valley, and London Symposium. Each opportunity broadens perspectives while nurturing global outlooks.

University of Utah Asia Campus

A university that fosters a global outlook, students can participate in twinning and global internship programmes that gives them a valuable international exposure. Source: University of Utah Asia Campus

The University of Utah Asia Campus offers twinning programmes that allows students to gain valuable international exposure. Its 1+1 programme at the graduate level and the 3+1 programme at the undergraduate level are prime examples. 

First-year undergraduate students complete a set of foundational courses, to which they are awarded a Global Citizenship Certificate upon completion of their first year. Besides spending a year at the university’s Utah campus, students spend the last year of their four-year course integrating degree coursework with career readiness and preparation. 

On top of that, their global internship programmes provide transformational academic opportunities to apply different cultural contexts and insights to their field of study and future career prospects. 

The Eccles programme is particularly helpful for students looking to gain exposure to international business practices at the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. This programme, which lasts anywhere between one week to one semester, helps instil the crucial skill sets to become business-savvy. In the process of gaining these key competencies, they enhance their chances of competing in a competitive, global job market.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International