In today’s rapidly shifting business world, leadership is no longer defined by hierarchy or tenure. It’s shaped by perspective, agility, and a willingness to reinvent.
Two professionals from very different industries which are Robert Francis, Director at DataVolt, and Bee Nee Khaw, Head of Corporate Finance and Investor Relations at Mah Sing Group Berhad, share one catalyst behind their career transformation: the Global MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS).
From Expertise to Leadership
For Francis, a specialist in data infrastructure projects across Asia and the Middle East, leadership wasn’t just about technical mastery. “I needed strategic clarity, not another certification,” he said. His decision to pursue the Global MBA coincided with a career leap from managing regional projects to leading in the UAE. “The mindset shift was immediate. I stopped thinking like a manager and started thinking like a leader.”
Khaw, a chartered accountant with Big Four credentials, echoed that pivot. After completing her MBA, she stepped into a more strategic role, leading corporate finance and investor engagement at one of Malaysia’s top property groups. “The MBA helped me evolve beyond finance, it gave me the confidence to lead with purpose and clarity.”
Global Lens, Local Impact
One of the programme’s standout features is its international focus. With workshop locations in cities like Manchester, Dubai, and Hong Kong, students gain a real-time understanding of global business dynamics.
“Working across cultures taught me that there’s no universal way to lead,” said Francis. “Local values matter. That insight made me a more adaptive and empathetic leader.”
Khaw added, “Learning alongside peers from different regions and sectors broadened my thinking. I apply those insights in boardrooms and investor meetings every day.”
Leadership Without a Career Pause
Designed for working professionals, the Global MBA blends online study with immersive workshops. Both alumni say this format allowed them to apply new skills immediately without stepping away from their careers.
Khaw completed her studies while juggling full-time work, parenting, and pregnancy. “It was intense, but the flexibility made it possible,” she said.
Francis, meanwhile, led mission-critical projects during his studies. “The ability to pause and resume was a game-changer. It’s how I made it work.”
Beyond the MBA
For finance professionals not ready to commit to an MBA, Khaw recommends the AMBS MSc in Financial Management. “It’s a smart launchpad for mid-career professionals looking to deepen their business fluency without putting work on hold.”
The Leadership Network
Both alumni say the MBA’s global alumni network continues to be a powerful resource. “We still consult each other — for insight, benchmarking, even partnerships,” said Khaw. Francis agreed: “It’s a community of leaders, not just graduates.”
Leading With Purpose
Their journeys offer a common lesson: leadership today demands more than expertise — it requires bold self-investment, global perspective, and the courage to grow.
“The Global MBA didn’t just teach me — it transformed me,” said Francis.
Visit www.manchester.com.my for details on the next intake.
