MBA

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

JOIN ASIA’s LEADERS
The SMU MBA

Contents
2 4 6

THE SMU PROGRAMME

ADVANTAGE HIGHLIGHTS STRUCTURE

8 10 14

LEARNING YOUR
CURRICULUM EXPERIENCE CAREER

16 18 20

FREQUENTLY
LIVING IN ASKED
SINGAPORE ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS

2
Asia needs leaders and entrepreneurs.
THE SMU If you would like to be one, I recommend you consider the
ADVANTAGE 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
WELCOME FROM industry experts who are familiar with the most current
business concepts and are passionate about teaching.
THE DEAN 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
“
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.
Dr Tony Tan,
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Singapore
SMU Commencement 2004
Prepare to take your
place alongside Asia’s
future leaders
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.
A pioneer in tertiary education Singapore’s definitive business school
Singapore Management University is breaking new ground Building on this momentum, the Lee Kong Chian School of
in the tertiary education landscape of Singapore. Since Business is rapidly establishing its credentials as one of Asia’s
its incorporation in 2000, SMU’s undergraduate and top business schools. Established in 2008, the SMU MBA
postgraduate programmes have produced business leaders values quality over quantity. Our selective approach ensures
and creative entrepreneurs capable of excelling in our rapidly you receive unparalleled attention throughout the programme.
changing world. Its educational and administrative practices
Courses are taught by professors and practitioners selected
are modelled on world-class institutions, in particular the
from more than 290 faculty across SMU’s six schools. SMU
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, which has
actively engages the business community as recruiters, board
played a key role in SMU’s development.
members, donors, research partners and guest lecturers.
SMU remains the only Singapore national university focused We have built relationships with over 700 businesses, providing
on providing broad-based business education. Today, SMU is an unmatched connection to the business communities of
home to more than 7,000 students and has six schools – the Singapore and Asia.
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.
4

“ I knew that when SMU launched its MBA programme, that

was what I wanted to be – a pioneer with a vision. And the

PROGRAMME
HIGHLIGHTS
experience far surpassed my initial expectations.
”
Samar Niazi, MBA 2009

A programme unique
in Delivery and design
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.

The fundamentals of successful management Gain deeper insights

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.
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.

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.
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.
6

“ As my work requires that I travel 40% to 50% of the time,

SMU’s Flex-time schedule for the core modules allows
Full-time (12 months)
me sufficient flexibility to manage my work and travel

”
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
demands and plan ahead.
STRUCTURE Eugene Goh, MBA 2010

ELECTIVES OF

Foundations
PRE-STUDY*
CORE SUBJECTS (11) INTERNSHIP PARTICIPANT’S

Business
OPPORTUNITIES CHOICE (10)

Minimising time out

from your career
Flex-time Flex-time (16 months)
The Flex-time programme is designed for working professionals. Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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

Foundations
PRE-STUDY* CORE SUBJECTS (11) ELECTIVES OF PARTICIPANT’S CHOICE (10)

Business
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.
Business Foundations
Full-time This 3-day component provides a transition into the classroom
The Full-time programme will take place over 12 months environment and context to the year ahead. Participants *Undertaken before programme commences.

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.
review their pre-study material, attend a seminar on
presentation skills, and are introduced to the case method.
Pedagogy Legend
The SMU pedagogy fosters leadership and communication skills
PRE-STUDY CORE SUBJECTS ELECTIVES
through a seminar-style teaching environment. Class participation
typically accounts for between 20%–50% of the course grades.
Financial Accounting Leading Organisations & Teams Participants choose from a wide range of
Lectures, panels and public forums given by distinguished guest
Understanding Finance electives based on their interests. Offerings
speakers support our highly interactive seminars. Introductory Finance
range from Private Equity and Venture
Quantitative Methods Analysing Financial Statements
Sector Focus Capital, World Environment Issues, Customer
Sector focuses – Family Business and Entrepreneurship, Finance, Delivering Value through Customer Relationships Acquisition and Retention to Managing
Energy, and Technology – are included to provide you with a Exploring Corporate Finance Technological Change.
broader knowledge, and are incorporated into the programme not
Negotiating in Business
only in the classroom, but through company visits and industry
exposure opportunities offered throughout the year. Creating Value with Business Processes
Managing Ethical Dilemmas & Corporate Governance
INTERNSHIPS
In consultation with Career Services, internships with leading Understanding the Global Economy & Political Risk
companies are coordinated to enable participants to gain Shaping Strategy
experience and build networks in their targeted industries. Communicating Across Cultures
8

“ 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!

CURRICULUM Alen Ng, MBA 2009

A programme
Leading Organisations & Teams works to clarify what effective Managing Ethical Dilemmas And Corporate Governance
leadership means and how it can be practiced, covering presents participants with different business dilemmas and

defined by leadership
concepts such as group culture, power, team building and
team leadership. Building on leadership theory, case studies,
and introspection, participants work towards discovering and
and communication developing their own leadership potential.
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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
 “
10
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-

”
LEARNING relevant teaching, meritocracy, and active cooperation with industry.
EXPERIENCE
Associate Professor Alexandar Angelus
SMU, Lee Kong Chian School of Business

OUR FACULTY
THE VANGUARD OF
BUSINESS EDUCATION IN
SINGAPORE AND ASIA
Life 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.
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.
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.

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.
Alexander Angelus, Ph.D., Stanford University Winston Koh, Ph.D., Princeton University
For more on our outstanding faculty, please visit Associate Professor Angelus specialises in Operations and Supply Before joining SMU, Professor Koh taught at NUS Business School
www.smu.edu.sg/MBA/faculty Chain Management. He has previously taught in the US, Canada, and held high-level positions at J.P. Morgan and OCBC Capital
Eastern Europe and China, and has over 10 years of consulting Management. He has served as an Associate Editor for the Asia
experience for major blue chip clients. Professor Angelus has Pacific Journal of Finance and his publications have appeared in
written a number of academic and business articles on strategic various international journals. Professor Koh has also consulted
and operational issues in business. and developed executive education programmes for a number of
leading organisations in Singapore.
12

“ 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

”
LEARNING classmates more room to learn from one another.
EXPERIENCE
Nisha Khemlani, MBA 2009

OUR STUDENTS

AN ENRICHING MIX OF
CULTURES, PERSPECTIVES AND
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
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 ALEN NG MBA 2009 NISHA KHEMLANI MBA 2009
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

The MBA Class of 2010

Class Size: 45 participants

JAYANT SAWHNEY MBA 2009 denis cazala MBA 2010

Average Age: 29.2 years

Average Work Experience: 5.7 years

Mean GMAT: 644

Women: 33%

International Students: 58%

qi yulan MBA 2010 Andrew kagoro MBA 2010

14

“ 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…
YOUR
CAREER Edmund Lin, Partner, Bain & Company

BRIDGING THE DIVIDE Lee Kong Chian School of Business Advisory Board

BETWEEN CAMPUS AND CAREER

Many organisations in Singapore and Asia look to SMU when they are seeking to attract
Ms Jeanette Wong (Chairperson) Mr Ong Ronald
new talent. Career Services works with our MBA participants individually to map their
Group Executive Chairman & CEO, SE Asia
career development and open up new opportunities in targeted industries. Singapore’s Institutional Banking Group Morgan Stanley
first university exclusively focused on business education, SMU has fostered unmatched DBS Bank Limited
connections with the business community in Singapore and throughout the region. Mr Collardi Boris F.J.
Dr Beh Swan Gin Chief Executive Officer
Managing Director Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd
edmund lin Economic Development Board
Mr Conner David
Tailored career coaching for every participant Mr Chay Yee Meng Chief Executive Officer
The SMU MBA maintains intentionally small class sizes to Chief Executive Officer OCBC Bank
ensure you benefit from individual attention and comprehensive Infowave Pte Ltd
support. Starting from day one, an SMU career coach works Ms DeRooij Maureen
with you to develop your job search strategy. These dedicated Mr Chong Lit Cheong Managing Director / Chief Operating
Chief Executive Officer Officer
professionals offer essential strategies, tips and tools, whether
International Enterprise Singapore Standard Chartered Bank
you are looking for a career change, seeking to acquire new
business knowledge and professional skills, or wish to expand
Mr Chua Teck Huat, Bill Prof Ng Ivy
your depth of expertise in your current field. jeanette wong Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice President Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd
Learning by doing
United Overseas Bank Limited (SingHealth)
SMU provides unrivalled access to the business community,
Global Markets & Investment
having forged close ties with over 700 business recruiters. Chief Executive Officer
Management
This network extends from Singapore across the region and KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital
around the world. Throughout the year, Career Services Mr Gay Chee Cheong
Mr Pant Pradeep
holds a number of events that give students exposure to many Board Director
President, Asia Pacific
different companies and industries. Career Services also uses Hyflux Limited, Raffles Education
Kraft Foods
this extensive network to actively help you secure an internship, Corporation & MIDAS Holdings
enabling you to gain experience in a new field and build Mr Sim Ron
ronald ong Mr Lin Edmund
networks in your targeted industries. Founder and CEO
Partner
OSIM International Ltd
Unmatched connections Bain & Company SE Asia, Inc.
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.
Ron Sim
16

LIVING IN
IT’S HAPPENING IN THE
SINGAPORE HEART OF SINGAPORE
With 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.

THE PULSE OF THE CITY LITTLE INDIA

ARAB STREET
Once selected, you will attend SMU’s state-of-the-art ORCHARD ROAD
4.5-hectare city campus in the heart of Singapore – a world
capital that embodies the dynamic spirit of Asia. The campus SOMERSET
BUGIS
CC1
boasts a gymnasium, swimming pool, dance studio and a range of DHOBY GHAUT CC2
food and beverage outlets, plus banking and healthcare services. BRAS BASAH

SMU has become an integral part of Singapore’s central FORT CANNING

PARK
business district. The university has formed especially close
CITY HALL CC3
relationships with the business community, as well as the SINGAPORE RIVER
ESPLANADE
neighbouring cultural institutions. There are ample opportunities
ESPLANADE
for you to make friends, network and acquire new professional
skills with an abundance of museums, theatres, educational CLARKE QUAY
institutions, art galleries, cafes and restaurants surrounding BOAT QUAY

our campus. The Esplanade, Singapore’s iconic performing

CHINATOWN
arts complex, is just a 10-minute walk away, while a 5-minute RAFFLES PLACE MARINA CITY
ride by bus or MRT gets you to Chinatown, Little India, Orchard PARK

Road or Clarke Quay, the centre of Singapore’s nightlife. The CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

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.
Singapore at a glance*
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**
* BCG/NAM/MI International Innovation Index, 2009
** World Bank Doing Business Report, 2009
18

CREATING THE OPTIMal

learning environment
ADMISSIONS
To 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.

Making the grade Living expenses in Singapore Monthly Estimate

To be admitted into the SMU MBA, candidates will have
Accommodation S$600 – S$2,000
a minimum of 2 years full-time work experience (more
experience preferred); leadership experience and potential; Food S$400 – S$600
proven academic ability; and demonstrated community impact.
Transport S$150 – S$300
Submitting an application Miscellaneous (phone, recreation, etc) S$500 – S$1,500
Applications are made online at www.smu.edu.sg/MBA/apply
These figures are to be used as a guide, as expenditure will vary depending on personal
Requirements include: spending habits.

GMAT Essays (5) Recommendation forms (2)

Obtaining financial assistance
Resume Transcripts TOEFL or IELTS* Scholarships are available to assist students during the
* if your degree was not taught in English course of their studies, and are awarded on merit and need.
Applications for scholarships follow the admission decision.
Candidates may also be invited for an interview as part of the
admission process. SMU also has various study loan options available from a number
of commercial banks including Maybank, OCBC and POSB.
Deadlines Please visit www.smu.edu.sg/MBA/financialaid for more on
The Full-time and Flex-time programme each have three scholarships and study loans
application deadlines and one intake per year.
Full-time (jan INTAKE) Flex-time (sep INTAKE) International students
SMU welcomes international postgraduate students. We will
1 January (Round 1) 1 October (Round 1)
assist in the application of student passes for all international
1 April (Round 2) 1 January (Round 2) students participating in the Full-time programme. Foreign
candidates who hold employment or dependant passes may
1 August (Round 3) 1 April (Round 3)
apply for the Flex-time programme. Applicants must show
proficiency in English. A TOEFL or IELTS test is required if your
Tuition fees
undergraduate or postgraduate education was not taught in
The current fees (inclusive of GST) for the SMU MBA are:
English. More information can be obtained from www.toefl.org
Application: S$100 Non-refundable and www.ielts.org. SMU’s institutional code for TOEFL is 9014.

Tuition*: S$57,500 (Flex-time) Student accommodation

S$54,500 (Full-time) The SMU campus is conveniently located in the city and is well
served by all four subway lines, buses and cabs. Most students
The tuition fee will be paid in instalments: 10% to confirm find their own accommodation. For more information on SMU’s
your place at admission, 30% before arrival, 30% by the hostel facilities please go to:
fourth month and 30% by the seventh month. If required, www.smu.edu.sg/leasing/hostel/index.asp
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.
 20
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
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.
SMU MASTERS. BE ONE.
MBA Programme
Lee 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