Nigel Tan

Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?

Prior to starting my INSEAD MBA, I was a commercial pilot flying the Airbus A350 for my country’s flag carrier. Through my work, I have flown to over 40 cities in 27 countries within one year. It was an exceptional experience, especially for an avid traveller like me.

Tell us about yourself and how you got to where you are today.

I was born and raised in Singapore. I began my career with Singapore Airlines as an airline pilot. During the COVID pandemic, when all flights were brought to a standstill, I joined EY-Parthenon as a strategy consultant for a period of two years, where I worked on multiple projects across various industries and practices within the APAC region. Post-COVID, I re-joined the airline and flew the Airbus A350, a truly state-of-the-art aircraft, to different corners of the globe.

Before that, I graduated from the Nanyang Business School at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where I also had the opportunity to do a semester exchange with ESSEC Business School in France.

What motivated you to choose the INSEAD MBA, and how do you envision it aligning with your future goals?

INSEAD, as the "Business School for the World", isn’t just a tagline; it’s a reality.

 When you come to campus, you will see that INSEAD is truly unparalleled in international diversity and is home to a melting pot of multi-national talent and interdisciplinary problem-solvers.  

The high-intensity one-year programme mirrors the fast-paced nature of our highly globalised, modern world. Pursuing an INSEAD MBA will equip me with the right skill sets and network to integrate my diverse experiences with fresh, global perspectives, allowing me to contribute further across a wider range of business verticals and challenges in my subsequent roles. 

Could you share a little about your application process?

The application process was very systematic and straightforward. There are checklists provided to ensure that you don’t miss any steps or submissions, which is handy. I spent about one month penning down my essays, while also simultaneously preparing for the GMAT. Juggling these two activities was challenging, but it did set the stage for the rigour and intensity of the MBA programme itself.  

Ensure that you spend sufficient time crafting your essays and try to be as genuine as you can! The admission officers do spend time and effort to know every candidate, so it helps if you can connect with them through your words.

How did receiving a scholarship influence your decision to join INSEAD, and what does this recognition mean to you beyond the financial aspect?

I only applied exclusively to INSEAD as it was where I was targeting to be, so the scholarship was not exactly a deciding factor. However, I was fortunate and deeply honoured to receive a scholarship from the school, as not only will it significantly ease my finances during the upcoming academic year, but it was also a meaningful recognition and validation of my diverse career background and achievements thus far by the INSEAD community. 

What are your impressions of campus life so far, and how did you navigate accommodation and sorting out all the admin? Any tips for incoming students?

The rigour is real, but so is the camaraderie. As a Singaporean, admission to Singapore as my home campus meant that accommodation and administrative matters were not of significant concern. However, with over 70 different nationalities in every MBA class, rest assured that no matter which campus you select, INSEAD has the depth of experience in helping incoming students settle down, wherever you are from.

You are starting your INSEAD MBA in Singapore. Are you planning any campus exchanges?

Although I plan to stay in Singapore for the majority of the MBA programme due to career and family considerations, I am planning to go on an exchange to Fontainebleau in Period 3! Spending some time at the France campus would be a great opportunity to expand my international networks and friendships with my peers there, and at the same time, take in the incredible heritage and unrivalled beauty of the châteaus.

In your first few weeks, what aspects of the INSEAD MBA have stood out to you as unique or particularly appealing?

The sheer pace and intensity of the programme clearly stand out, and it is truly a league of its own.

From day one, it has been a whirlwind of high-stakes activities across academics, professional career development, and a vibrant social calendar.

It is a stark, refreshing contrast to life as an undergraduate. It demands a test of your prioritisation and focus, and is what makes the MBA journey so rewarding.

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do you see them enhancing your overall MBA experience?

Beyond the classroom, I have taken part in several competitions together with a few of my classmates. One major highlight of my MBA journey was my team being crowned Champions on Master Strategist Day (MSD) – a long-standing INSEAD tradition where the MBA class work with not-for-profit organisations to develop strategic solutions to solve real-world challenges. This reinforces my belief that the INSEAD MBA is far more than an academic milestone. It is these collaborative opportunities that give the programme its holistic edge, providing a well-rounded experience that bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and impactful practice.  

You applied for your scholarship in round 4. What are some misconceptions that people have about applying in this round?

Many believe that applying in Round 4 is a ‘lost cause’ for scholarships or admission. Having successfully obtained a scholarship, along with many of my other classmates admitted in Round 4, our experiences proved otherwise. While the pool is competitive, INSEAD prioritises looking for the right fit and individuals who bring diversity to the table. Don't let the perceived odds deter you if you are motivated and driven. If you feel ready, there is no better time than now! 

Any parting words of wisdom, and are you willing to be contacted for more information by prospective students?

Be ready for an incredible ride! Being part of the INSEAD MBA opens doors to a profound tapestry of cultures and perspectives. It is a catalyst for and the perfect environment to grow as an individual, while creating memories and forging friendships that will last a lifetime.

Of course! Having benefited greatly from the collective INSEAD community, I would love to pay it forward. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn, and I’m always happy to see how I can help where I can!