Watching a Lamborghini assembled by hand, every curve and finish tailored with intent. Hearing a family business owner speak candidly about navigating legacy and reinvention. Observing how heritage brands adapt to shifting expectations, while holding onto their roots.
These were some of the immersive experiences that James Teo, Jackson Wu, and Adeline Lai—all alumni of SMU’s Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme—found most memorable during their one-week course at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan, Italy. They were among the EMBA alumni invited to join current students in the programme’s lifelong learning initiative.
The lifelong learning feature of the EMBA programme was first introduced five years ago, amidst a change of pace across industries—driven by technology, shifting geopolitics and regulations, and evolving business models—that made clear the importance of continuous learning.
“We see knowledge becoming outdated faster than ever before,” said Dr Ang Ser Keng, Academic Director of SMU’s EMBA programme. “Offering our alumni continued access to courses and overseas segments helps them to stay relevant, while deepening our engagement as a community. It also fosters cross-generational learning as these sessions bring together multiple cohorts.”
James, a 2019 graduate, could not agree more. He saw the segment at SDA Bocconi, which focused on luxury brand positioning, as a strong opportunity for personal development.
“The segment covered topics not part of my original curriculum: luxury branding, family businesses, and supply chains,” explained James, who is now preparing to lead public sector engagements for a blockchain analytics company. “I particularly enjoyed the plant visit to Lamborghini. Seeing how each supercar is surgically customised to elevate its luxury status was eye-opening.”
A holistic learning experience
The EMBA alumni can enrol in one complimentary course per year, including local MBA electives and overseas immersion segments. This flexibility appeals to those who are not only seeking to remain competitive, but also those who view learning as an ongoing conversation with peers, professors, and the world.
“Our students will learn from classmates with diverse backgrounds and experiences, which helps with accelerated learning,” remarked Dr Ang. “There are also unique opportunities to learn from eminent professors from top universities in our overseas segment in Europe, the United States, and China.”
Jackson, an alumnus who has spent decades in public service and is now pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration at SMU, concurred. “You can’t get this kind of experiential learning from books.”
He added that he enrolled in the EMBA programme because he was drawn to SMU’s close-knit community, networking opportunities, and environment that fosters a strong learning loop from theory to practice.
Joining the recent cohort at SDA Bocconi was Jackson’s first time participating in the programme’s lifelong learning initiative. The visit reinforced key ideas around customer experience and value perception—themes that feed directly into his doctoral research and entrepreneurial pursuits.
“SMU’s EMBA team and partner institutions like Bocconi don’t just curate content; they create space for rich, meaningful exchanges that broaden your horizons,” he elaborated. “I highly recommend the EMBA to professionals striving for marked progress and breakthroughs in our shared economic universe.”
Staying agile in an evolving world
The EMBA’s emphasis on global outlook and Asian insight is what initially drew Adeline to the programme. A seasoned private banking professional with over 30 years in wealth management, Adeline is no stranger to long-term planning. She continues to return to the EMBA for segments that broaden her understanding of adjacent industries and emerging trends.
“The luxury goods and family business topics we explored in Italy aligned closely with what many of my clients care about—legacy, sustainability, and generational shifts,” she shared. “It’s important in my line of work to stay agile and speak the language of my clients.”
Adeline had previously joined sessions on data analytics, crisis management, and international business in Shanghai, China. For her, each return is an opportunity to grow. “The world evolves, and so does the classroom. There’s always something new to learn,” she remarked.
As the EMBA marks over a decade since its launch, its curriculum continues to be shaped by input from business leaders and a growing alumni network across industries and geographies. The lifelong learning feature is an integral part of the programme’s philosophy that sees leadership as a continuous journey.
“Over time, the programme has evolved beyond just sharpening business acumen. There's now a deeper focus on personal leadership growth. It helps our students reflect on their purpose, lead with impact, and navigate the uncertainties that define today’s world,” explained Dr Ang.
Having a growth mindset is key
For prospective students considering the EMBA programme, the advice from all three alumni is simple: approach it not just as a degree, but also as a mindset.
“I believe in having a strong purpose and a deep passion in our endeavours,” James reflected. “Continuously learning with the SMU EMBA is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth.”
“Be open to challenges,” said Adeline. “Learn from your peers and make time for the friendships that form along the way. That’s the secret recipe of the whole experience.”
Discover how the SMU Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme can sharpen your leadership acumen here.
