Nikhil Sahai
Master of IT in Business (Analytics)
Class of 2015
As Head of Data at Warner Bros. Discovery (Asia), I lead the data and AI strategy for MAX Streaming across the region – shaping the way millions of viewers discover and experience content. With over 15 years of experience spanning media, telecom, and digital platforms, my career is rooted in building data capabilities from the ground up. I’m also the founder of Data for Entrepreneurs, an educational platform and book series focused on helping startups build modern data and AI infrastructure. From publishing two books to launching a free AI chatbot tutorial viewed over 800 times, my mission has always been to make data more accessible and actionable.
I started my journey with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, and after over 4 years in the workforce, I felt the need to sharpen my knowledge of analytics, data science, and strategic leadership. While I had built a strong foundation through work experience, I needed a structured programme that could help me bridge the gap between technical depth and business application. That’s what drew me to the SMU Master of IT in Business (MITB) programme.
The MITB programme offered more than just academic knowledge. It allowed me to rethink how data can drive strategic transformation at scale. The hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and peer discussions helped me to evolve from being a practitioner into a strategic decision-maker.
One of the most direct applications of my learning came in my role at Warner Bros. Discovery, where I designed AI strategies using concepts that I studied in MITB—like customer segmentation, recommender systems, and product development. These directly contributed to projects focused on content personalisation, churn prediction, and customer lifecycle optimisation. I’ve also applied what I learned to mentor startup founders, design data governance policies, and launch my chatbot using RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) techniques.
A particularly memorable experience during my MITB journey was our group capstone project, where we partnered with a retail tech company to build a machine learning-powered attribution model. It was intense, fast-paced, and exposed me to cross-functional problem solving with real-world implications—similar to what you’d have experienced in startups.
I have fond memories of several professors whose teachings left a lasting impact. Associate Professor Kam Tin Seong made data visualisation and geospatial analytics come alive in ways that changed how I view data storytelling. Dr Seema Chokshi sharpened my lens on customer analytics and decision making, and Professor Michelle Cheong, with her structured approach to analytics, laid the foundation for much of the technical work I lead today.
And of course, who could forget the special MITB section in the SMU library? It became a second home during my time at SMU. I have fond memories of wrapping up my evenings there, always punctuated by the same “Closing Time” tune at 10 p.m. sharp. It’s a nostalgic memory that still makes me smile.
Today, I regularly hire from the MITB talent pool and continue to be amazed by the quality of professionals this programme produces. I’m a strong believer in the MITB curriculum. I’ve hired several MITB graduates into different roles over the past decade. I know first-hand the kind of rigorous training and practical mindset the programme instills. That’s why I trust it – not just as an alumnus, but as a hiring manager.
To prospective students: if you’re looking to elevate your career and want a programme that challenges your thinking while staying rooted in industry practice, MITB is the right place. Come in with curiosity, be willing to challenge your assumptions, and make the most of the relationships you build—because those connections will continue to shape your journey long after graduation.
