MBAMASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Contents

THE SMU ADVANTAGE

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS STRUCTURE

CURRICULUMLEARNING

EXPERIENCEYOUR

CAREER

ADMISSIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

2 4 6

8 10 14

16 18 20

JOIN ASIA’S LEADERS

The SMU MBA

LIVING IN SINGAPORE

Singapore’S definitive buSineSS School building on this momentum, the lee Kong chian School of business is rapidly establishing its credentials as one of asia’s top business schools. established in 2008, the SMu Mba values quality over quantity. our selective approach ensures you receive unparalleled attention throughout the programme.

courses are taught by professors and practitioners selected from more than 290 faculty across SMu’s six schools. SMu actively engages the business community as recruiters, board members, donors, research partners and guest lecturers. We have built relationships with over 700 businesses, providing an unmatched connection to the business communities of Singapore and asia.

a pioneer in tertiary education Singapore Management university is breaking new ground in the tertiary education landscape of Singapore. Since its incorporation in 2000, SMu’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes have produced business leaders and creative entrepreneurs capable of excelling in our rapidly changing world. its educational and administrative practices are modelled on world-class institutions, in particular the Wharton School of the university of pennsylvania, which has played a key role in SMu’s development.

SMu remains the only Singapore national university focused on providing broad-based business education. today, SMu is home to more than 7,000 students and has six schools – the lee Kong chian School of business, School of accountancy, School of economics, School of information Systems, School of law, and School of Social Sciences – as well as 18 institutes and centres of excellence. Within a few short years, SMu has achieved wide recognition and respect in

Singapore, asia and beyond.

asia has emerged as a major driving force in the global economy. coupled with this rise is the need for a new breed of leader – one that is globally aware and prepared to challenge conventions. created for individuals who have distinguished themselves through their leadership potential, academic aptitude and community impact, the SMu Mba is a selective programme that focuses on training asia’s next generation of business leaders. this is your chance to join an elite group of individuals who will play a pivotal role in the next bold chapter of asia’s economic success.

prepare to taKe your place alongSide aSia’S future leaderS

Dr Tony Tan, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Singapore SMU Commencement 2004

From its conception, SMU was designed to provide a different model of university education here in Singapore. We wanted to start with a clean slate instead of just adding another public university in the mould of the existing ones. From this starting point emerged a confluence of factors that make SMU special.

“

”aSia needS leaderS and entrepreneurS. if you would like to be one, i recommend you consider the SMu Mba, the cornerstone postgraduate programme of Singapore Management university.

the SMu Mba is built on new ideas and research coupled with proven methods from leading global programmes. our distinguished faculty comprises senior academics and industry experts who are familiar with the most current business concepts and are passionate about teaching. through the Mba, we are committed to creating opportunities for participants to interact with top business leaders at our vibrant campus in Singapore’s city centre. the ties between the business community and SMu are extensive and growing. our Mba participants will have privileged access to the vast business network we have built.

the flex-time and full-time programmes are designed to train participants in leadership and management so they can effectively lead teams and organisations right after they graduate. although we offer a general management curriculum, participants can tailor the Mba to their interests by choosing nearly half of their courses and participating in sector focus activities. We provide career services from the start and support self-awareness training to prepare SMu Mbas for the long term.

our Mba programme is unique in several ways. first, it emphasises leadership and communication skills. Such expertise is often cited as the most valuable skill sought by companies, even though it is often left in the shadow of other Mba curricula. Second, to the make the most of in-class time, basic finance and accounting concepts are studied prior to starting the programme. this ensures fuller in-class discussion and a solid basis to start this accelerated Mba. finally, our selective approach ensures participants receive one-on-one attention from our world-class faculty and career services team.

i strongly encourage you to join our programme and the SMu community. you will find it a rewarding and enriching experience.

yours sincerely,

professor howard thomas dean, lee Kong chian School of business

WelcoMe froM the dean

the SMu advantage

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the fundaMentalS of SucceSSful ManageMent leadership and communication are the defining aspects of the programme – expertise often cited as the most valuable training an Mba can offer. combining proven methodologies from leading global programmes with the most up-to-date business concepts and research, the SMu Mba gives you a solid foundation in the traditional functions of management, while sector focuses arm you with a deeper knowledge in specific industries.

an accelerated learning experience choose from two programme structures: a 16-month flex-time or a 12-month full-time Mba. designed to minimise your time away from the workforce so you can recoup your investment sooner, both programmes offer the skills and training you need to make an impact as a leader or entrepreneur in the global economy.

one-on-one attention for every participant the SMu Mba maintains a relatively small class size, giving you privileged opportunities to form enduring relationships with your classmates and professors. through one-on-one interaction with our academics, industry experts and career Services team, you also benefit from the intensive coaching and individual attention that high-calibre leadership development demands.

gain deeper inSightS Seminar-style teaching led by world-class faculty and industry experts ensures you acquire the soft and hard skills necessary to be a business leader. regular industry talks and events enable you to develop a deep understanding of asia’s key growth industries and their impact on an increasingly complex global market. at SMu, we believe an Mba should prepare you for a career of growing responsibilities, not just the next job.

learn and netWorK With liKe-Minded profeSSionalS lively in-class discussions and active engagement will form a key component of your Mba experience. our student body is a melting pot of experiences, perspectives and nationalities. by drawing the best and brightest together, the SMu Mba gives you an opportunity to learn together – and from each other.

Study in Singapore’S central buSineSS diStrict SMu’s state-of-the-art city campus is located at the centre of Singapore – a world capital that embodies the dynamic spirit of asia. offering a wealth of amenities and services, the SMu campus is surrounded by cultural institutions, cafes, restaurants and entertainment hotspots that promise an enriching life outside the classroom.

the SMu Mba is designed to bring out the best in asia’s next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. intense and accelerated, the programme is structured around an innovative curriculum that features core classes traditionally offered as electives. a solid ‘soft skills’ base complements the traditional ‘hard skills’ component, ensuring the SMu Mba produces leaders with the cross-cultural sensitivities that are essential in a global economy.

a prograMMe unique in delivery and deSign

prograMMe highlightS

Samar Niazi, MBA 2009

I knew that when SMU launched its MBA programme, that was what I wanted to be – a pioneer with a vision. And the experience far surpassed my initial expectations.

“”

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MiniMiSing tiMe out froM your careerflex-tiMe the flex-time programme is designed for working professionals. core classes will be taught over six full-week sessions (Mon –Sat, 8:30am – 7pm) during the first 8 months of the 16-month programme, so approximately one full week every month and a half. our participants find this format ideal for focused learning, as it attracts committed classmates and enables them to complete their Mba in a much shorter time. elective classes will take place during weekday evenings and weekends. dates depend on the electives chosen.

full-tiMe the full-time programme will take place over 12 months with optional internship opportunities starting in July. core classes will be conducted during the day, with electives held on weekday evenings and weekends.

pre-terM Self-Study to provide a solid basis for this accelerated Mba and ensure robust in-class discussions, you are expected to master pre-term self-study material covering financial accounting, introductory finance and quantitative methods. tutorials are available upon request.

buSineSS foundationS this 3-day component provides a transition into the classroom environment and context to the year ahead. participants review their pre-study material, attend a seminar on presentation skills, and are introduced to the case method.

pedagogy the SMu pedagogy fosters leadership and communication skills through a seminar-style teaching environment. class participation typically accounts for between 20%–50% of the course grades. lectures, panels and public forums given by distinguished guest speakers support our highly interactive seminars.

Sector focuS Sector focuses – family business and entrepreneurship, finance, energy, and technology – are included to provide you with a broader knowledge, and are incorporated into the programme not only in the classroom, but through company visits and industry exposure opportunities offered throughout the year.

internShipS in consultation with career Services, internships with leading companies are coordinated to enable participants to gain experience and build networks in their targeted industries.

Structure Eugene Goh, MBA 2010

As my work requires that I travel 40% to 50% of the time, SMU’s Flex-time schedule for the core modules allows me sufficient flexibility to manage my work and travel demands and plan ahead.

“”

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FUll-TiME (12 MonthS)

FlEx-TiME (16 MonthS)

nov dec Jan feb Mar apr May Jun Jul aug Sep oct nov dec

Jul aug Sep oct nov dec Jan feb Mar apr May Jun Jul aug Sep oct nov dec

electiveS of participant’S choice (10)

pre-Study*

pre-Study*

core SubJectS (11) internShip opportunitieS

electiveS of participant’S choice (10)

core SubJectS (11)

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pre-Study core SubJectS electiveS

leading organisations & teams

understanding finance

analysing financial Statements

delivering value through customer relationships

exploring corporate finance

negotiating in business

creating value with business processes

Managing ethical dilemmas & corporate governance

understanding the global economy & political risk

Shaping Strategy

communicating across cultures

financial accounting

introductory finance

quantitative Methods

participants choose from a wide range of electives based on their interests. Offeringsrange from private equity and venture capital, World environment issues, customer acquisition and retention to Managing technological change.

lEGEND

*undertaken before programme commences.

leading Organisations & Teams works to clarify what effective leadership means and how it can be practiced, covering concepts such as group culture, power, team building and team leadership. building on leadership theory, case studies, and introspection, participants work towards discovering and developing their own leadership potential.

Understanding Finance introduces the tools used in financial valuation and decision-making with an emphasis on application to real-world problems. topics include cash flow valuation, stock and bond valuation, asset pricing models, options, and market efficiency.

Analysing Financial Statements aims to train participants to become informed users of financial statements. this course will familiarise participants with accounting terminology and formats to comfortably extract the data needed to evaluate the health of companies and to make sound business decisions.

Delivering Value Through Customer Relationships introduces the critical role of marketing in creating value for organisations. concepts covered include pricing, segmentation, channel management, customer service and branding. using the latest findings from businesses in asia and around the world, participants will examine the discipline of marketing as practiced by companies today.

Exploring Corporate Finance exposes participants to complex financial concepts and equips them with the analytical tools to make strategic decisions on financing companies. topics include optimal capital structure, initial public offerings, rights issues, mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring and risk management.

Negotiating in Business gives participants a broad understanding of the central concepts in negotiation, and improves their ability to analyse the behavior and motives of others in settings that have both competitive and cooperative elements. through multiple simulations, participants learn and improve upon their personal negotiation styles.

Creating Value With Business Processes is a business process in itself, in which theory, practice, interactive learning and teamwork will be used to explore and understand process design and improvement, production and service delivery, resource investment and planning, inventory management, quality control, and operational risk and hedging.

Managing Ethical Dilemmas And Corporate Governance presents participants with different business dilemmas and encourages debate and discussion to prepare students to face similar choices they may encounter in their careers. the discussion is aimed at giving participants time to consider their own values and expose them to potential differences.

Understanding The Global Economy And Political Risk introduces the concepts of government and law, and their role in business. participants learn more about the impact of macroeconomic tools such as fdi, interest rates, exchange rates and the effect political regimes can have on global business. legal concepts such as contracts, intellectual property and securities law are introduced.

Shaping Strategy integrates material learned in prior core classes to better understand how companies create long and short-term strategies. Sustaining competitive advantage, optimising product mix and activities, and assessing opportunities and risks will be covered, as well as analysing issues such as cannibalisation, network externalities and globalisation.

Communicating Across Cultures presents a mix of negotiation, marketing, strategy, process and leadership challenges that may arise due to cultural differences, with the aim of developing participants’ intercultural managerial competence. this becomes a pivotal leadership quality when enabling or leading corporations through international change, crises and mergers.

electiveS a minimum of 10 electives is required to complement the core curriculum. participants are encouraged to choose from a number of electives based on their interests and knowledge gaps. the electives range from subjects as diverse as Mergers and acquisitions, World environmental issues, customer acquisition and retention, and private equity and venture capital to connecting art and business.

core SubJectS With its strong focus on leadership and communication skills, SMu’s innovative curriculum features a number of core classes traditionally offered as electives. these include leading organisations & teams, negotiating in business, Managing ethical dilemmas & corporate governance, and communicating across cultures. Mba students must complete 11 courses that make up the core curriculum.

curriculuM

a prograMMe defined by leaderShip and coMMunication

Alen Ng, MBA 2009

“”

The leadership module turned out to be a real surprise for me. I thought I already knew quite a bit from my time in the Navy, but now I’ve gained even more – it’s been a humbling experience!

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the vanguard of buSineSS education in Singapore and aSialife at SMu is enriching in many ways. our students benefit from unrivalled access to senior academics and highly respected industry practitioners. We also attract accomplished, motivated individuals from across the region, creating a student body with diverse cultural, educational and industry backgrounds.

incredible acceSS to a World-claSS faculty the SMu Mba is taught by senior academics selected

from SMu’s six schools. Well versed in current business

concepts and among the best academics in their field, our

distinguished faculty earned their qualifications at established

international institutions. We also engage outstanding leaders

from the business community to share their industry

expertise and hands-on management experience. the

interactive nature of the SMu Mba and its relatively small

class size ensures you will receive intensive coaching and

individual attention throughout the programme.

in addition, participants are given constant opportunities

to interact with top business leaders and better understand

developments in a variety of industries by visiting our

corporate partners. the extensive ties between SMu and

the business community are constantly expanding. through

our Mba programme, you have privileged access to the vast

business network we have built over the last decade.

for more on our outstanding faculty, please visit

www.smu.edu.sg/MBA/faculty

learning experience

alexander angeluS, Ph.D., STANForD UNIverSITyassociate professor angelus specialises in operations and Supply chain Management. he has previously taught in the uS, canada, eastern europe and china, and has over 10 years of consulting experience for major blue chip clients. professor angelus has written a number of academic and business articles on strategic and operational issues in business.

gregor halff, Ph.D., WeSTFälISche WIlhelMS-UNIverSITäT before entering academia, associate professor halff was Managing partner at publicis, the world’s third largest communications agency, where he still handles large consulting accounts for global clients. an honorary professor at iSM, one of germany’s leading business schools, professor halff was twice the recipient of the “best professor” award, and has published a number of scholarly papers on communications.

annie Koh, Ph.D., NeW york UNIverSITy associate professor Koh is dean of the office of executive and professional education, associate dean of the lee Kong chian School of business, and academic director for the international trading institute at SMu. highly sought after as a conference speaker, panel moderator and expert commentator, professor Koh also has extensive experience in consulting and executive teaching.

Associate Professor Alexandar Angelus SMU, lee Kong Chian School of Business

“

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As for SMU, to the best of my knowledge, it is the only university in this part of the world that places significant value on those characteristics that have made the US undergraduate and postgraduate business education the best in the world: intellectual freedom, rigorous research, business-relevant teaching, meritocracy, and active cooperation with industry.

our faculty

WinSton Koh, Ph.D., PrINceToN UNIverSITy before joining SMu, professor Koh taught at nuS business School and held high-level positions at J.p. Morgan and ocbc capital Management. he has served as an associate editor for the asia pacific Journal of finance and his publications have appeared in various international journals. professor Koh has also consulted and developed executive education programmes for a number of leading organisations in Singapore.

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diversity is a key strength of the SMu Mba programme. creative, inspiring and close knit, our participants collectively possess a wide range of expertise across many industries including finance, energy, it, Media, Manufacturing, biotechnology, engineering, Shipping, education, construction, law, government and the public Sector.

drawn from various national, educational and professional backgrounds, they truly embody the multicultural face of asia. and with an average work experience approaching 6 years, our participants benefit from sharing their knowledge through the enriching in-class discussions encouraged by our seminar-style teaching.

for more on our student body, please visit www.smu.edu.sg/MBA/students

an enriching Mix of cultureS, perSpectiveS and induStry experience

learning experience

Nisha Khemlani, MBA 2009

“”

having a non-traditional background gives me a different experience from everyone else. The fact that I see most things differently allows me and my fellow classmates more room to learn from one another.

alen ng MBA 2009 niSha KheMlani MBA 2009

deniS cazala MBA 2010Jayant SaWhney MBA 2009

qi yulan MBA 2010 andreW Kagoro MBA 2010

our StudentS

the Mba claSS of 2010

class Size: 45 participants

average age: 29.2 years

average Work experience: 5.7 years

Mean gMat: 644

Women: 33%

international Students: 58%

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tailored career coaching for every participant the SMu Mba maintains intentionally small class sizes to ensure you benefit from individual attention and comprehensive support. Starting from day one, an SMu career coach works with you to develop your job search strategy. these dedicated professionals offer essential strategies, tips and tools, whether you are looking for a career change, seeking to acquire new business knowledge and professional skills, or wish to expand your depth of expertise in your current field.

learning by doing SMu provides unrivalled access to the business community, having forged close ties with over 700 business recruiters. this network extends from Singapore across the region and around the world. throughout the year, career Services holds a number of events that give students exposure to many different companies and industries. career Services also uses this extensive network to actively help you secure an internship, enabling you to gain experience in a new field and build networks in your targeted industries.

unMatched connectionS With aSia’S buSineSS leaderS the advisory board to the lee Kong chian School of business plays an active role in the lives of our Mba participants. comprising some of Singapore’s top business leaders, the board offers invaluable advice on curriculum development, internships, scholarships, exchange programmes, and employment of the School’s graduates.

your career

Many organisations in Singapore and asia look to SMu when they are seeking to attract new talent. career Services works with our Mba participants individually to map their career development and open up new opportunities in targeted industries. Singapore’s first university exclusively focused on business education, SMu has fostered unmatched connections with the business community in Singapore and throughout the region.

bridging the divide betWeen caMpuS and career

Edmund lin, Partner, Bain & Company

“”

SMU is turning out high quality business graduates with the kind of diverse, internationally focused backgrounds we are looking for… we’re impressed by SMU’s efforts…

lee Kong chian School of buSineSS adviSory board

Ms Jeanette Wong (Chairperson)group executiveinstitutional banking groupdbS bank limited

Dr Beh Swan GinManaging director economic development board

Mr Chay Yee Mengchief executive officerinfowave pte ltd

Mr Chong lit Cheongchief executive officerinternational enterprise Singapore

Mr Chua Teck Huat, Billchief operating officer and executive vice president united overseas bank limitedglobal Markets & investment Management

Mr Gay Chee Cheongboard directorhyflux limited, raffles education corporation & MidaS holdings

Mr lin Edmund partner bain & company Se asia, inc.

ronald ong

Jeanette Wong

edMund lin

ron SiM

Mr Ong Ronaldchairman & ceo, Se asiaMorgan Stanley

Mr Collardi Boris F.J. chief executive officerbank Julius baer & co. ltd

Mr Conner Davidchief executive officerocbc bank

Ms DeRooij MaureenManaging director / chief operating officerStandard chartered bank

Prof Ng ivydeputy chief executive officerSingapore health Services pte ltd (Singhealth)

chief executive officerKK Women’s & children’s hospital

Mr Pant Pradeeppresident, asia pacificKraft foods

Mr Sim Ronfounder and ceooSiM international ltd

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Singapore at a glance*

* bcg/naM/Mi international innovation index, 2009** World bank doing business report, 2009

the world’s most innovative country*

the world’s easiest place to do business**

the most competitive country in asia and 5th worldwide**

the best business environment in asia pacific and 3rd worldwide**

2nd in the world and 1st in asia for having the best protection of intellectual property**

2nd most transparent country in the world**

the most motivated workforce in asia and 3rd worldwide**

asia’s best country to work in, as ranked by foreign talent**

the world’s least restrictive immigration laws for foreign talent**

the pulSe of the city once selected, you will attend SMu’s state-of-the-art 4.5-hectare city campus in the heart of Singapore – a world capital that embodies the dynamic spirit of asia. the campus boasts a gymnasium, swimming pool, dance studio and a range of food and beverage outlets, plus banking and healthcare services.

SMu has become an integral part of Singapore’s central business district. the university has formed especially close relationships with the business community, as well as the neighbouring cultural institutions. there are ample opportunities for you to make friends, network and acquire new professional skills with an abundance of museums, theatres, educational institutions, art galleries, cafes and restaurants surrounding our campus. the esplanade, Singapore’s iconic performing arts complex, is just a 10-minute walk away, while a 5-minute ride by bus or Mrt gets you to chinatown, little india, orchard road or clarke quay, the centre of Singapore’s nightlife. the SMu campus is connected to bras basah station, and is located just a few city blocks from city hall and dhoby ghaut stations, providing convenient Mrt and bus connections throughout Singapore.

an aSian poWerhouSe Singapore offers unique experiences that will prepare you for life at the top in asia. a long-time conduit between east and West, Singapore is an economically vibrant island city-state that benefits from a rich multi-cultural society of chinese, Malays, indians, eurasians and expatriates.

Many multinational organisations have chosen Singapore for their asia-pacific headquarters. and with good reason. a key financial hub and a major trading centre strategically located at the centre of the aSean community, Singapore boasts outstanding infrastructure and an economic climate that balances innovation and prosperity with social and corporate responsibility. located at the heart of Singapore’s cultural and civic centre, SMu is perfectly positioned to tap into this extraordinary resource, providing unmatched opportunities for networking and personal growth.

it’S happening in the heart of SingaporeWith its unique location in the central business district of one of asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, the SMu campus provides an abundance of opportunities for a rich and fulfilling life outside the classroom.

living in Singapore

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RAFFlES PlACE

CiTY HAll

SOMERSET

DHOBY GHAUT

BUGiS

CC2BRAS BASAH

CC3ESPlANADE

ClARKE QUAY

CHiNATOWN

boat quay

fort canning

parK

eSplanade

central buSineSS diStrict

Marina city

parK

Singapore river

orchard road

little india arab Street

CC1

adMiSSionS

creating the optiMal learning environMentto maximise your learning experiences throughout the programme, we seek to assemble a unique mix of highly experienced and motivated participants. in addition to possessing the intellectual stamina to meet the challenges of this accelerated programme, the participants we select are well-rounded individuals who possess a global outlook.

obtaining financial aSSiStance Scholarships are available to assist students during the course of their studies, and are awarded on merit and need. applications for scholarships follow the admission decision.

SMu also has various study loan options available from a number of commercial banks including Maybank, ocbc and poSb. please visit www.smu.edu.sg/Mba/financialaid for more on scholarships and study loans

international StudentS SMu welcomes international postgraduate students. We will assist in the application of student passes for all international students participating in the full-time programme. foreign candidates who hold employment or dependant passes may apply for the flex-time programme. applicants must show proficiency in english. a toefl or ieltS test is required if your undergraduate or postgraduate education was not taught in english. More information can be obtained from www.toefl.org and www.ielts.org. SMu’s institutional code for toefl is 9014.

Student accoMModation the SMu campus is conveniently located in the city and is well served by all four subway lines, buses and cabs. Most students find their own accommodation. for more information on SMu’s hostel facilities please go to: www.smu.edu.sg/leasing/hostel/index.asp

tuition feeS the current fees (inclusive of gSt) for the SMu Mba are:

application: S$100 non-refundable

tuition*: S$57,500 (flex-time)

S$54,500 (full-time)

the tuition fee will be paid in instalments: 10% to confirm your place at admission, 30% before arrival, 30% by the fourth month and 30% by the seventh month. if required, flexible payment schedules can be worked out individually

to accommodate scholarship payments.

*tuition fees are locked in once the student enters the programme. Singapore Management university reserves the right to alter tuition fees for new incoming cohorts when required.

MaKing the grade to be admitted into the SMu Mba, candidates will have a minimum of 2 years full-time work experience (more experience preferred); leadership experience and potential; proven academic ability; and demonstrated community impact.

SubMitting an application applications are made online at www.smu.edu.sg/Mba/apply requirements include:

candidates may also be invited for an interview as part of the admission process.

gMat essays (5) recommendation forms (2)

resume transcripts toefl or ieltS*

* if your degree was not taught in english

living expenSeS in Singapore Monthly estimate

accommodation S$600 – S$2,000

food S$400 – S$600

transport S$150 – S$300

Miscellaneous (phone, recreation, etc) S$500 – S$1,500

these figures are to be used as a guide, as expenditure will vary depending on personal spending habits.

deadlineS the full-time and flex-time programme each have three

application deadlines and one intake per year.

1 January (round 1)

1 april (round 2)

1 august (round 3)

FUll-TiME (Jan intaKe)

1 october (round 1)

1 January (round 2)

1 april (round 3)

FlEx-TiME (Sep intaKe)

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Am I eligible for the programme? Individuals must hold a university degree and have a minimum of 2 years’ full-time working experience to apply for the programme. The GMAT is also a compulsory requirement for admission. Above all, candidates must demonstrate that they have the commitment, experience, motivation, and potential to benefit from and contribute to the programme.

What kind of academic record do I need? We expect applicants to have a strong basic degree. However, we look at many other aspects of your application such as drive and motivation.

Do I need to come from a finance or business background? No, we admit students from all backgrounds and work experience, and look for diverse individuals who will enhance the classroom experience.

Do you offer specialisations? The SMU MBA is a general management programme. We do require 10 electives, enabling you to tailor your course work to your needs. For example, it is possible to take the majority of your electives in finance or marketing.

Am I required to participate in the sector components if I am not interested in these areas? No, students may participate in sector activities as they wish. But while it is not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the company visits, talks and industry studies as this provides deeper insights into industries of global importance, while broadening your network.

Is the GMAT required and what is the minimum score? Yes, the GMAT is required for all candidates (regardless of experience) for both the Flex-time and Full-time programmes, as it gives us a base to compare candidates from different backgrounds and ensure each of our students can manage the academic rigour of the programme. Although there is no minimum score, we consider scores above 600 to be competitive.

Can I apply before I have taken the GMAT? You can send us your application prior to taking the GMAT. However, applications will not be processed without a GMAT score.

How do I find out more about preparing and registering for the GMAT? More information is available at www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT. SMU’s GMAT institution codes are:

Full-time MBA: F8D-7V-17 Flex-time MBA: F8D-7V-35

Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS? TOEFL/IELTS scores are only required if your undergraduate degree was not taught in English.

Are scholarships and financial aid available? Yes, many scholarships are available. The application for scholarships will follow the admissions decisions. There are also a number of bank student loans available with favourable rates and terms for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents.

Is this programme taught via e-learning? No, our Flex-time and Full-time MBA both require your attendance. Some modules will use web and online updates for their classes. However, this is used to supplement your time in class.

Does the programme take students’ regular class attendance into consideration for assessment? Yes, class participation is important, as it typically accounts for between 20%-50% of the course grades.

Can I apply for a joint degree with any of SMU’s other graduate programmes? The application process for all graduate programmes at SMU is run separately. Credit for courses taken in other graduate-level programmes will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Will SMU help me find a summer attachment? Yes, SMU’s Career Services will actively help you prepare for summer internships. Some company internships will be combined with scholarships and will be determined before enrolment.

Are exemptions available for core classes I have taken previously? Certain core classes are not open for exemption such as Managing Ethical Dilemmas and Corporate Governance, and Leading Organisations and Teams. Exemptions in other core classes where participants have deep knowledge are possible through examination or agreement by the professor teaching the course. Additional electives or independent projects are required in lieu of core courses that are exempted.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

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SMU MASTERS. BE ONE.MBA ProgrammeLee Kong Chian School of Business Singapore Management University 50 Stamford Road #04-01 Singapore 178899 Tel: +65 6828 1941 Fax: +65 6828 0427 Email: mba@smu.edu.sg www.smu.edu.sg/MBA