For ambitious Singaporean students seeking a truly global business education without leaving home, ESSEC’s Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) program offers the perfect blend of international prestige and local accessibility.

Three remarkable students—Abigail Lai, Kyra Poh, and Asad Mohamed—demonstrate how this prestigious French institution shapes Singapore’s next generation of business leaders.

Their diverse backgrounds reflect Singapore’s multicultural fabric: Abigail from Singapore Chinese Girls’ School and Singapore Polytechnic, Kyra from the Singapore School of the Arts, and Asad from the Global Indian School of Singapore.

Yet all found their academic home at ESSEC, where French excellence meets Asian opportunity.

Building Global Networks and Perspectives

The draw of international exposure remains a key motivator for local students. “While I enjoyed my time in the local education system, I wanted to develop a global perspective,” explains Abigail Lai, who was particularly attracted to ESSEC’s double-degree programs and luxury marketing connections.

The program’s extensive network of 188 exchange and double-degree partners provides unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion.

The diversity factor proved crucial for Asad Mohamed, who switched from engineering. “ESSEC stood out from other schools as its cohort was more diverse,” he notes. He appreciated the program’s practical approach and mandatory exchange opportunities while remaining financially sensible by starting close to family.

Practical Experience Through Real-World Application

ESSEC’s commitment to experiential learning sets it apart from traditional academic programs. Students must complete internships as early as their first year, accumulating up to 16 months of professional experience by the time of graduation.

Abigail gained exposure to luxury marketing at LVMH’s APAC division and financial services at TD Securities, strengthening her ability to multitask in fast-paced environments across different industries.

An indoor skydiving world champion, Kyra completed a three-month Sports Marketing internship at Red Bull International Headquarters, perfectly merging her athletic background with business acumen.

Asad’s internship at tech company IDEMIA provided crucial insights into corporate operations. “Having experiences like this is very important in business school because you won’t understand the impact of what you’re learning until you enter the real world,” he emphasizes.

The practical application extends beyond internships through competitions, with Asad participating in the ESSEC Case Competition for Future Leaders despite being in his first semester.

Leadership Development and Cultural Adaptation

Beyond academics, ESSEC nurtures leadership through various roles and responsibilities. Students actively shape their educational experience through representation and ambassadorial positions.

Asad serves as class representative and Student Ambassador while helping to establish ESSEC Junior Development Singapore, gaining consulting experience equivalent to running a real company.

ESSEC’s multicultural environment fosters personal growth. Abigail’s double degree at Peking University built resilience and cross-cultural skills through navigating differences and working with Chinese companies.

Kyra emphasizes the program’s collaborative culture: “ESSEC offers so much to explore, and its global network is extensive—both among students and alumni. Whether you want to collaborate on projects, seek mentorship, or make new friends, ESSEC offers a welcoming community ready to support you.”

These three Singaporean success stories highlight why ESSEC’s Global BBA program resonates with ambitious local students. By combining French academic rigor, international exposure, practical experience, and cultural diversity, ESSEC creates an unmatched educational ecosystem.

As Asad aptly concludes, “When you grow up meeting people from different cultures, it becomes ingrained in your mindset to be more open-minded and quickly adapt”—a skill increasingly vital in today’s interconnected business world.

For Singaporean students eager to seize global opportunities while remaining rooted in Asia, ESSEC provides the ideal launchpad for international careers.