The document summarizes executive education programs in Singapore, specifically EMBA programs, and highlights the SMU EMBA program. It notes that until 2010 there were primarily two types of EMBA programs in Singapore - those from foreign universities and local programs from NUS and NTU. The SMU EMBA, launched in 2010, is crafted for high potentials from large and small organizations globally. The accelerated 13-month program takes place in Singapore, the US, India, and China, offering a global perspective with an Asian focus. Testimonials praise the SMU EMBA for providing knowledge and skills to tackle new challenges through interactions with experts from different industries.

1. Executive education spotlight: The SMU EMBA
HRM Asia
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22 Sep 2011
Neo Chia Reei, director of EMBA from SMU talks about the executive education scene
in Singapore
From the 1980s till early 2000s, most organisations had little funding for staff training
and development, lest they become restless and resign upon completion of
programmes. Training was normally conducted to comply with government or industry
regulatory requirements.
In the later part of the 2000s, intense competitions for top talent pushed many
organisations to introduce talent retention schemes by way of sponsoring staff at
different levels for specific types of executive education. High potentials started receiving
sponsorship for MBA or EMBA programmes, with two-year bonds on average.
Today’s constantly changing global business environment and squeezed training
budgets means organisations are more anxious than ever that Executive Education
delivers bottom-line improvements and practical benefits. Many are questioning the
value of short executive programmes, which participants usually treat as retreats from
office work.
There is increasing demand for customised Executive Education programmes and
courses (Graduate Diplomas and EMBAs) that lead to certifications instead of general
programmes (workshops, seminars and conferences).
EMBA programmes in Singapore
Until the SMU EMBA was launched in Oct 2010, there were essentially two types of
EMBA programmes in Singapore.
i) Foreign EMBA programmes
Universities from the US and Europe set up facilities in Singapore and brought in their
EMBA programmes. Their faculty fly into the country to teach at scheduled periods. Over
the years, some have established facilities in Middle East or other Asian campuses, to
allow for international exposure.
ii) Local universities
NUS and NTU offer EMBA programmes that have a more Asian focus. However, these
programmes have been established for many years, with little changes in curricula in
recent years. For example, NUS Asia Pacific EMBA is currently admitting its 20th
intake.

2. SMU EMBA
The SMU EMBA is crafted with high potentials of organisations, both large and small, in
mind.
More than half of the pioneer batch comprises C-level executives from 10 countries. The
average student is 43 years old and has 19 years of rich work and industry experience.
The class has successfully completed three segments, two of which were held at the
SMU campus while one was conducted at the Wharton School of Business in the US.
Students will be heading to Hyderabad in November to attend classes at the Indian
School of Business for the fourth segment.
The SMU EMBA advantage
i) Newest EMBA programme in the market
ii) Innovative curriculum co-designed by 100 leaders in Asia
iii) Accelerated programme, 9 weeks over 13 months
iv) Global perspectives, Asian focus & Singapore experience
v) Classes held in US (The Wharton School), India (Indian School of Business),
China (Peking University) and Singapore (Singapore Management University)
vi) Passionate international faculty
vii) Immediate impact to your business
Testimonials
“With the rapidly changing world markets, an EMBA will give me the knowledge and
skills to tackle the new challenges ahead. At SMU, we get to interact with leading
academic experts, world-class speakers and classmates from different industries. The
SMU EMBA has exceeded all my expectations.” – Cindy Lim, GM, Group HR, Keppel
Corporation Limited SMU EMBA 2011 Pioneer Class Student