Student Stories

I started working in Malaysia at 20, after completing my SPM. I knew I had to work hard to grow my career, so a few years later, I moved to Singapore and took on a Project Coordinator role at a manufacturing company for automation and semiconductor equipment. The job gave me valuable experience, but I knew I needed formal training to build on what I was learning at work. I also wanted to prepare myself for a future managerial role in operations and supply chain.

Two years into the role, I spoke with my employer about furthering my studies. With their support, I enrolled in the Certificate in Business Management at PSB Academy in 2022, and later progressed to the Diploma in Global Supply Chain Management.

I chose this diploma because my work constantly exposed me to logistics and scheduling challenges. I wanted to see the bigger picture – how supply chains really worked, how processes could be improved, and how efficiency could be increased.

Studying part-time allowed me to continue working, which meant I could immediately apply what I learned in class to my role. For example, supply chain concepts helped me improve project scheduling and refine team coordination.  

Since I was already working, I completed an industry-based project instead of the six-month attachment. Through this project, I learned how to identify bottlenecks, improve communication between teams, and propose solutions to reduce delays. It mirrored the challenges I faced at work and gave me practical skills to tackle them more effectively.

I also appreciated the lecturers and classmates I have at PSB Academy, who shared real-life industry insights that gave me the confidence to apply more classroom knowledge at work. It was also a great networking opportunity as many of my classmates were working professionals in the industry, which broadened my understanding of the industry and opened doors for future opportunities.

Today, I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree with one of PSB Academy’s university partners, La Trobe University. My advice for anyone considering to study while working is simple – stay consistent, manage your time well, and make the effort to apply what you learn. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from the people around you.

I’m glad I decided to continue studying. It hasn’t been easy, but each stage of my studies makes me feel closer to the career I’m working towards.