Equipped to excel

The NUS-ISS Master of Technology in Enterprise Business Analytics programme gets Mr Tan Aik Chong ready for the digital age

Teo Kuan Yee
Aug 12, 2018

TWO years ago, Mr Tan Aik Chong (above), a trained accountant, felt it was time to upskill himself after working for almost two decades.

So the 45-year-old bit the bullet and pursued the Master of Technology in Enterprise Business Analytics (MTech EBAC) offered by the Institute of Systems Science, National University of Singapore (NUS-ISS) while working.

Explains Mr Tan: “I chose to pursue an advanced degree in data science due to the digital transformation the world is undergoing.

I see great opportunities in how data science can be leveraged to add value to businesses, and the finance and accounting profession.”

Being a hands-on person, he was attracted to the practical approach of the MTech EBAC. Its internship programme would also allow him to apply the concepts learned to solve real-world problems.

Whole new world

The programme was an eye-opening experience and required a paradigm shift, says Mr Tan.

He adds: “Even for the subject matter that I had some practical experience with, I discovered new ways of how things can be done in the digital age, due to improvements in computing resources and new algorithms developed in the last few years.”

Since graduating this year, his new skills have propelled him to a new job as a data scientist in a pharmaceutical company.

“It’s exciting to see the decision science solutions and AI applications you help create make a positive impact on internal and external customers. It certainly feels more empowering than just drifting along with the disruptions,” he says.

“No longer can we take for granted that old tricks can work as effectively and efficiently to tackle new problems. We have to adapt to become adept in the digital age,” he adds.

Study at your own pace

Students can study for the MTech EBAC full-time or part-time. According to Dr Rita Chakravarti, chief, MTech EBAC, the programme aims to meet the industry demand for data scientists in order to help organisations enhance business outcomes through data insights.

In September, it will be available in a stackable format, which comprises a series of certificates that stack up towards a full degree. This means students can enjoy the flexibility of studying at their own pace by taking the required modular courses that stack up towards a graduate certificate, and eventually a master’s degree.

Applications are now open online for the January 2019 intake of the MTech EBAC (part-time).

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Aug 12, 2018.