Sponsored by ESSEC Business School

Vivienne Ma studied an MBA at ESSEC Business School in France, having been attracted to the school’s academic reputation and proximity to global technology employers.

We spoke with Vivienne to learn more about her MBA journey and how the programme at ESSEC complemented the skills she had developed as a mechanical engineer to help her progress towards achieving her career goals.

What were your motivations for studying an MBA?

My motivations for pursuing an MBA stemmed from a desire to enhance my management skills and broaden my understanding of business operations. Coming from a technical background in mechanical engineering, I sought a comprehensive education that would enable me to transition into leadership roles and navigate the complexities of the business world effectively.
 

What impact did you expect the MBA would have on progressing towards your long-term career objectives?

I anticipated that an MBA would provide me with a holistic perspective on business strategy, leadership and decision-making. I aimed to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in managerial positions, particularly within the rapidly evolving landscape of the technology industry. 

Additionally, I saw the MBA as a platform to expand my professional network and open doors to new opportunities.
 

What qualities were you looking for in an MBA programme, and what attracted you to studying at ESSEC?

I was seeking a business school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, a global perspective, and a robust network of industry connections. ESSEC stood out for its top-ranking status, particularly in Europe, and its focus on technology. 
The school's location, being a hub for tech companies, aligned well with my aspirations to work in the new tech industry. The diverse and dynamic learning environment at ESSEC was also appealing.
 

How did your background in mechanical engineering inform your approach to the MBA?

My background in mechanical engineering instilled in me a strong analytical and problem-solving mindset. During the MBA, I leveraged these skills to approach business challenges systematically. 

My engineering background also provided a unique perspective in discussions and group projects, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

What were the greatest surprises from your MBA experience, compared to your expectations?

The most significant surprise was the depth of personal and professional growth I experienced. The MBA not only expanded my business knowledge but also honed my leadership and communication skills. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse perspectives of my classmates, contributing to a rich and collaborative learning environment.
 

What were the most valuable insights or connections you made during your time at ESSEC?

The most valuable insights came from interactions with a diverse group of classmates, professors and industry professionals. These connections provided me with a global perspective on business challenges and opportunities. 

Collaborative projects and networking events facilitated meaningful relationships that continue to influence my career positively.
 

Can you give any examples of how you’ve been able to apply learnings from the MBA to your current job role at Capgemini?

The MBA equipped me with advanced strategic thinking and negotiation skills, which have been invaluable in my role at Capgemini. I've successfully applied frameworks learned during the MBA to analyse market trends, identify business opportunities, and develop effective sales strategies. 

The programme's emphasis on real-world case studies enhanced my ability to navigate complex client requirements and propose innovative solutions.

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself at the start of the MBA programme?

I would advise my past self to embrace every opportunity for networking and collaboration. Building strong relationships with peers, professors, and industry professionals is as crucial as the academic curriculum. 

Additionally, I would encourage myself to remain open-minded, exploring diverse areas of business to gain a well-rounded perspective that goes beyond initial career goals.

How can other students make the most of their time as an MBA student at ESSEC?

Other students can make the most of their time at ESSEC by actively participating in class discussions, engaging with diverse peers, and taking advantage of networking events. Exploring extracurricular activities, internships, and industry seminars can provide valuable practical insights. 

Being proactive in seeking mentorship from professors and industry experts can further enrich the learning experience and open doors to future opportunities.

The highly anticipated QS China Summit 2024 is set to take place on April 17th and 18th, bringing together leading players in the education sector to discuss the future of higher education in China. With this year’s theme, “Remaining Distinct in Global Higher Ed: China’s Place in the New World of  Education” the event promises to host insightful discussions, thought-provoking panels, and exciting networking opportunities.
 

What can attendees expect from the QS China Summit 2024?
 

Day one: Charting the course for distinction
 

The summit kicks off with an opening ceremony, followed by an opening keynote address by Meng Liu, Head of the Liaison Office in China for the United Nations Global Compact. This sets the stage for the opening panel titled "China's Higher Education: A Report Card," featuring esteemed professionals who will provide valuable insights into the current state and future trajectory of Chinese education.
 

The day progresses with a series of compelling sessions:

• Points of difference (global engagement): This session explores China's unique position as an international student destination and hub for innovation. Discover the opportunities and challenges associated with global engagement.
• Fireside chat - Cultivating inclusivity in education and advancing global gender leadership: This discussion focuses on fostering inclusivity within the educational landscape and promoting gender leadership, addressing a crucial aspect of educational equity.
• Fostering distinction in Chinese higher education through digital innovation: This session delves into how Chinese universities can leverage digital advancements like AI and Big Data to enhance their offerings and stand out in the global landscape.
   

Day two: Building a future-ready educational ecosystem
 

Day two commences with a thought-provoking fireside chat titled "Navigating the future: corporate sustainability and graduates' hiring criteria in today's workforce." This discussion explores the growing importance of sustainability in corporate strategies and its impact on graduate recruitment.
 

The day unfolds with a series of enriching panel discussions:

• From lab to life (research and innovation): This session highlights the crucial role of universities in research and innovation, showcasing how they generate knowledge and drive groundbreaking discoveries.
• Tech talk: navigating the future of technology (innovation & knowledge transfer): This session tackles the ever-evolving technological landscape, examining how educators can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by advancements like generative AI.
• On the move: why student mobility matters (student mobility): This session underlines the significance of student mobility in fostering global understanding, cultural exchange, and innovation, exploring how China can further participate in this crucial aspect of education.

The summit culminates with a closing keynote address by George Loh, Associate Vice President (Strategic Partnership) at the National University of Singapore, followed by the closing ceremony.
 

Beyond the sessions: A platform for connection

The QS China Summit 2024 offers more than just informative sessions. It provides a valuable platform for networking with peers, industry experts, and thought leaders from the education sector. Attendees can establish connections, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations, fostering a dynamic environment conducive to shaping the future of education in China.

Join the conversation, shape the future

The QS China Summit 2024 presents a unique opportunity for anyone invested in the future of Chinese higher education. Register now and be part of this pivotal event that promises to spark insightful discussions, ignite innovation, and pave the way for a brighter future in education.

Sponsored by DigiPen Institute of Technology

Recently, DigiPen (Singapore) graduated its inaugural cohort of students from the Master of Science in Computer Vision (MS in Computer Vision) program. This master’s degree spans four trimesters of studies and is suitable for those who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. 

MS in Computer Vision helps to bridge the knowledge gap between basic foundations in machine learning while introducing students to industry-standard applications of computer vision technologies through in-depth studies in mathematics and computer science principles. 
    
DigiPen (Singapore) admitted the first cohort of MS in Computer Vision students in August 2022, and among them were Saw Han Soo and Hriday Bhoyar. Han Soo had previously graduated with a BS in Computer Science and Game Design from DigiPen (Singapore) in 2020. He had been working on a virtual reality product when he first heard about MS in Computer Vision. The program’s curriculum and specialised focus in computer vision piqued Han Soo’s interest, seeing as he is a visual person. 

“I have a background in traditional drawing, painting, 3D modeling, and animation,” Han Soo says. “I see how mathematical algorithms can make artwork beautiful and how scripting can speed up workflows all with the press of a button. You become a magician to create imagery out of nothing.”
 
As for Hriday, he holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Nagpur University in India and had been working in the IT industry for over 15 years when he came across the MS in Computer Vision programme. 

Most recently, Hriday has spent the last eight years as a principal database engineer and architect at Robert Bosch in Singapore. In his role, Hriday leads and manages the database team, overseeing project management, handling escalations, customer consultations, and project deployments. Hriday was drawn to computer vision’s potential across various domains and its innovative uses. 

“Computer vision applications range from image recognition to video analysis, and this has profound implications in fields like healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality,” he says. “The prospect of enabling machines to perceive and comprehend the visual world aligns with my own passion in leveraging technology to address real-world challenges.” 

Over the span of 16 months, the students undertook modules such as Mathematical Elements for Computer Vision, Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition, and Deep Learning Models. Though Han Soo and Hriday both agree that managing the workload and complexity of the courses on top of their full-time jobs was challenging, they overcame by managing their time effectively, collaborating with peers, and seeking assistance from the professors when needed.  

This all paid off. Hriday fondly recalls a highlight of the program when he got to design and implement his capstone project. Combining his passion for technology and innovative solutions with a social focus, Hriday developed a vision-based fall detection system. 

The system aimed to enhance the safety of elderly individuals by detecting falls using computer vision techniques and triggering alert notifications to family members and nearby hospital facilities. 

In Han Soo’s case, he appreciated the relevance of the MS in Computer Vision program, as he was often immediately able to apply what he had learned. In particular, he most enjoyed learning how fundamental mathematical concepts could be translated into machine learning applications. 

Han Soo has since landed a position as a research engineer at Singapore Institute of Technology, where he works on an autonomous driving perception project. He is keen to both apply and further his newly acquired knowledge in computer vision and aims to write his own machine learning mathematical functions — as well as build his own 3D generation projects — one day. 

Hriday plans to find a position that aligns with his expertise and will allow him to apply advanced computer vision techniques to solve real-world problems. He hopes to work on projects that will not only challenge him professionally, but also have a positive impact on society.

Sponsored by Bocconi University

Jing Wang is a student at Bocconi University, studying an MSC in transformative sustainability. A fast-growing area of interest for both students and employers, transformative sustainability refers to the changes in societal practices, policies, and mindsets that are required to ensure long-term environmental, social, and economic well-being. 

It goes beyond incremental changes, advocating for radical transformations in industries, governance, and individual behaviors, allowing graduates to have real impact on the future of our planet, by addressing the root causes of environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic instability.

The potential for high impact is what attracted Jing to studying the subject. We spoke to them to learn more about their experience studying transformative sustainability at Bocconi University and living abroad in Milan, Italy.

When did you first develop an interest in studying sustainability?

I attended a seminar on low carbon and smart energy, and this experience proved to be transformative, introducing me to a realm of ideas. During the seminar, I gained profound insights into sustainability innovation across diverse industries such as architecture, urban planning, the internet, materials, and third-party ratings. 

One particularly impactful moment was when a speaker shared how they integrated the location of a tree in front of a building into green building rating criteria, influencing residents' traffic choices. This narrative, highlighting the profound impact achievable through small details, resonated deeply with me. 

This experience taught me that we have transitioned into a new era of sustainability—one that extends beyond individual green lifestyle choices to encompass the transformation of entire industrial structures.

What attracted you to the transformative sustainability programme offered by Bocconi?

Once I had clarified my career direction, I embarked on a meticulous exploration of sustainability-related programmes. Bocconi University's two-year programme stood out as a distinctive offering, combining the academic strengths of a business school and a polytechnic. 

The curriculum is comprehensive, encompassing diverse facets such as environmental technology, finance, management, and law. This holistic approach aligns with my belief in the necessity of a multifaceted knowledge background for professionals in this rapidly evolving field.

Because I studied finance at undergraduate level, I view this programme as a unique opportunity for a seamless transition into the sustainability track. Furthermore, the prospect of learning a new language as part of this programme adds another layer of enrichment to my educational journey. 

This endeavor not only enhances my adaptability but also underscores my commitment to embracing new challenges in pursuit of a more sustainable future.

What have been the highlights of your learning experience?

This programme offers a wealth of learning opportunities. The first semester's curriculum is exceptionally comprehensive, spanning fundamental business school concepts and delving into innovative models within the sustainability field. The learning methodology is diverse, incorporating lectures, guest lectures, group assignments, individual tasks, and examinations. Group assignments, in particular, are invaluable in consolidating and applying acquired knowledge. Beyond the academic benefits, they foster in-depth communication among classmates, facilitating the development of lasting friendships. 

The overall class atmosphere is friendly and harmonious. Activities led by class representatives, such as Christmas gift exchanges, contribute to my vibrant and engaging experience. Particularly for me, coming from a university with no scheduled classes during this period, the Bocconi class environment has been instrumental in building connections and expanding my social circle.

What have you enjoyed the most about living in Milan?

Milan boasts an exceptional geographical location and a well-established transportation system, I went to some diverse Italian towns around Milano with distinctive styles. Exploring these unique destinations is conveniently facilitated by efficient train services, enabling day trips that are both relaxing and cost-effective. The accessibility to a variety of charming Italian towns adds a delightful dimension to my overall experience in Milan.

What would you recommend to other Chinese students considering a degree at Bocconi?

Primarily, Bocconi's programmes typically span two years, offering an ideal timeframe for students seeking ample opportunity to fortify their backgrounds before entering the job market. 

Secondly, Bocconi's prominent standing in Europe makes it particularly well-suited for those intending to establish their careers in the European professional landscape. 

Lastly, the programme's rigorous curriculum ensures a robust educational experience, allowing students to acquire valuable knowledge and enhance their skills. Therefore, for students seeking an extended academic journey with a focus on practical learning and future European career prospects, Bocconi emerges as a highly advantageous choice.