MDIS Alumière🎓💡: The Anatomy of Success

Nicholas Luo, MDIS Alumnus, School of Business and Social Sciences, Class of 2012

Behind every great success is hard work. Nicholas began his journey, all while juggling his busy schedule a part-time student at MDIS and hustling day-to-day as an sales and business coach. His driving force? A passion to become an entrepreneur that helps more people!

Why did you choose to study at MDIS? 

At that time, I had just completed my National Service. To expand my business skills and aid me in my endeavours as an entrepreneur, I sought out a reputed business school. MDIS prevailed over the other options I had due to two key reasons: the timeframe (9–12 months) and the relevance of the curriculum. 

“My marketing lecturer, Mr. David, did a wonderful job of delivering his classes.” 

Describe your MDIS Experience. 

Given that this was a part-time programme, I had to attend classes twice a week in the evenings from 7pm to 11pm. Most of the people in my batch were working adults who wanted to advance their qualifications or expertise for career progression. The student body was made up of people ranging from their early 20s to mid-50s, which was very interesting to me because it presented a unique opportunity to gain insights and network with people from diverse backgrounds. 

The lecturers also had relevant industry experience and were knowledgeable.  

How did you manage to network with your classmates despite your tight schedules between work and studying? 

As most of us came to class straight from work, we did not have the luxury of having a relaxing dinner. Instead, you would most often find us somewhere nearby campus having a quick snack and chit-chatting before lectures.  

Was there any particular lecturer that stood out for you? 

My marketing lecturer, Mr. David, did a wonderful job of delivering his classes. Using case studies based on large, real-world enterprises made the lessons practical and relevant, which helped me to see the value of lifelong learning, especially in the commercial sense.  

“Success is not determined by the size of your financial account.” 

Do you think graduating from a private education institute has put you in a disadvantage against others who graduated from local university? 

Definitely not. 

What are you currently pursuing since graduating from MDIS? 

I have been managing my own business and I was able to develop the business entrepreneurship curriculum for my training company, using the skills and experience that I gained.  

I have also applied the knowledge in creating new business strategies or providing my clients with business consulting services. It has helped me in practically every aspect of my path as an entrepreneur and continues to have an impact on all of my daily work decisions. 

Attending a networking session with other entrepreneurs

“I’ve always wanted to start my own business and expand it to serve a variety of missions.” 

What are your personal motivations? 

Living as an example that, no matter how your life begins, you can accomplish whatever your goals are. Success is not determined by the size of your financial account. But look at how far you’ve come since you started. 

My training companies offer educational services to MOE schools in one of my company portfolios. My goal is to give children from disadvantaged or low-income families access to affordable education.  

I also personally give motivational talks and host workshops on educational career coaching for students in schools. In 2021, I started an international coaching business as a personal brand to expand my horizons and reach. I’m currently developing another new business to offer sales and business coaching, providing services such as a 1:1 mentoring programme. 

My ultimate goal is to connect with more people and through my advice and coaching, help them see how they can change their lives.  

Filming a ‘how to’ for his Instagram page 

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? 

I’ve always wanted to start my own business and expand it to serve a variety of missions. I have various purposes for each of my entities. 

Would you like to share some words of wisdom to students/fresh graduates looking to becoming an entrepreneur as well? 

Cherish your time spent learning and treasure the experience you have gained. There is no need for regrets because every path taken is a path chosen. When one door closes, another door of opportunities may open. Most of all, always live life to the fullest. 

MDIS

Founded in 1956, the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) is Singapore’s oldest not-for-profit professional institute for lifelong learning. MDIS has two main subsidiaries: Management Development Institute of Singapore Pte Ltd which oversees its Singapore academic operations, and MDIS International Pte Ltd which focuses on MDIS’ globalisation strategy. MDIS offers internationally-accredited courses in Business and Management, Engineering, Fashion and Design, Health and Nursing, Information Technology, Languages and Education, Life Sciences, Media and Communications, Psychology, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Safety and Environmental Management.

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