I'm an American doing an MBA in Asia. International schools are a great option, especially with the US visa chaos.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ryan Edward Wall, 32, an MBA student at the National University of Singapore. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
I moved to Singapore last year to pursue my MBA at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Before going to business school, I'd graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering with a minor in biology in 2018.
After graduation, I worked at Lockheed Martin before starting my own business. That was when I realized that I wanted to learn more about the theoretical underpinnings of business. Getting an MBA felt like the right way to do that.
I ended up applying to several business schools, including INSEAD, Wharton, Stanford, and Cambridge. I received offers from INSEAD and NUS, and picked NUS.
The US may be the birthplace of the MBA, but international schools offer something different
Everyone knows that the US is the birthplace of the MBA. When people think about getting an MBA, they say, "Yeah, you go to a US school."
But that wasn't what I wanted from my MBA journey. I wanted a unique experience for myself. That drove me to consider international schools instead. I wanted to be surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds, and to challenge myself intellectually and culturally.
Sure, you can get diversity from attending a US business school. Those programs do try to attract foreign students as well, but the experience just isn't the same. You will get to meet people from different countries, but you won't get to engage with their culture.
INSEAD does have a campus in Singapore, but I found NUS to be more integrated with the country. It felt a lot more community-driven, was affordable, and also well-rated.
The fact that I can jump on a plane and go anywhere in Southeast Asia is unbelievable
My experience at NUS has been fantastic thus far. Yes, the weather over here is a bit humid and hot, but I think it's fine. The public transport is good, the country is super safe, and the food is amazing.
I have made friends from every corner of the planet, and it's interesting to hear their views on things. Learning about little cultural nuances has also been fulfilling.
The fact that I can jump on a plane and go anywhere in Southeast Asia in two hours is unbelievable. For example, I participated in an immersion program in Thailand with my Thai classmates. I got to see the country through their perspective, something that I couldn't do if I were studying in the US.
Curriculum-wise, I've had some really all-star professors who are willing to go above and beyond to help students. I am also active in extracurricular activities. I am the president of the business school's cultural, social, and community club.
I joined a case competition with my classmates too. We flew to Paris to compete, and we managed to win with the support of the faculty.
This first year has been really spectacular for me. The only gripe I would have is that it's been too fast. The program is only for 18 months, so the MBA will be over in a snap.
Trump's crackdown on student visas could be a silver lining for students
I have friends right now who are trying to get their visas so that they can do a short-term exchange in the US. They are trying to set up meetings, and it's all messed up right now. I think that's a shame.
The crackdown on student visas doesn't just hurt the students who want to study in the US. It hurts domestic students as well, who are now less likely to interact with students from other countries.
I do think there is a silver lining to all this chaos. For a lot of people, the Ivy League universities are seen as the bastions of knowledge, and to a degree, they absolutely are. But this means some people might be overlooking the value that other institutions have to offer.
Obviously, you wouldn't move to Asia to study if you are from the region or if you want to start a life in the US. This applies more to students who come from the West and want to push themselves.
Coming to Asia will be a real eye-opener for them. For me, I've learned a lot from studying in Singapore. In fact, I have learned more outside the classroom than inside it, and that's saying something because we study a lot here.
People may start looking at other options given the situation now, and that can be a good thing. Maybe people will stop picking schools based on their rankings and whether they are the absolute best.
One's education is not defined by what classroom one is sitting in. It's about what you learn, and more importantly, how you apply your knowledge in your life after graduation. Many institutions can prime you for that.
The idea that only some institutions can bring you success, that to me, is in itself a problem.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Squaremouth Reports on Global Airbnb Crackdown: What Travelers Need to Know
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Governments across Europe and Asia are cracking down on international rentals. Last month, Spain ordered Airbnb to delist 65,000 rentals. Earlier this year, Thailand issued a warning to foreigners buying apartments and renting them out that they are violating Thai law. Other popular countries, like Italy and Greece, have implemented their own similar measures. These new laws and regulations come on the brink of the busy summer travel season, when traveler anxiety is already skyrocketing. Squaremouth, the nation's largest travel insurance comparison service, reveals what you need to know before booking your trip this summer. How These Crackdowns May Impact your Trip The crackdowns across Spain, Italy, Thailand, Greece, and other regions are part of a larger push to address housing inequality and overtourism. Crackdowns like these can leave travelers in a bind and cost them money, especially if accommodations are suddenly canceled or become unavailable. This happened to a Squaremouth employee recently, who had her rental suddenly canceled at the last minute. "We had an Airbnb booked in Bangkok, but Thailand had just issued a ban on short-term rentals in apartments and condos because they say it disrupts the public," said Arielle Turriff, Product Development Manager at Squaremouth. "Our booking got canceled, and since a lot of our plans were based around that area, we had to find a hotel nearby last minute. It ended up costing us an extra $500." Does Travel Insurance Cover Airbnbs? Travel insurance can cover Airbnb stays and other vacation rentals as long as you have Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage. However, these benefits only reimburse you if you cancel for a covered reason, like an illness or severe weather that prevents you from traveling. Most plans do not cover government restrictions. If you're staying in an Airbnb and want complete flexibility, opt for a policy with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. CFAR is an upgrade that offers partial reimbursement for prepaid and non-refundable trip payments if you need to cancel your trip for a reason not otherwise covered by Trip Cancellation, such as a government crackdown on Airbnbs. CFAR is a popular benefit for many travelers, as it provides the most possible flexibility when it comes to canceling a trip. In fact, Squaremouth has seen a 34% increase in travelers purchasing CFAR compared to last summer. Squaremouth's Tips for Enjoying your Summer Vacation Rental Always purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your Airbnb to maximize your coverage window, especially for Trip Cancellation benefits. Heed local government notices and warnings when it comes to disruptions. For maximum flexibility and peace of mind, consider Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. About Squaremouth Squaremouth is a trusted name in the travel insurance industry offering comprehensive, transparent, and competitive coverage to travelers for 20 years through its digital platform. With the largest portfolio of travel insurance carriers and products in the U.S., Squaremouth has insured over 4 million clients. Media Contact Ned Tadic ntadic@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Squaremouth
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Cyclist with gunshot wound after riding in gazetted area under investigation; QS Ranking 2026: NUS retains top 10 spot, NTU climbs to 12th: Singapore live news
A 42-year-old cyclist is under police investigation for wilful trespass after he was hit by a bullet on 15 June while cycling through a restricted zone in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live firing. The incident occurred while the SAF was conducting an exercise at Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km away from where the man was injured. The bullet struck his lower left back and was later removed at National University Hospital the same day. Singapore's universities continue to impress on the global stage, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) maintaining its position at eighth place in the Britain-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also made significant progress, climbing three spots to 12th place following an 11-position jump last year. The rankings, which assess 1,500 institutions worldwide, continue to be dominated by US and Britain universities, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) holding the top spot for the 14th consecutive year. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Microsoft is planning another wave of job cuts, with thousands of roles – particularly in sales – expected to be affected. According to sources familiar with the matter, the layoffs are likely to be announced in early July, shortly after the company's fiscal year ends in June. The cuts are also not expected to be limited to just one department. The reductions are part of the company's latest move to trim its workforce amid heavy spending on artificial intelligence. This follows a separate round of layoffs in May that saw 6,000 roles axed, mostly in product and engineering. Sales and marketing staff were largely spared then. However, in April, Microsoft informed employees that it would increasingly rely on third-party vendors to handle software sales for smaller clients. For more on the expected Microsoft job cuts, read here. Two local Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32, according to a joint update by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on 19 June. After being notified of the cases, NEA began wastewater testing and mosquito surveillance in the surrounding residential area. The results revealed persistent Zika virus signals, which suggest this is an area with likely Zika transmission. NEA's surveillance efforts, which include the use of gravitraps in HDB estates to catch Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, are part of regular operations to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. As of 12 June, seven Zika cases have been reported in Singapore in 2025, with the latest confirmed on 11 June. The agency advised residents to seek medical advice early if they show symptoms such as rash, fever, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. While there is no specific treatment for Zika, the CDA advised pregnant women to consult their obstetricians promptly due to the risk of congenital issues like microcephaly in babies. For more information on the Woodlands Zika cases, read here. Amazon has officially joined the growing list of companies warning that artificial intelligence will reshape the workforce — and not always in a good way. In a memo released on Tuesday (17 June), CEO Andy Jassy said the tech giant expects AI-driven efficiency gains to lead to a leaner corporate workforce in the years ahead. While there are no immediate layoffs, the writing is on the wall: jobs that can be automated may soon disappear. The trend towards AI superiority can already be felt in the job market. Shopify's CEO said new hires must prove AI can't do the job better. Duolingo plans to replace contractors with AI, while Salesforce won't be hiring engineers in 2025 because their current hires are getting more done with AI tools. Christian Schneider, the CEO of New York-based startup fileAI, told BI that he's already seeing job losses in corners of the tech industry, and he expects AI to exacerbate the trend. "I'm totally expecting a tightening. I think when we look into tech layoffs, it's so apparent that something is changing," said Schneider. That said, it's not all doom and gloom. Experts say while some jobs will vanish, others will evolve – and workers may find themselves moving into more people-centric roles or overseeing AI-generated results rather than doing the grunt work. For more on AI reshaping the work force, read here. Three Australian men suspected of gunning down a man in a Bali villa were briefly held in Singapore before being deported back to Indonesia. On 14 June, two masked men stormed a villa in Badung and fatally shot 32-year-old Australian Zivan Radmanovic. Another man, 34-year-old Sanar Ghanim, was seriously injured in the same attack. The suspects, believed to have worn masks, then fled the scene and linked up with a third accomplice, who helped them escape. One of the suspects, a 27-year-old identified only by his initials DFJ, was arrested at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport while trying to board a flight to Cambodia via Singapore. DFJ is alleged to have played a key role in planning the attack and escape. The other two men (also identified by their initials), 22-year-old MC and 27-year-old PMT, managed to leave for Cambodia after transiting through Singapore on 16 June. However, Cambodian authorities denied them entry, and they were placed on a return flight to Indonesia, again transiting through Singapore. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed it took the pair into custody during their stopover and deported them to Indonesia on 17 June, in accordance with international civil aviation protocols. For more on the suspects, read here. Singapore's universities continue to impress on the global stage, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) maintaining its position at eighth place in the Britain-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also made significant progress, climbing three spots to 12th place following an 11-position jump last year. The rankings, which assess 1,500 institutions worldwide, continue to be dominated by US and Britain universities, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) holding the top spot for the 14th consecutive year. NUS remains the highest-ranked university in Asia. The QS rankings are based on nine indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, employment outcomes and sustainability. NUS president Tan Eng Chye said, "We are particularly heartened to be ranked amongst the best in Asia for academic reputation, and to have made notable advances in employer reputation and international research partnerships." NTU president Ho Teck Hua said, "NTU's strong showing in this year's QS rankings reflects its constant efforts to reimagine itself amidst a rapidly changing world." For more on the rankings of other Singapore universities, read here. A 42-year-old cyclist is under police investigation for wilful trespass after he was hit by a bullet on 15 June while cycling through a restricted zone in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live firing. The incident occurred while the SAF was conducting an exercise at Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km away from where the man was injured. The bullet struck his lower left back and was later removed at National University Hospital the same day. The injury was not life-threatening, and the man is currently stable after surgery. The Ministry of Defence has reminded everyone that these live-firing areas are strictly off-limits under the Military Manoeuvres Act, and signs are clearly posted to warn people to stay out for their own safety. The Woodcutter's Trail, which lies within CCNR is an unofficial route that's popular among cyclists for its challenging slopes and winding paths. Though there are warning signs around the park, some cyclists and hikers have been known to ignore them, reported The Straits Times. For more on the investigation on the cyclist, read here. Microsoft is planning another wave of job cuts, with thousands of roles – particularly in sales – expected to be affected. According to sources familiar with the matter, the layoffs are likely to be announced in early July, shortly after the company's fiscal year ends in June. The cuts are also not expected to be limited to just one department. The reductions are part of the company's latest move to trim its workforce amid heavy spending on artificial intelligence. This follows a separate round of layoffs in May that saw 6,000 roles axed, mostly in product and engineering. Sales and marketing staff were largely spared then. However, in April, Microsoft informed employees that it would increasingly rely on third-party vendors to handle software sales for smaller clients. For more on the expected Microsoft job cuts, read here. Two local Zika cases have been confirmed in Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32, according to a joint update by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on 19 June. After being notified of the cases, NEA began wastewater testing and mosquito surveillance in the surrounding residential area. The results revealed persistent Zika virus signals, which suggest this is an area with likely Zika transmission. NEA's surveillance efforts, which include the use of gravitraps in HDB estates to catch Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, are part of regular operations to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. As of 12 June, seven Zika cases have been reported in Singapore in 2025, with the latest confirmed on 11 June. The agency advised residents to seek medical advice early if they show symptoms such as rash, fever, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. While there is no specific treatment for Zika, the CDA advised pregnant women to consult their obstetricians promptly due to the risk of congenital issues like microcephaly in babies. For more information on the Woodlands Zika cases, read here. Amazon has officially joined the growing list of companies warning that artificial intelligence will reshape the workforce — and not always in a good way. In a memo released on Tuesday (17 June), CEO Andy Jassy said the tech giant expects AI-driven efficiency gains to lead to a leaner corporate workforce in the years ahead. While there are no immediate layoffs, the writing is on the wall: jobs that can be automated may soon disappear. The trend towards AI superiority can already be felt in the job market. Shopify's CEO said new hires must prove AI can't do the job better. Duolingo plans to replace contractors with AI, while Salesforce won't be hiring engineers in 2025 because their current hires are getting more done with AI tools. Christian Schneider, the CEO of New York-based startup fileAI, told BI that he's already seeing job losses in corners of the tech industry, and he expects AI to exacerbate the trend. "I'm totally expecting a tightening. I think when we look into tech layoffs, it's so apparent that something is changing," said Schneider. That said, it's not all doom and gloom. Experts say while some jobs will vanish, others will evolve – and workers may find themselves moving into more people-centric roles or overseeing AI-generated results rather than doing the grunt work. For more on AI reshaping the work force, read here. Three Australian men suspected of gunning down a man in a Bali villa were briefly held in Singapore before being deported back to Indonesia. On 14 June, two masked men stormed a villa in Badung and fatally shot 32-year-old Australian Zivan Radmanovic. Another man, 34-year-old Sanar Ghanim, was seriously injured in the same attack. The suspects, believed to have worn masks, then fled the scene and linked up with a third accomplice, who helped them escape. One of the suspects, a 27-year-old identified only by his initials DFJ, was arrested at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport while trying to board a flight to Cambodia via Singapore. DFJ is alleged to have played a key role in planning the attack and escape. The other two men (also identified by their initials), 22-year-old MC and 27-year-old PMT, managed to leave for Cambodia after transiting through Singapore on 16 June. However, Cambodian authorities denied them entry, and they were placed on a return flight to Indonesia, again transiting through Singapore. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed it took the pair into custody during their stopover and deported them to Indonesia on 17 June, in accordance with international civil aviation protocols. For more on the suspects, read here. Singapore's universities continue to impress on the global stage, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) maintaining its position at eighth place in the Britain-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also made significant progress, climbing three spots to 12th place following an 11-position jump last year. The rankings, which assess 1,500 institutions worldwide, continue to be dominated by US and Britain universities, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) holding the top spot for the 14th consecutive year. NUS remains the highest-ranked university in Asia. The QS rankings are based on nine indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, international research network, employment outcomes and sustainability. NUS president Tan Eng Chye said, "We are particularly heartened to be ranked amongst the best in Asia for academic reputation, and to have made notable advances in employer reputation and international research partnerships." NTU president Ho Teck Hua said, "NTU's strong showing in this year's QS rankings reflects its constant efforts to reimagine itself amidst a rapidly changing world." For more on the rankings of other Singapore universities, read here. A 42-year-old cyclist is under police investigation for wilful trespass after he was hit by a bullet on 15 June while cycling through a restricted zone in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). The area was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live firing. The incident occurred while the SAF was conducting an exercise at Nee Soon Range, about 2.3km away from where the man was injured. The bullet struck his lower left back and was later removed at National University Hospital the same day. The injury was not life-threatening, and the man is currently stable after surgery. The Ministry of Defence has reminded everyone that these live-firing areas are strictly off-limits under the Military Manoeuvres Act, and signs are clearly posted to warn people to stay out for their own safety. The Woodcutter's Trail, which lies within CCNR is an unofficial route that's popular among cyclists for its challenging slopes and winding paths. Though there are warning signs around the park, some cyclists and hikers have been known to ignore them, reported The Straits Times. For more on the investigation on the cyclist, read here.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Thailand Plots Huge Economic Success With $1.2 Billion Bangkok F1 Race
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Thai government has officially sanctioned a budget of $1.2 billion to host a Grand Prix in the capital city of Bangkok. With several Grand Prix venues reporting a significant economic impact through Formula One, Thailand is eager to host a street race. A 3.54-mile street circuit is being planned through the Chatuchak Park area, and the inaugural race is expected to take place in three years. A report by Autosport states that Thailand and F1 will enter into a five-year contract starting in 2028. The confirmation of a street race in Bangkok arrives months after F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali met with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss the ambitious plan. Considering the economic boom local economies experience through F1 races, the global demand for F1 is witnessing an upward trend. Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads the field into turn one at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in... Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads the field into turn one at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. MoreThe news of setting aside $1.2 billion for the event was announced by tourism minister Sorawong Thienthong in a press conference. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub revealed his confidence in hosting an F1 race. He said: "In the next two-three years, Thailand will have world-class competition, which we never thought would happen in Thailand." While Thailand is gearing up to potentially have its first race in Bangkok, F1 announced a fresh contract extension for the Canadian GP yesterday, which secured its spot on the F1 calendar for the next ten years. The new four-year deal extended Montreal's validity on the calendar from 2031 to 2035. Newsweek Sports reported the comments of Stefano Domenicali. He said: "As Formula 1 celebrates its 75th anniversary, it is fitting that we have announced an extension with the Canadian Grand Prix, a race that has such incredible history in our sport and is named after a true legend in Gilles Villeneuve. "Montreal is an incredible city, full of energy and passionate fans, and I am delighted to confirm that we will continue racing here through to the 2035 season and that our media rights deal with Bell Media is also extending in the long term. "I would like to thank the promoter, Octane Racing Group, for their continued efforts in upgrading this iconic venue in recent years, and all local, regional, and national political stakeholders who have worked closely together to make this event what it is today. "I would also like to thank our incredible Canadian fans. I look forward to creating more unforgettable moments in Montréal with you over the next 10 years." The announcement of the new Canadian GP deal and the upcoming race in Bangkok highlight the high demand for F1. But with the sport operating at its limit with the current 24-race calendar, it has had to drop iconic circuits such as Imola from the 2026 calendar, while Barcelona's future for 2027 remains uncertain.
