Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) Alumni Group Launch

The Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) Alumni Group launch has to be one of the most interesting and fun launches that the SMU alumni community has ever witnessed. With alumni who are senior executives in their respective professions donning colourful afro wigs as part of the retro theme for the event, these graduates from the EMBA programme are examples of how one can work hard and play hard too.

Held at the Function Room in SMU Administration Building, the EMBA Alumni Group was officially launched on 14 January 2016. The event marked the EMBA alumni’s first step in the SMU alumni journey. SMU EMBA Class of 2013 alumnus and an Executive Committee member of the EMBA Alumni Group Wong Ju Han, was the emcee for the inauguration event.

After a sumptuous dinner and drinks, Ju Han welcomed over 50 EMBA alumni and explained the motivation behind the creation of the alumni group. Ju Han said, “Through the support of the SMU’s Office of Alumni Relations, my fellow Exco members and I came together in September last year because we felt there is an experienced, knowledgeable and strongly connected group fellow alumni who are at the peak of their work and business careers. We would like to be the ‘catalysts’ to help galvanise them and get them to feel a sense of belonging within the group and the SMU community.”

Dean of SMU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business Professor Gerry George gave a speech and encouraged the alumni, “EMBA is a certification but it doesn’t stop you from going further. We value your education and we work very hard to make sure you succeed.” He continued, “Forming an alumni group is exciting but alumni engagement is far more than a physical group. Make the best of it and grow the University with you.”

Director of SMU’s Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) Associate Professor Low Aik Meng reinforced the importance of alumni to the SMU community. He said, “Without a strong alumni, we would not be able to put our name on the world map. OAR will always be there to support the alumni groups and their activities.”

A short survey was done with the group to obtain feedback on the type of activities that the members would like to see moving forward. Everyone was excited with ideas, suggestions and at the same time, enjoying each other’s company.

“It is always good to get together and get connected again as it allows you to appreciate the alumni community even more. With that, you are then able to find ways to be involved, help and grow this community” said EMBA alumnusAbu Bakar Mohd Nor (EMBA, Class of 2013).

The launch was then commemorated with a signing-off of the EMBA Alumni Group charter printed on a scroll. Professor Gerry George, Associate Professor Low Aik Meng, EMBA Programme Director Lieven Demeester, together with EMBA Alumni Group President Allan Foo, Vice President Robin Jinabi Losey, Treasurer Sally Sim, and Co-Secretary Wong Ju Han endorsed the charter with their signatures.

The event ended off with a birthday celebration for two of the members of the Group and everyone huddled together for a group photo.

Click here (Facebook album) or here (Google Photos) for more photos from the launch. For more information on the Group, please visit the EMBA Alumni Group page here. 

OAR talks to the Executive Committee following the launch and here’s what they have to say regarding the future plans for the Group.

Congratulations on a successful launch! How do you feel about the event? 

We had a resounding success in engaging Alumni members! The rich content value was a draw, the feedback was positive and everyone had an enjoyable networking session. Some of the highlights to note include:

- A tremendous support with active participation, during the actual event, of past and current SMU EMBA cohorts in jointly charting the path ahead

- A great start with the official signing of our EMBA Charter

- Good turnout including key SMU faculty & management staff, and representatives from SMUAA & other SMU post-graduate Alumni Group Ex-Co’s

- Inspiring inaugural keynote address by Dean of LKCSB Professor Gerry George - sharing his exciting vision and new strategic initiatives for the Business School, including modular programs for Alumni continuing education

- Motivating update on enhancements to SMU MBA Programme Director Lieven Demeester

- Valuable insights from Director of Office of Alumni Relations A/Prof Low Aik Meng on their extensive outreach and tremendous support for Alumni Groups. Our launch would not have been possible without their extensive support and shared resources 

Based on the feedback given during the launch from the members, do share with us the future plans for the group in terms of events and activities.

In the area of Professional Development, we are targetting to organise an event twice a year (May/ Jun & Oct/ Nov yearly), to be held in SMU as well as to have company visits with potential speakers in the organisation premises. Some of the topics include managing strategies, entrepeurship / innovation and career developments related topics. It is hoped that this activities can facilitate career change and advance knowledge.

In terms of apprecticeships and internships, it was felt that the SMU Career Services with its Career Counselors will be able to liaise with interested EMBA Alumni with the help from the SMU Office of Alumni Relations. It is a good link for potential employers and their HR Directors to meet interested EMBA Alumni in the Talent Acquisition journey.

For makan and social events, there were enthusiastic Alumni Volunteers (eg. Dr Jack Tan and Ms Low Kim Gek) who agreed to organise makan sessions such as Buffet, Potluck and Durian Fest. It was discussed that June-July period would be appropriate. There was suggestion to hold a Durian Fest in Geylang or in Sembawang. Dr Jack Tan was agreeable to host a Potluck Gathering.

Last but not least, with regard to health and wellness activities, the objective is to group Alumni with common interests together. This will facilitate networking as well as facility access and central purchases of gears / items. There was a suggestion to hold a Badminton Tournament in March @ SMU Badminton Courts, possibly on Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm. EMBA Alumni Volunteer Dr Jack Tan shared that there was a regular cycling group for the Class of 2014 and he welcomed other alumni to join. EMBA alumnus Mr Derrick Low was also keen to lead in a Cross Alumni Groups Golf Championship. 

How can EMBA alumni find out more about the Group and its activities? 

The Exco would be most delighted to share more details with any interested EMBA alumni. The contacts are as follows: