Toh Boon Cheong

Could you tell us a bit about what you are currently doing?

I’m the Director of Strategy at Surbana Jurong, where I am part of the department focusing on corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and portfolio management. I also support our Board Chairman in driving AI transformation across the Group. This includes collaborating with consultants to explore how AI can transform the way our architects and engineers work, enhance efficiency, and deliver a measurable business impact.

I think what excites me most about my role is seeing how strategy translates into tangible outcomes – such as how decisions directly affect the P&L and drive revenue growth.

What made you want to embark on INSEAD’s Executive Master in Finance (EMFin) programme?

I’ve always wanted to pursue a postgraduate degree in finance. An EMBA didn’t feel like the right choice to me since I already hold a business degree from the National University of Singapore. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to be involved in multiple industries doing different roles, but my passion has always been in finance – especially how it connects to strategy and impacts on the P&L.

In terms of where I wanted to do this postgraduate degree, I was looking for a renowned international programme with a diverse mix of participants and a strong in-person learning component. INSEAD’s EMFin programme ticked all the boxes: world-class faculty, global perspectives, and a flexible arrangement that allowed me to balance work, study, and family commitments.

Were you considering any other business schools, and why did you finally decide on INSEAD?

Yes, I considered several top schools in Europe and the US. While tuition costs were comparable, INSEAD stood out for its global brand recognition.

Speaking with colleagues and alumni further reinforced my decision. The advice I kept hearing was: “The programme is intense but absolutely worth it”. That gave me the confidence to take the leap forward.

What was the experience like going through the application for the EMFin programme?

The process was comprehensive but also very supportive. Even before I applied, INSEAD’s Admissions team proactively reached out to answer my questions.
The application itself took about two to three months, involving multiple essays and interviews. Looking back, I can see how it pushed me to reflect deeply on my goals and consider whether the programme was the right fit for me.

Having embarked on the programme, how do you think the actual fit has been?

It’s been an excellent fit for my career stage. EMFin is best suited for professionals with 10 to 15 years of experience who can contribute meaningfully to case discussions. It is particularly relevant for those preparing to step into C-suite or senior finance leadership roles.

How are you funding your EMFin programme?

I’m self-funded but have also benefitted from receiving an achievement-based scholarship from INSEAD, covering about 8 to 10% of tuition. While EMFin is a significant financial commitment, it’s worth it because I see it as an investment in professional transformation and network-building. Beyond career outcomes, the real value lies in the people you meet – potential collaborators, partners, and co-investors for future ventures.

What are some of the highlights of the programme for you?

The faculty, for one, have been outstanding. They possess both academic excellence as well as board and consulting experience. Learning directly from these professors who are the authors behind many of the cases we study adds immense depth.

Another highlight has been my classmates, who are made up of senior professionals from across multiple industries and geographies. With 18 nationalities represented in a 27-person cohort, we get to enjoy really rich and diverse discussions.

The recent Fontainebleau electives module was another standout part of the programme for me. It was a chance to engage in academic learning, while at the same time, connect more deeply with fellow classmates. I believe that these experiences outside the classroom can be just as valuable as the time spent in class.

Have you been able to apply any of your learnings from the EMFin programme into your job so far?

Yes, one good example is my chosen elective in AI strategy, which links closely to my current work at Surbana Jurong. This module was instrumental in helping me to bridge finance and technology, and to translate strategy into financial KPIs and outcomes.

One key insight I got was that AI is more likely to disrupt white-collar jobs than blue-collar ones, as its value proposition lies in boosting efficiency and reducing costs in professional environments. This perspective has sharpened my approach to building business cases for AI adoption.

What are your career aspirations, and how do you see EMFin helping you to get there?

In the near term, I aim to support Surbana Jurong’s transformation journey with the tools and perspectives gained from the EMFin programme. In the longer term, I see myself building something of my own – such as investing into a search fund or private market platform. The network I’m building here has already opened doors to such opportunities.

Ultimately, EMFin has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and think more deliberately about my long-term career path.

Five of the six EMFin modules are based in the Singapore campus. How have you found it?

The campus is compact but vibrant, with everything you need for learning and networking – even a bar and a gym. The atmosphere is like a mini-United Nations, with people from all over the world gathered in one place. It’s energising and inspiring just to walk around the campus.

What advice do you have for others considering joining INSEAD’s EMFin programme?

Even if you’re at a crossroads in your career and unsure about your next move, EMFin can help you find clarity. The programme goes beyond the technical aspects of finance by providing a platform for engaging with peers who are asking the same big questions about their lives and careers. That shared exploration makes the experience transformative.