Student Perspectives – Sun-Jing (Jenny) on studying an EMBA with TMC Academy

Sun-Jing (Jenny), Assistant Vice President of Business Development – International Business with Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore, is currently completing her Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) through TMC Academy, Singapore.

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Asia’s premier lifestyle destination resort, is situated on Singapore’s resort island of Sentosa. Covering 49 hectares, RWS hosts world-class attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island, and Adventure Cove Waterpark. Seven distinctive luxury hotels, the outstanding Resorts World Convention Centre, and a casino enhance the adventure and excitement of its theme parks and attractions.

As Assistant Vice President of Business Development – International Business, Jenny develops business strategies to promote the growth and engagement of high-net-worth clients staying at Resorts World Sentosa. Her role is fast-paced and requires her to think strategically across various cross-cultural markets.

Why TMC Academy

Jenny chose TMC Academy for several reasons. Firstly, the Academy’s reputation for academic excellence and commitment to fostering global perspectives were significant factors. Given Jenny’s background in international business development and her current role, attending a college that embraced a global perspective was essential for enhancing and expanding her understanding and skills in cross-cultural markets.

Secondly, TMC’s focus on practical learning and its culturally diverse environment appealed. It created the ideal setting for Jenny to broaden her strategic thinking while engaging with peers from various backgrounds. The campus's multicultural setting aligned well with Jenny’s work in cross-cultural markets, such as Northeast Asia.

The Executive Master of Business Administration EMBA Awarded through the University of Northampton

Another reason for choosing TMC Academy was that the University of Northampton awards the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA).

This program stands out for its emphasis on strategic leadership, global business dynamics, and practical application—all areas that align with Jenny’s career goals.

One of the great benefits of the EMBA program is that it enables Jenny to evolve and deepen her strategic thinking. With over two decades of experience in international business development and leadership roles at world-renowned establishments such as Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, Northampton’s curriculum offers the academic rigour and real-world insights that enable Jenny to refine her leadership approach and prepare for future entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, the program’s global perspective complements her experience in cross-cultural markets, equipping her to navigate complex challenges and seize new business opportunities on a broader scale.

The Joy of Study

The diversity of the TMC community has been a standout experience for Jenny. Working across different cultures has been essential throughout her career, especially in her current role as Assistant Vice President of Business Development at Resorts World Sentosa. TMC offers a similarly diverse environment, which enriches classroom discussions and allows me to see problems and solutions through different lenses—an invaluable asset in Jenny’s area of work.

Strategic Management is Jenny’s favourite subject. Again, this closely aligns with her professional responsibilities, where she crafts and implements growth strategies for Resorts World Sentosa. Strategic Management enables Jenny to refine her skills, apply new frameworks, and critically evaluate business challenges, all of which contribute to her goal of optimising business performance and identifying new opportunities.

Managing the Challenges of Academic Study Effectively

Juggling the demands of a complex senior management role with academic commitments presents a significant challenge.

In leading and overseeing business development strategies in a fast-paced industry, Jenny has learned to employ effective time management techniques to achieve success. She applies these strategies equally to fulfilling her academic commitments and goals.

Some of the tools that Jenny finds effective in juggling the demands of her professional life and academic study are:

• Creating detailed schedules.

• Breaking tasks into manageable segments.

• Leveraging productivity tools.

• Data visualisation tools and mind maps to organise complex information. These are tools Jenny uses in her role as Vice President, and which are equally effective in the academic environment and

• Digital scheduling apps that enable her to manage deadlines.

Effectively using technology, as Jenny does, helps stay on top of study commitments and be aware of upcoming assignments and deadlines.

Another skill and technique Jenny employs in her studies is collaborative study sessions. This approach reflects the cross-cultural teamwork that she leads in her professional life. In an academic context, these collaborative study sessions provide her with new insights and perspectives from her fellow students, helping her retain information and making studying much easier and more enjoyable when shared with others.

Other strategies for effective study habits can be found here.

Maintaining a Sense of Well-being

Academic study involves a fair bit of stress. There is the pressure of exams and assignments, as well as the stress that comes from learning new skills. Alongside the stress of academic life, there is also the pressure of holding senior management roles and juggling multiple responsibilities at work.

Having worked in high-pressure roles, particularly in the casino and hospitality industries, Jenny knows that managing stress is vital. Consequently, she is proactive about looking after her mental well-being in several ways.

Yoga and long walks help her maintain a clear mind, while journaling allows her to reflect on her progress and challenges. Jenny also manages stress by spending time with close friends and family, which keeps her grounded.

By managing her well-being, Jenny can bring her best self to her professional career and her academic studies.

Jenny’s Advice to New Students of TMC Academy

• Dive into the TMC community and embrace its diversity.

• Build connections with peers from different backgrounds. This enriches your academic experience and helps you develop a global mindset—something that has been invaluable in my career.

• Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek advice, and leverage the available resources. These networks and conversations often lead to the most profound learning experiences.

This is excellent advice for new students entering TMC Academy. The Academy provides extensive help and support to new students. It is essential to utilise this support to enhance students’ learning experience.

TMC Academy opening doors to the future

The EMBA is not simply an end in itself. For Jenny, it is a door to the future that will provide opportunities for her to continue in international business development, focusing on hospitality and luxury services, with an eye toward future entrepreneurial ventures. The dynamic nature of the hospitality and gaming industry, along with the opportunities that arise, especially in markets like North East Asia, excites Jenny and helps shape her vision of using her EMBA to launch a venture, creating unique experiences for high-end clientele.

Like Jenny, an EMBA through TMC Academy can open doors to your future. For more information, please contact TMC Academy here.