Self-improvement matters

Mr Edwin Tan took a Master of Science in Engineering Business Management from Coventry University offered through PSB Academy

Jan 10, 2019

For Mr Edwin Tan, learning is a lifelong journey with opportunities that you create for yourself.

Not deterred by a poor performance at his first attempt at the O-levels, Mr Tan tried again the following year and achieved stellar results.

After working in various industries over the years, he decided to pursue a diploma in business from the University of Canberra in 2004. In 2006, he joined the ship-building industry working in operations and production. He then obtained another Diploma in Marine; Offshore Technology from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 2011.

Yet, he continued to search for opportunities to upgrade himself.

With his wealth of working experience, Mr Tan was able to enrol in the Master of Science in Engineering Business Management from Coventry University offered through PSB Academy in 2017.

Last year, the 47-year-old was not only promoted to an assistant manager in his organisation, but also graduated top of his cohort.

Mr Tan shares more about his postgraduate study experience:

What drew you to the course?

My work involves looking for ways to improve various functions in my organisation, including the adoption of newer technology and the move towards digitalisation.

The modules of the master’s programme were relevant to my field of work, touching on areas of quality management, project management, making financial decisions, and lean six sigma — a combination of improvement methods that seeks to reduce an organisation’s costs by making processes more efficient.

The part-time course also allowed me to balance work, family and study time with classes.

What were some of the highlights?

The course modules helped me perform my work better, but my classmates were also people from all walks of life that I had the pleasure of learning from.

I pursued the master’s for a sense of personal achievement and also learnt a new skill — dissertation writing. It is something I have always wanted to do.

Would you recommend this course?

This programme is particularly good for those with an engineering background who are looking for a flexible course on weekends. The educators are also helpful, always ready to provide guidance and share their knowledge.