3 Universities that present pathways to APAC Business

08 Sep 2017

“It says something about this new global economy that USA Today now reports every morning on the day’s events in Asian markets.” – Lawrence H. Summers, US Economist and former President of Harvard University

The global business sector has had it pretty rough the past two years. A turbulent 2015 kick-started the unstable corporate year that followed, with rising debts from China raising brows the whole world over; a political scandal in South Korea heating tempers round the globe; and the growing power of an unconventional US President who poses open hazard to free trade deals provoking an international economy that’s already deemed volatile.

But you shouldn’t believe everything you read in the headlines, because business in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is thriving. While many view this hyperconnected, globalised, and seemingly Orwellian society as an era of confusion and decline, businesses worldwide are seeing steady growth, with the globe’s 100 largest companies worth US$16 trillion alone and showing no sign of slowing any time soon.

Eager to make waves in the lucrative corporate realm, the modern business graduate must have a firm grasp of ever-changing market trends, identifying prosperous business ‘hubs’ to capitalise on the most rewarding opportunities.

According to CNBC data, six of the world’s most popular business cities are in Asia, with Hong Kong and Tokyo gaining steady pace, and Singapore standing as the region’s most highly-ranked metropolis, largely due to its position as a portal to ‘key Asian markets’ for nations in the West.

And with nations like Singapore dominating figures drawn from more established countries, placing a global second for its high-quality competitive talent, while landing the number one position in the region for the fourth consecutive year, corporate activity coming out of Singapore is clearly worth its weight in gold.

But while many believe that the APAC’s success must be owed to industry juggernauts like Toyota and Samsung, CPA Australia’s APAC Small Business Survey revealed that it is in fact the younger, smaller organisations, enriched with innovation, that are setting the pace for growth and optimisation in the sector.

To put the region’s achievements into true perspective, Capgemini’s 2016 annual wealth report revealed that the APAC now hosts the highest proportion of the world’s most wealthy individuals, with experts predicting that the region will boast two-fifths of the world’s total revenue as the current decade closes in.

“The Asia-Pacific is fast becoming the next supply chain battleground,” Thomas Halliday writes for Inbound Logistics. “Instead of being a low-cost manufacturing region, it is developing into a significant marketplace as affluence and consumer demand increases. Many international corporations are already shifting key business functions to [the] Asia-Pacific to better understand the market and position themselves to capitalize on burgeoning opportunities.

“The focus on Asia will bring about more supply chain complexity and challenges, highlighting the need for business intelligence. It will be a period of change and transition, and an optimized supply chain will be a huge competitive advantage,” he adds. “In the past, developing regions had to play catch up with developed countries in terms of building technological infrastructure and IT solutions. “With cloud computing and other tools, however,” Halliday concludes, “Asia-Pacific companies are in a unique position to implement sophisticated solutions quickly and effectively.”

Granting yourself access to this verified pool of opportunity will be fruitful and transformative, making your investment in a global APAC business education one that will see unparalleled returns.

Here are 3 Universities that present pathways to APAC Business…

BOSTON BUSINESS SCHOOL – SINGAPORE

Founded in July 2004, Boston Business School strives to be a world-leader in adult and post-secondary education, preparing business-minded students for the next exciting chapter of their lives in the heart of the APAC’s most successful corporate nation.

“At Boston Business School, we consistently encourage and guide our students in achieving social, academic and vocational skills applicable in their future endeavors,” says Jeffrey Yung Yew Chun, Executive Director at the school. “We aim to create a conducive learning environment through committed staff and up-to-date facilities.”

The CTH Level 4 Diploma in Hospitality Management (QCF) at Boston Business School seeks to educate students on the global hotel sector, including operational issues and the industry’s most fundamental principles. Blending practical, career-focused values with sought-after management disciplines, this course serves as the ideal foundation not just for entrance, but success, in this diverse global field.

For those who choose advanced study over direct entry to employment upon completion of CTH Level 4, CTH Level 5 is the natural course progression. Building on the expertise instilled in Level 4, this unique diploma programme warrants students a broad and in-depth understanding of the managerial, decision-making and leadership qualities needed to thrive at the helm of the competitive hospitality business.

HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION (IVE) – HONG KONG

The IVE represents one of the APAC’s most highly-regarded providers of vocational and professional education, consistently cultivating talented, passionate professionals who soon become an asset to the complex corporate sphere.

“Our highly-qualified teaching team possesses solid industry experience. With our unique “Think and Do” approach, our teachers impart balanced academic knowledge and practical know-how required in the actual workplace essential for professional success,” the institution notes.

“With the implementation of staff development programmes, teaching staff stay on the pulse of industry developments. Students can learn from their teachers the most up-to-date knowledge and be equipped with competencies for their future development.”

The IVE’s Business Administration programme portfolio is committed to refining specialist business talent. Constantly evolving in line with fluctuating economies and brand-new corporate contexts, the IVE is known to produce competent, confident and global-minded graduates. With the goal of creating powerful business leaders who help define tomorrow’s best business practice, the IVE places heavy emphasis on real-world workplace opportunities and experiential learning, ensuring graduates leave with the skills needed to navigate a diverse range of business settings.

ZENITH BUSINESS ACADEMY (ZBA) – AUSTRALIA

As a registered vocational institution with a presence in some of Australia’s most popular business cities – including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – ZBA is a recognised centre of professionalism and excellence.

Offering a host of industry-standard courses that cover all necessary corporate fields, ZBA provides a gateway to employment and managerial opportunities in some of the world’s most profitable business avenues.

Here, expert teachers cleverly merge the business world with the realm of academia, rewarding students with applied real-world knowledge and a unique business skillset they’d be hard-pushed to find anywhere else in the world. Above all else, ZBA students relish in the chance not just to meet, but also learn from some of industry’s most influential figures.

“I have decided to study Business in ZBA because I studied financial Engineering in Colombia and as an Engineer, I needed to know something about administration. Also, ZBA has a campus in Sydney so I like the idea of being able to transfer there if I wanted,” says Johnattan M.

“We had a not so great teacher in the past but then it changed and now our teacher Leema is really good. She is prepared and clear with the information,” he adds. “I finished Certificate IV in Business and now I’m studying Diploma.”

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