Before I got my diploma, I was a regular in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Private education wasn’t as common then, but I saw some of my SAF colleagues get sponsored to go through further studies at PSB Academy. It gave me confidence that PSB Academy was credible, and more importantly, recognised.
Starting a New Chapter
With no fixed career direction but a strong urge to move forward, I looked for a course that could open up options and prepare me for life beyond the army. That’s why I chose the Diploma in Marketing & Sales Management*.
Though I was interested in sales, I wasn’t confident engaging with clients, so I focused more on the “marketing” side of the diploma. But one unforgettable moment at PSB Academy changed how I saw my own abilities.
For my final project, my team and I were determined to leave a lasting impression. We held regular brainstorming sessions and made sure to play to each other’s strengths. When we presented, our lecturer praised how well we connected theory to practical business solutions – that recognition gave me a huge confidence boost and made all our hard work feel worthwhile.
Pivoting Into Sales
More than just knowledge, the diploma gave me the foundation to pivot into a completely different industry. I moved from the military into sales, and I’ve spent the last 15 years building a career helping clients solve problems and closing deals.
There was one moment early on in my career that really validated my decision. We were bidding for a major tender in a highly competitive market, and I was responsible for the market research. I applied what I had learnt, from SWOT analysis to consumer behaviour, to guide our strategy. That clarity helped us win the biggest APAC tender in the company’s history.
Today, I’m a Senior Account Director at an international telecommunications company. Back when I was still studying, I couldn’t have imagined myself leading client conversations, let alone managing major accounts. But I pushed myself and sought mentorship from more experienced colleagues, constantly asked for feedback, and made sure I kept sharpening my skills. That effort paid off – I’ve consistently exceeded targets and earned multiple awards, including President’s Club.
What Made the Difference
I believe studying at a private institution like PSB Academy gave me an edge. The smaller class sizes meant more personalised attention from lecturers, and what really stood out was how much industry experience they brought into the classroom. It made learning feel practical, relevant, and engaging.
As I studied part-time, the course also brought together people from different industries and roles. Learning alongside these classmates gave me perspectives I couldn’t get elsewhere. And it wasn’t just about coursework – I formed real bonds with my classmates and some of those friendships have lasted till today.
Even back then, PSB Academy was already ahead of the curve, offering flexible, career-focused education for working adults. I’m living proof that it works.
Sometimes, all it takes is one decision to set a new direction.
If you’ve been working for years and feel scared to start studying again, I get it. It’s daunting. But taking that first step can change everything. By learning new skills, you can open new opportunities that might have once seemed out of reach. You don’t need to be the best – just brave enough to take that step.
Hon Kok Kiong
Alumnus, Class of 2009
Diploma in Marketing & Sales Management*
Ready to take your own leap?
Explore our business diplomas, and complete in 9 to 12 months:
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Business Administration (Accounting and Finance)
- Diploma in Business Administration (Digital Marketing)
- Diploma in Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
- Diploma in Business Analytics
- Diploma in Business Studies (E-Learning)
- Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting and Finance) (E-Learning)
- Diploma in Business Studies (Business Analytics) (E-Learning)
- Diploma in Business Studies (Digital Marketing) (E-Learning)
- Diploma in Business Studies (Human Resource Management) (E-Learning)
*The “Diploma in Marketing and Sales” is no longer offered by PSB Academy.
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