For many Indonesian students, choosing to study in Singapore is not just about proximity — it’s about gaining access to one of Asia’s most dynamic business ecosystems. At Singapore Management University (SMU), the MSc in Management (MiM) program brings together a globally diverse cohort, offering students the opportunity to build strong business foundations, expand their networks, and accelerate their careers in Asia and beyond.
In this feature, we speak with Jesslyn Bernaidi and Kevin Nathanael Aminta Putra from Indonesia, members of the August 2025 MiM cohort. They share their motivations for pursuing a master’s degree in Singapore, their experiences at SMU, and how they are positioning themselves for the next stage of their careers.
1) Can you share a bit about your background, where you’re from in Indonesia, and what inspired you to pursue a master’s degree?
I was born in Palembang and moved alone to Jakarta during high school. That transition broadened my perspective and sparked my interest in the creative industry, especially cinematography, which led me to pursue a film major during my undergraduate studies in Indonesia.
After graduation, I spent almost two years working as a production assistant in commercial production. This role allowed me to sharpen my technical and creative abilities while also exposing me to the broader business side of branding, marketing, and project management.
2) What drew you to Singapore for your postgraduate studies, and why SMU’s MiM?
While exploring master’s programs, I was particularly drawn to Singapore. Although it’s a small country, it has developed into a global business hub, supported by a diverse culture, pro-business policies, and an international outlook.
What stood out to me about SMU was its seminar-style learning, which emphasises participation, leadership, and collaboration. I chose the MiM program because it welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, making it a strong fit for someone like me transitioning from the creative industry. It offers the opportunity to combine my creative experience with a structured foundation in business and leadership.
3) What has been the most impactful learning experience so far?
Each class has pushed me beyond my creative background. I was used to thinking in visual and storytelling terms, but the program has trained me to approach problems using structured frameworks and data-driven reasoning.
The professors play a key role in this process. Beyond lectures, they are open to discussions and actively engage with our ideas. This has helped me become more structured in my thinking, especially when tackling business problems that require both creativity and analytical decision-making.
4) As an Indonesian student, what helped you adapt to life in Singapore?
Before moving to Singapore, I attended an SMU Postgraduate event in Jakarta led by Professor Themin Suwardy. This gave me early exposure to the SMU community and allowed me to connect with future classmates.
Those connections made the transition smoother, as I already had a support system when I arrived. At the same time, Singapore’s multicultural environment made it easy to feel at home. Exploring different cuisines and cultures with classmates has been a meaningful way to adapt and connect.
5) What motivated your pivot from creative production to management?
While working in commercial production, I became increasingly curious about how branding decisions influence a company’s positioning and revenue. Most of the projects I worked on involved FMCG and tech products, which sparked my interest in how these businesses operate beyond execution.
I realised that while creative roles focus on delivery and problem-solving, management requires structured thinking, strategic planning, and leadership. Recognising this gap motivated me to pursue the MiM. The program is now helping me reposition myself for roles beyond creative production, particularly in marketing strategy and project management within consumer and tech sectors.
6) What SMU resources would you recommend?
SMU’s career services have been especially impactful. Career coaches helped me understand how to position myself in Singapore’s job market and explore career paths I had not previously considered.
In addition, networking events, industry talks, and mentoring opportunities provide valuable exposure to real-world perspectives. These experiences are essential not just for learning, but for building connections and confidence in a new environment.
Through these experiences and conversations with producers, agencies, and directors, I realised the importance of combining creative thinking with strong business acumen. This ultimately inspired me to pursue a master’s degree.
7) What co-curricular experience has been most meaningful?
Joining the Athletics team under the SMU Sports Union has been a meaningful part of my journey. It allowed me to stay active while connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds, including both international and local students.
Being part of this community helped me build friendships beyond my program and gain deeper insights into Singaporean culture. Balancing these experiences with academics has made my time at SMU more enriching and well-rounded.
8) What advice would you give to Indonesian students considering SMU?
Look beyond academics. While academic performance matters, what truly shapes your experience is how actively you engage with the community.
SMU offers a diverse and supportive environment where you can connect with people from different backgrounds. The transition may feel challenging at first, but by participating in activities and building relationships, you will quickly find your place.
1) Can you share your background and what inspired you to pursue a master’s degree?
I am from BSD, a suburban city near Jakarta. My undergraduate background is in Hospitality Management, and I had the opportunity to work across Asia, Europe, and the United States, which exposed me to different cultures and work environments.
As I progressed, I became interested in transitioning from operational roles into corporate-facing positions. However, there were doubts about whether someone from a hospitality background could take on such roles. Pursuing a Master’s in Management was a way for me to build a stronger business foundation and demonstrate my ability to contribute beyond operations.
2) Why Singapore and SMU?
In Indonesia, SMU is widely recognised as one of Singapore’s leading universities. Initially, I doubted my chances of getting in, but my parents encouraged me to apply. Receiving the offer was both surprising and rewarding.
3) What has been the most impactful learning experience?
Rather than a single class, it has been the overall learning environment. The curriculum balances theory with real-world application, and class discussions encourage students to challenge perspectives and share ideas.
Learning alongside peers from different countries has also broadened my thinking. It has helped me approach problems with a more global and structured perspective.
4) What helped you adapt to life in Singapore?
Singapore felt relatively familiar, as it is close to Indonesia and shares some cultural similarities. Having previously studied overseas also helped me adapt more quickly to a new environment.
5) How have your international experiences shaped your approach to people management — and how has MiM built on that?
Working across different regions taught me that people management requires understanding diverse communication styles and expectations. I learned to listen carefully, adapt my approach, and consider different perspectives before making decisions.
The MiM program has helped me reflect on these experiences more systematically. Through frameworks and discussions, I can now better understand and apply what I previously experienced in practice. The program is also helping me transition into corporate-facing roles, where I can combine operational experience with structured business thinking.
6) What SMU resources would you recommend?
SMU offers a wide range of opportunities, from networking events to student organisations. I would recommend taking advantage of as many as possible, even those outside your comfort zone.
These experiences not only expand your knowledge but also help you build meaningful connections.
7) What co-curricular experience has been most meaningful?
Postgraduate activities have been a great way to meet people across different programs. I also joined the mentoring program and was matched with an alumni mentor who has provided valuable career guidance.
This experience has been particularly meaningful, as it gave me insights I would not have gained otherwise.
8) What advice would you give to Indonesian students?
Coming to SMU has been a life-changing decision for me. The knowledge I have gained and the people I have met have made the experience incredibly meaningful.
If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this: sometimes you just have to take the chance. You never fully know the outcome until you try — and it could turn out to be one of the best decisions you make.
Kevin and Jesslyn’s journeys reflect the opportunities that the MiM program at SMU offers — from gaining global perspectives to building the skills needed for career transitions.
For Indonesian students considering a postgraduate journey, their experiences show what is possible at SMU — whether it is pivoting careers, strengthening business foundations, or expanding into new industries.
If you are looking to broaden your opportunities and build a strong foundation in business, the SMU MSc in Management could be your next step.
