
Timothy Kho Thong Yew
As the Regional Head for Southeast Asia and Engineering at i-PRO APAC, I oversee both the commercial and technical aspects of our business across six countries. My role involves leading cross-functional teams, driving regional growth strategies, building partnerships with distributors and clients, and ensuring our solutions meet the evolving needs of customers. What I enjoy most is working at the intersection of strategy and innovation, where I can translate ideas into solutions while mentoring diverse teams and navigating the unique challenges of different markets.
I chose to pursue my MBA in Global Business with Coventry University because the programme combines academic rigour with practical, real-world application. The global business focus aligns closely with my career, particularly in leading regional teams and managing cross-border strategies across Southeast Asia. I was drawn to the emphasis on leadership, strategic thinking and cross-cultural management, as these are important skills for navigating today’s interconnected business environment.
My journey with Coventry University actually began with my Bachelor’s in Global Business, which I completed in 2025. My positive experience at PSB Academy — from the quality of teaching and supportive learning environment to the emphasis on professional and personal development — made continuing with my MBA a natural choice.
What I appreciate most about the MBA curriculum is how easily I can connect what I learn to my day-to-day work. Modules such as Organisational Behaviour, Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management have given me practical frameworks to better understand organisational dynamics, lead diverse teams and make strategic decisions. Concepts such as SWOT and PESTEL, along with different leadership theories, have helped me translate academic knowledge into actionable strategies in my professional role.
One lecturer who particularly inspired me was Dr Krishna, who taught Organisational Behaviour. His lessons encouraged us to look beyond textbook theories and apply them to real workplace situations. One memorable discussion on how expectations and staff mentality influence organisational behaviour challenged me to reflect on my own leadership approach and continues to shape how I manage and lead my teams today.
The Professional Advancement Grant also helped make pursuing my MBA more accessible financially. As a working professional, the support allowed me to focus more on my studies while continuing to develop my career.
Through my education at Coventry University, I have gained not only broader business knowledge but also greater confidence in applying that knowledge in a regional leadership role. I believe that what matters most is not simply where you earn your degree, but how you apply what you learn. The combination of academic knowledge, practical experience and continuous learning has been invaluable in shaping my leadership approach and supporting my career progression.

