Academic excellence at ESSEC Asia-Pacific reflects the exceptional caliber of students drawn to the Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) program from across Southeast Asia.

This semester, three outstanding students from the region have earned prestigious Dean’s List recognition, demonstrating how the program’s rigorous curriculum and supportive learning environment enable local talent to achieve international academic standards while building foundations for global business careers.

First-Year Excellence: Éloïse Le Sets Early Standards

Éloïse Le, a Singaporean student in BBA Year 1, Semester 1, has distinguished herself among her international cohort through exceptional academic performance, earning Dean’s List recognition in her inaugural semester at ESSEC. Her achievement demonstrates the high academic standards and dedication that characterize successful GBBA students from their earliest educational experiences.

“Achieving Dean’s List in my first semester is incredibly rewarding after intensive studying and adapting to university. The rigorous coursework developed my time management and analytical thinking skills, making the hard work worthwhile.”

Éloïse’s success illustrates how the GBBA program’s comprehensive foundation courses in business fundamentals, mathematics, and liberal arts create challenging yet supportive environments for academic excellence. Her achievement sets positive examples for incoming students while demonstrating the academic rigor that defines the GBBA experience.

The transition from secondary education to university-level business studies requires significant adjustment in analytical thinking, writing standards, and collaborative learning approaches. Éloïse’s Dean’s List achievement demonstrates successful navigation of these academic challenges while building competencies essential for advanced business education.

Regarding the biggest adjustment, Éloïse shared: “The biggest adjustment was balancing personal commitments with autonomous studies, ‘adulting’ responsibilities like managing a part-time job and administrative matters, and adapting to English-only classes. I also learned to act more professionally and commit to club responsibilities.”

When asked what helped her achieve the Dean’s List in her first semester, Éloïse stated: “Staying organized and consistent was key. I made flashcards, participated actively in class, and sought help when needed, even bouncing back from midterm setbacks. A balanced work-life with friends every weekend, combined with consistent, small study efforts, truly paid off.”

Second-Year Leadership: Indonesian Students Excel

Janice Augustine and Olivia Gunawan, both Indonesian students in BBA Year 2 Semester 3, have achieved Dean’s List recognition during one of the program’s most challenging academic periods.

“Earning Dean’s List recognition feels like validation of the countless hours spent in the library and the sacrifices made to prioritize academics,” Janice shares. “The advanced coursework in international business and strategic management required deeper analytical thinking, but achieving this recognition confirms that my dedication and study strategies are paying off”.

Olivia echoes similar sentiments about her academic journey and recognition: “Being on the Dean’s List represents the culmination of consistent effort and the support I’ve received from professors and classmates. The program’s challenging curriculum pushed me to develop stronger research skills and critical thinking abilities that I know will benefit my future career”.

Their achievements during Year 2, Semester 3, prove particularly significant, as this period introduces advanced business concepts, specialized coursework, and increased expectations for independent research and analysis. Success at this level demonstrates mastery of foundational concepts while building the capabilities necessary for senior-level coursework and professional preparation.

Future Implications and Career Preparation

Dean’s List recognition provides significant advantages for competitive internship applications, graduate school admissions, and early career recruitment while demonstrating the academic excellence that employers seek in business graduates.

On how this recognition shapes her next steps, Éloïse shared: “Achieving 1st on the Dean’s List boosted my confidence and motivates me to aim higher. It opened more professional and school opportunities, with recognition even from other campuses. This encourages me to explore leadership, financial analysis, finance and sustainability, help peers, and pursue the PKU double degree in China.”

These academic achievements lay a strong foundation for advanced coursework, leadership opportunities, and the specialized knowledge development that characterizes successful GBBA program completion and career preparation. The combination of academic excellence with regional cultural competence positions these students strategically for careers that bridge Southeast Asian markets with international business opportunities, leveraging both analytical capabilities and cultural intelligence for professional success.

Regional students achieving Dean’s List recognition exemplify the GBBA program’s mission of developing globally competent business leaders who combine international academic standards with deep regional expertise and cultural understanding essential for leadership in the Asia-Pacific region.