Going to INSEAD

I’m officially announcing that I will be doing my MBA at INSEAD this Fall.

It took me many years to decide to do an MBA, and it was not easy. I told God I could not do it without Him, and He answered my prayers.

Of course, an MBA is not an end in itself - as if any paper qualification would be, though some places peg your prospects to it - but I hope it will teach me things I’ve haven’t learnt at work, and open up more opportunities for me. There are many worlds I have yet to see, explore - and dare I say, conquer?

This explains why I have been rushing to take my French exam, as we need at least 3 languages to graduate at INSEAD. It is certainly not easy, but we’re up to the challenge. Being in an international school requires you to communicate in different languages. Speaking 5 or 6 languages at INSEAD is not too uncommon, from what I’ve heard.

I finally got to meet my classmates at the Open Day on Saturday and it was great. We spent the whole day together. I think there are many nice people around, and the number of countries we’re from is mind-blowing. Some may prefer US schools but I’m happy with going to a school where no nationality is dominant. A cross-cultural understanding is important in today’s globalised business world.

Some friends had the impression I would be leaving Singapore very soon. To be precise, I am going to my sister’s convocation in the UK in early July. My orientation and preparatory course (for those with no business background, such as ahem public officers) will start in August. The actual term will begin in September. Next Spring I intend to make my way to the Fontainebleau campus, and that is where I may spend 2-4 months.

It is a big time in my life, as I step into a brave new world. In some ways I’m sad to leave some great memories and people behind; in other ways, happy and excited at starting life anew.