Latest trends show that popularity among MBA abroad aspirants to study business in China and Singapore is rising. Reasons are the growing economy and quality MBA education at half the price of MBA education in USA or UK, although earning an MBA from the West may still be considered prestigious enough. Despite USA still dominating when it comes to MBA abroad, now many domestic students in Asia choose to bank upon staying closer to their home countries while opting for the quality MBA degrees from established business schools in Asia itself. Graduates from business schools in Singapore and China often comment that the reason they chose Asia over the West is the social networks they built which are invaluable and helpful to establish themselves in Asia.
Singapore is home to the reputed and prestigious NUS, NTU and SMU. Applicants from all over the world study here to enhance their skills and business concepts. The Lee Kong Chian School of Business of Singapore Management University is the youngest and is often considered to be the National University for Business in Singapore. CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) in China which according to Financial Times is the 11th best MBA in the world, is considered to be one of the best in China. With business schools in locations like Shanghai and Beijing, studying business in China is increasingly chosen by students to gain the best of business education in these financial hubs.
MBA in the Far East is gaining popularity, whether to choose China or Singapore is the next big question. Although your post MBA goals will decide your MBA destination, the short comparative study between the two nations shared below would help you figure out what is best for you.
Why an MBA from China
Doing an MBA from China is about discovering and immersing in the economical growth and thus laying a strong foundation. China is the world’s most populous country and located in East Asia. China is the world’s third largest economy and is also the world’s largest trading power. As Chinese economy continues to grow, business schools are on the rise and so are increasing number of students moving towards the mainland for a degree in business and management. Further, there is an increasing demand for professional and skilled managers in the nation’s booming economy.
Different Business Culture – China’s business culture is completely different from the west. In China, things are done differently in terms of business, politics and society. You will have an edge over others as you will know and learn how business is done in China. Moreover, any major company that seeks to have an establishment in Asia will need to know how things work in China and are on the lookout for skilled managers.
Building a Chinese Network – MBA in China essentially creates a Chinese network and ideal for those who want to set up a firm ground in the mainland. You will develop a strong Chinese connection through networking events and company trips who can serve as business contacts in the future. The MBA will also serve as an opportunity to learn the Chinese language which is a major tool for growing in China or anywhere in the world.
Multicultural Tolerance - Doing an MBA in China gives you direct access to the demography of Chinese people. Studying and interacting with Chinese people will also help you understand a new culture which in the long run will help you develop leadership skills and team spirit in a cross-cultural environment.
Emerging sectors in need for talent – There is a rapid growth in the financial services, healthcare and consumer goods sectors looking out for managerial talent in China. Emerging markets are also seen in sectors of manufacturing, renewable energies etc. which require skilled MBAs. As such more and more Chinese companies are going global and are hiring international MBA graduates.
Top B-Schools in China
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University: Antai
Fudan University School of Management
Guanghua School of Management, Peking University
Why MBA from Singapore
Situated in the heart of Asia, Singapore has several competitive advantages. It is a global education hub and the Gateway to Asia. Singapore includes a reputation for educational excellence, a vibrant business hub, strategic geographical location and a safe and cosmopolitan environment. Singapore is an ideal destination for those who want to secure a career in Asia and in countries abroad doing business in Asia. Singapore has been ranked as one of the Best Student Cities due to its safe environment, affordability and the superiority of education.
Perfect Blend of East and West -Business Schools in Singapore offers management education through an Asian and a Global perspective opening up plenty of opportunities. Graduates get in-depth insight of the Asian economy as well as the western market and tradition. With such a global learning experience students can gain the best and current knowledge from across the globe.
English is the mode of communication-Singapore has over 20 different languages. English is the language of instruction in business schools and is also the mode of communication in day-to-day life. This makes the Singapore a largely accessible market. The student community can go on very well without knowing one of the local languages which makes life very easy.
Exposure to a Multicultural Atmosphere-Singapore offers a rich multicultural atmosphere with more than 80,000 international students from more than 120 countries. In NUS alone 91% of the Full Time MBA program is international candidates. Networking and communicating with your peers who comes from various backgrounds and diverse nationalities is a major tool for polishing the personality of a candidate. Exchange programs, international study trips are also a part of the Singapore MBA curricula which gives students the opportunity to experience the global arena.
Safest and Cleanliest places in the world- Known as one of the world’s safest countries, Singapore is one of the world’s Best Student Cities, according to QS Best Student Cities 2015. High standards of living, low crime rate, diverse student community and voted as one of the happiest cities in the world creates a perfect environment for MBA Abroad aspirants. Also known as the ‘Garden City’, Singapore is full of gardens and trees and is known for its cleanliness with strict laws enforcing cleanliness and hygiene
High Career Prospects-Job opportunities in Singapore are high compared to other Asian countries due to its location and economy. Companies in Singapore and Asia with high placement packages keep on searching MBA graduates from Singapore’s reputed business schools. Skilled managers are always in demand in the growing economy of Singapore. Foreign students can stay and work in Singapore for 3 years upon graduation as per policies of government funded institutions.
Value for Money-The cost of education and living is comparatively lower in Singapore as compared to other MBA destinations like UK and USA. International students gain deeper insights, global and intercultural exposure and a work permit after doing MBA in Singapore at almost half the price. For student from India, Singapore is close and students can avail cheap flight tickets and the travel time is only about 5 hours. This is definitely a value for money and a good bargain.
Easy Visa Process-Unlike other foreign countries, the visa application to Singapore is easier. The application is linked to the university and major portion of the application process is done by the university on behalf of the students.
Top B-Schools in Singapore
Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University
National University of Singapore
Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University
MBA Abroad applicants must choose their destination keeping in mind their career goals. Candidates must check with the program curriculum and career outcomes before finalizing the school. Both China and Singapore offers different perspectives to their MBA education and proper research should be done before deciding which destination /school will be a better bet.
In fact the shift in economic growth and power from west to east is seen to have an impact on a large pool of international students while choosing their study abroad destination for the valuable MBA degree. A look at the Global MBA rankings such as The Financial Times, The Economist and QS explains how Singapore and China have secured their positions as global leaders for business and management education.
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates on B schools in Singapore and China
