3 Innovative Business Schools in Asia

25 Apr 2017

“Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.” – William Pollard

Asia is quickly becoming a world leader in business and economic innovation. In fact, the 2016 Global Innovation Index ranked Singapore as the sixth most innovative economy in the world. South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and China also placed in the top 25.

Singapore boasts the most elite academic institutions of all Asian countries and cities listed on the index. It also ranks first for business sophistication, and second for research. Singapore is also known to be a world leader in mathematics and science education.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong ranked first in market sophistication among Asian countries, and second across the world. South Korea also ranked third in human capital and research, and fifth in terms of knowledge and technology.

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These high rankings have a direct link to the quality of education in Asia. According to the report, “The region’s strongest average performance is in the number of teachers per pupils and productivity growth.”

So, what’s the secret? Why do Asian universities and economies consistently perform better and rank higher than many of their Western counterparts?

It’s simple. They believe in, and actively work towards, innate innovation.

This is evident in government spending on research and development. The research and development budgets of both China and Singapore have increased exponentially in the past twenty years. “Investing in innovation is critical to raising long-term economic growth,” notes the GII.

Behind the scenes, of course, are the individual businessmen and women, whose work drives Asia’s economic success. It’s clear that human capital and personal development are highly valued in Asia. Singapore ranks first among Asian countries on the GII for human capital, with South Korea following closely in third place.

They don’t just invest in innovation – they invest in their people.

But before these businessmen and women became world leaders in business, they received a comprehensive education at some of the world’s best universities and institutions. Let’s take a closer look at just three of the institutions which are renowned for their innovative approach to education.

BOSTON BUSINESS SCHOOL – SINGAPORE

There is one self-proclaimed rule at Boston Business School (BBS): “Seek wisdom, gain experience.” BBS is committed to helping its students find both through quality education and industry partnerships with restaurants, resorts and hotels across Singapore.

The School’s educational approach is structured around five core values: student focus, personal development, educational excellence, innovative culture and community partnership. BBS wants students to be more than just good learners and employees – they want them to be good people. “Our graduates, armed with social, academic, and vocational skills and knowledge, have successfully carved out numerous opportunities in their careers and we are confident many more will follow,” says Executive Director, Jeffrey Yung Yew Chun.

Image Courtesy of Boston Business School, Singapore

BBS is CPE registered and awarded EduTrust, meaning the School meets a higher standard of quality assurance for delivering postsecondary and adult education programmes when compared to other schools. They’ve also partnered with the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) to produce some of the most highly-skilled employees in the workforce. BBS students consistently score highest on CTH external examinations.

So how does this affect the learning experience at BBS? First, students learn the tricks of the trade in the classroom setting, and with an average class size of 16-25 students, BBS students will get the individual attention they need to excel. BBS also boasts training laboratories, specially-designed to provide students with a space to make mistakes, learn, grow and gain practical experience.

But BBS believes learning doesn’t begin and end in the classroom. Students here get to put their knowledge into practice in an industrial attachment phase. This phase – which is similar to work experience or an internship – is invaluable for students seeking real experience in real industries.

Facts and figures only tell half the story. Here’s what BBS students have to say:

“The BBS lecturers link theory and practice by illustrating their courses with examples from their own professional experience. This learning method prepared me for working life, to quickly become professional at the end of my studies.” – Ng Hui Yang, Singapore

“At Boston Business School, everything possible is done to make the student’s life easier.

The quality of the lecturers gives it a high academic level with their strong industry experience and abilities. BBS provides you with the keys to success!” – Ramandeep Kaur, India

Want to learn more? Get in touch today!

LINGNAN UNIVERSITY – HONG KONG

There are a few ways to tell whether a university is committed to offering the highest quality education possible. In this respect, the Centre for the Advancement of Outcomes-Based Education at Lingnan University (LU) goes the extra mile. This centre, established in 2013, maintains one sole purpose – to provide the invaluable resources needed to deliver the high-quality education LU is known for. Considering this hands-on approach to quality assurance, it’s no wonder why Forbes listed LU as one of the top 10 liberal arts colleges in Asia.

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Lingnan University offers an outcome-based, experiential education. The Integrated Learning Programme, a co-curricular approach which complements traditional academic learning, seeks to prepare students for the challenges they will face in the real world. Every aspect of university life aims to enrich students’ learning and living experience, particularly in six key areas: intellectual development, civic education, physical education, social and emotional development, aesthetic development and hostel education. LU students will not only receive an education – they will gain the tools they need to live a happy, healthy and successful life after graduation.

This generalised approach has proven successful, particularly for its business students. LU business student teams recently won several awards in the Chuang Qing Chun National Entrepreneurship Competition 2016 and the Q-Mark Slogan King Poster Competition.

Want to find out more? Contact the Faculty of Business at LU today!

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA – MALAYSIA

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) consistently ranks in the top 100 global universities for one of the most innovative subjects in academia – engineering. That’s because UTM is a self-proclaimed “innovation-driven entrepreneurial research university” that produces tomorrow’s best learners, leaders and thinkers. UTM’s first priority is instilling a passion for learning in all students.

And the achievements of UTM alumni whole-heartedly reflect that. Nik Mohd Faiz Nik Mohamed Amin, UTM International School of Business graduate, used the skills he learned at UTM to start his own company and travel the world in the process.

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“People have seen me not only as batik producer but an icon for the industry, which I don’t think I am there yet. Certainly it is an honor, but more importantly, having the chance to see with my naked eye on the improvement of crafts industry in Malaysia into global arena, creating significant global and community impact,” says Amin.

It’s clear that UTM’s dedication to innovation rubs off on its students and graduates. Amin and other UTM graduates like him focus not just on their own success, but how they can use their skills and status to transform their industries.

Find out more about UTM’s commitment to educational excellence here.

All three institutions have one thing in common: a focus on students’ academic and personal development. With a people-oriented approach to education and innovation, it’s no wonder Asia is on track to become a global leader in business and economics.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International