Ashwin CHARLES

Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore

“Engineer turned Strategist, obsessed with cooking and F1. Inspired by people, driven by purpose.”

Hometown: Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, India

Fun fact about yourself: Tried 82 beers in Europe and saved the bottle caps… only for my mom to “accidentally” throw them. Cheers to lost memories!

Undergraduate School and Degree:

IIT-Madras, Mechanical Engineering

French Institute of Petroleum, Paris– Master’s in Powertrain Engineering

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Valeo – Systems Engineer, specializing in electric vehicle systems

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? We don’t have a mandatory internship within our course structure instead we have a Strategic project at Nanyang module where we work a real-life consulting problem partnering with a company of our choosing.

Where will you be working after graduation? After my graduation, I intend to work for boutique strategy consulting firm which not only strategizes but also sees through the execution. As a keen problem-solver and strategist with a multidisciplinary background, I don’t want my expertise to be tied to a single sector or industry at start of my career. My long-term goal is to start my own firm focused on Electric vehicle strategy consulting, extending services not only to corporates but also growth phase startups.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I was awarded the prestigious Global Citizen Scholarship, not because I travelled to many countries, but because it recognized my academic excellence, international work experience, and ability to adapt to different cultures. To me, though, the award was deeply personal. The first time I left my home country for France, I was completely out of my depth—struggling with the language, food, health, and studies. But along the way, some incredibly kind strangers stepped in to help me, even though they had no obligation to, and that left a lasting impact on me. Since then, I’ve tried to pay that kindness forward, helping others find their footing, no matter where they’re from.

At Nanyang MBA, I’ve been able to give back through the Unibuddy mentorship program, where I mentored prospective MBA applicants, helping them figure out which program best aligned with their goals and guiding them through the application process. I’m proud to say that five out of the eight applicants I supported were admitted proof that peer mentorship and genuine engagement can make a real impact

One of my most rewarding leadership experiences was leading a student team during the Business Study Mission (BSM) to Vietnam. I had the responsibility of representing NBS with integrity and cultural sensitivity, managing interactions with C-suite executives, leading impactful discussions, and ensuring that we maintained professional decorum. This experience made me realize how challenging it can be, to keep these important connections alive once we leave campus. That’s why I plan to organize small gatherings outside of university events, with the goal of keeping my network strong and meaningful.

Aside from these leadership and mentorship roles, I am active in several clubs—Consulting, Wine & Food, and Entrepreneurship—and have participated in case competitions for the challenge it presented. For me, NBS wasn’t just about collecting a prestigious certificate; it is about creating a journey with experiences worth sharing and learning from.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Listening to Nanyang MBA Alumni recount their experiences with case competitions inspired me, I wanted to work on something that would challenge me constantly and force me to keep thinking and adapt quickly. So, I took on 4 case competitions over 8 months.

My first one was a humbling experience. Facing seasoned consultants taught me that strong ideas alone mean nothing, without the key elements— structure, clarity, and execution. With peer feedback and experience, I learned to balance, and temper, creativity with strategy and craft solutions with real impact.

Everything came together during the “Accounting for Sustainability” (A4S) case competition, which challenged us to design a sustainability initiative for a company aligned with the Paris Agreement and committed to decarbonization. A casual conversation with an entrepreneur in my cohort sparked an idea—insect farming as a sustainable solution. But I didn’t stop there. I identified a critical problem: sourcing food waste to feed the insects. That’s when it clicked—why not help a food production company manage its own waste through insect-based bioconversion?

When I first pitched the idea to my team, the response was a mix of laughter and mild horror— “Eww!” was the exact word—but I took that as a sign we were onto something original. We built a full-fledged business case projecting a return on investment in 4.2 years, with potential for the company to reach its 2030 emissions target a year ahead of schedule.

Our idea resonated. Out of 80 global teams, we advanced through two rounds and made it to the finals. The organizers appreciated the novelty of our idea, noting that it was the first insect-based bioconversion solution submitted to the A4S competition since its inception.

What made me proud wasn’t just that the idea landed—it was the fact that I was able to back it with a detailed execution strategy and shape a story that others could believe in. I also owe a great deal to the six professors we consulted along the way, whose insights helped us sharpen our thinking.

That experience wasn’t just a competition—it was a synthesis of everything I had learned at Nanyang MBA: academic rigor, real-world application, collaboration, and the courage to pitch something bold… even if it involved bugs.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Entrepreneurial spirit comes in many forms—and at Valeo, it took shape as an intrapreneurial venture. I joined a newly formed Special Vehicle Applications business unit—a spin-off created to explore opportunities in the emerging micro-EV market. Unlike traditional business units, we were designed to operate like a startup within the corporate umbrella, free from the usual bureaucratic constraints. At the time, we were a lean 10-member team, seven of whom were based out of Lyon, France, and the remaining three out of Chennai, India. By the time I exited, we had scaled into a 100-member division.

Though I began as a simulation engineer, I quickly found myself wearing multiple hats—engineering, stakeholder management, product development, and even sales. We engaged clients across Europe and APAC, which meant adapting to different time zones and, frankly, throwing the 45-hour French work week out the window. Most of us clocked between 60 to 80 hours a week—not out of compulsion, but out of ownership.

Over time, I led product development and lifecycle management, ran B2B marketing campaigns, and worked closely with the CEO’s office on strategic initiatives, including reverse engineering competitor products. The journey wasn’t for the faint-hearted—our intensity led some to walk away, including one new hire who quit after just two days. But for those who stayed, it was the crucible that forged our growth.

Within five years, I earned three raises and two promotions, accelerating far beyond the typical corporate timeline.

The fact that two of my directors went on to launch their own EV startups— stands as a testament to the culture we built and the level of entrepreneurial energy that the team exemplified. That high-stake, high-reward environment forged the skill sets I continue to leverage today.

Why did you choose this business school? Asia, especially places like India, the Philippines, and Indonesia, is becoming the go-to hub for global businesses. It’s clear that the future of global business is shifting towards this region. That’s why Singapore was the best choice for me—it’s the perfect place to gain both a strategic and cultural edge, that will allow me to capitalise on the wealth of opportunities that exist in Asia

When I started looking into MBA programs in Asia, the Nanyang MBA at NTU really stood out. What caught my attention was the diversity of the cohort— you get to interact with peers from all over the world, with different professional backgrounds—which is crucial for understanding the regional markets better. However, what really set NTU apart was the emphasis on cultural intelligence—something I think is vital when you’re working across different markets.

Another reason Nanyang MBA was the right fit for me is their focus on sustainability and innovation, which is in line with my belief that sustainability needs to be at the core of product leadership. The program’s curriculum, with its strong focus on emerging technologies like Digital Transformation and Technology & e-Business, aligns perfectly with my engineering background and my future ambitions.

What I also like about Nanyang MBA is how they balance theory and practice. The experiential learning modules, like the Business Study Mission and Strategic Project, offer a chance to apply what you learn in real-world settings. The Strategic Projects at Nanyang module gave me the chance to work on the most exciting high stakes and real impact, go-to-market consulting case in the fast-evolving drone industry. And on top of that, NTU offered an impressive ROI—top-tier education, relevant to the region, with international exposure, all at a cost that’s much more accessible than some of the other elite MBA programs. For me, a big plus is the one-year format. I’m eager to get back into the workforce quickly, and this accelerated program is just what I needed. All-in-all, the Nanyang MBA offers the right mix of academic rigor, cultural depth, and strategic alignment with my career goals.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Without a doubt, and I can confidently say on behalf of our cohort, it has to be Professor Vijay Sethi. Every class is unique and engaging at the Nanyang MBA for sure. But his signature teaching style with endless questions rewired our way of thinking, questioning, and truly taught us how to see the bigger picture. To be honest, you have to sit in the classroom to experience learning under him and understand why he was once named the World’s Best Business Professor.

The frameworks and insights were imparted to us in a very natural storytelling style manner that made these ideas second nature to us. So much so that if an idea has to be disruptive, then I know it must be laughable levels of crazy first. If you are curious on the details, Gaia awaits!

What was your favorite course as an MBA? One of my most memorable courses at Nanyang MBA was Leadership, taught by Professor Jason. Admittedly, I was skeptical at first—can leadership really be taught in a classroom? Isn’t it something developed with every life experience?

Prof Jason, however, showed us that beyond the aspect of experience, leadership revolves around human behaviour, influence, and the psychology of trust and loyalty. The in-class case discussions showed that exceptional leaders earn the respect and trust of their teams rather than dominate them.

I particularly remember the case of Coach K vs. Coach Knight—reflecting two opposite leadership styles with similar end goals. This case made me reflect on my own experiences with a new lens on what leadership with positive long-term impact looks like.

And then there was the day he immersed the entire class in a cinematic masterpiece—one that demonstrated the essence of leadership better than any textbook. What was the film? Well, if you’re curious… NBS’s doors are open. Step into our classroom and experience it for yourself.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, I realize that I should have started building connections from the Day 1. Nanyang MBA was so diligent to organize numerous networking events, giving us numerous opportunities to meet our alumni but I realized a three-hour dinner session can go only so far; I was able to form maybe 2 strong connections per event. In hindsight, I realize I should have gone engaged in more coffee chats and external networking events. I spoke 300 people over the past 8 months, but if I could do it again, I would aim for 600 meaning full connections.

What is the biggest myth about your school? One of the biggest myths about the Nanyang MBA program is that it’s a “Tech-MBA,” mainly because Nanyang Business School (NBS) is part of Nanyang Technological University (NTU). I get why some people might assume that, but honestly, nothing could be further from the truth. While Nanyang MBA does integrate technology into its curriculum—just like any top-tier business school would—it doesn’t place an overwhelming focus on tech, at the cost of other crucial business areas.

In reality, the Nanyang MBA program is much more than just technology. It’s a well-rounded, holistic curriculum designed to provide a solid foundation in essential business principles like leadership, strategy, and decision-making. The program also offers specializations in areas like Strategy, Sustainability, and Finance, giving us the flexibility to tailor our learning based on our career goals.

One of the unique features of the Nanyang MBA is the emphasis on leadership development, particularly in the context of Asian markets. The capstone leadership modules and the Business Study Mission are designed to help us become a leader with a nuanced understanding of the region’s rapidly evolving business landscape. So, while technology is certainly a key component, it’s just one piece of the broader, more comprehensive approach that sets the Nanyang MBA apart.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Singapore felt like the perfect choice. It is a snapshot of Asia—not just geographically, but culturally too. For anyone who wants to start a life within Asian market, Singapore would be the right place to start. The vibrant mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences gives students rich cultural immersion with hawker meals to diverse festivals and traditions. Singapore is extremely safe, clean, and efficient, making it a fantastic place for academic and professional growth.

Moreover, Singapore is positioned as one of the global financial hubs and a magnet for global talents and MNCs. Professionals here are constantly exposed to a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and leadership. The city is always active and engaging with all its networking events, cultural showcases, and startup talks. Singapore brings Asia to life in one place, making it an ideal launchpad into Asia.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? I would say Thank You for Smoking. In the movie, Nick Naylor’s sales skills are unparalleled with his compelling narratives and capacity to defend any argument. However, it also came with the question, should we do something simply because we can do it? As much as his skills are aspirational, his morality and repercussions for his actions leaves us a lot to think about. With our skillset post the MBA, it is important to be able to follow our moral compass in an increasingly capitalistic world. Just like in the classroom, where we learn to stand up for our ideas and views, we should have the guts to say “no” and walk away when the time comes. As future leaders we shouldn’t forget that however cliche it may sound, “With great power comes great responsibility” (yes, I use lot of movie dialogues!)

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? We cover AI from different schools of thought throughout our program. Our program stresses the responsible use of AI rather than using it just to cut costs or write poems. We have a dedicated course on Leading Digital and AI-Powered Transformation taught by Professors Sia Siew Kien and Alvin Ng. They did not focus on digging deep into the technology but instead taught us about the inevitability of AI’s rise and how to structure the chaos it brings.

More focus was given to scaling AI responsibly and recognizing human biases that can enter AI’s mind. One of the practical exercises Professor Alvin gave us was to develop an AI agent of our own using any AI agent studio or a LLM engine. Through this, we were encouraged to think critically about real-world applications and ethical implications. It is also terrifying that a novice like me can code something so robust that a would take a team of expert coders to do. This is why professors stress on just transition and augmenting workforce than replace them.

Overall, our professors make sure that we, as future business leaders, don’t lead to the birth of Skynet and let Terminators run amok

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? To be honest, I have learned one thing or another from each one of my peers. I admire so many of them for their grit, passion, and knowledge. As I should stick to one, I have to go with Devyansh Misra. He is an entrepreneur who owns a plastic and packaging company called “Wishtown” in India. Whenever we converse, it usually starts off as a joke, then we end up with an impactful idea worth pursuing. During our recess, he went back to India, acquired funds, and started a new company—and came back, just like that! He has this “Go getter” spark. I got my idea of using insects for waste management from when we were trying to refine another venture. He stands out among all the others I admire because he is honest with his opinions and a seasoned lateral thinker.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?  At the top of my professional bucket list is building a global network of top-tier talent. I always found that most of my learning and ideas come from people with a spark.

I want to collaborate and create opportunities together.

Second on the list? Definitely to become my own boss. I’ve always had the itch to start something of my own—Own vision, build a culture, and take ownership of the blessings and the pitfalls. To me, Entrepreneurship or maybe be Intrapreneurship is the ultimate test and the ultimate freedom.

And hey, there’s always getting featured in Forbes. Maybe a little for the fame, but it would be the ultimate proof that I took a shot at something and the impact mattered.

What made Ashwin such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“I vividly remember my conversations with Ashwin during our Business Study Mission module in Vietnam. We visited six different companies over the course of a week. I noticed that Ashwin was very inquisitive with the company delegates, irrespective of whether they were C-suite managers or executives, and at the same time, he held the utmost decorum as an NBS representative.

We conversed about our views on the nuances of business—everything from supply chain logistics to managing cross-cultural complexities. I noticed that Ashwin is capable of turning academic theories to implementable solutions, evident from how he draws on his experiences to explain concepts. He also has the knack for clear communication. He brings a varied perspective from having studied in France and working across APAC and European markets. He is always eager to support his peers, professors and other prospects. At my request, he aided a fellow student in navigating her dilemma about applying to a business program in France.

What sets Ashwin apart is his curious nature and his constant commitment to upskill himself. I’ve repeatedly seen his engagement in the classroom. He doesn’t hesitate to admit when he is wrong or to help a fellow student who is not familiar with the concept—he tries to lead by example.

Ashwin is highly adaptable and strengthens connections between faculty, students, and industry partners alike. His energy is highly contagious, inspiring fellow peers and sometimes even professors to approach challenges head on. He puts his academic knowledge to the test by competing in numerous case competitions. He reached the finals of the “Accounting for Sustainability” case competition, representing NBS on the global stage. He came up with an insect-based farming solution to manage organic waste for a major corporation, demonstrating capacity to think laterally and outside the box. It’s precisely this blend of creativity and practicality that we strive to nurture at NBS.

Simply put, Ashwin is a great example of what Nanyang Business School can foster—he holds tremendous potential: resourceful, empathetic, gregarious and unafraid to question the status quo. His contributions, both within the classroom and on international stage, make him an invaluable asset to the Class of 2025. I have no doubt in his talent and vision, which will propel him toward becoming an influential leader.”

Prof Geoffrey Chua
Nanyang MBA Academic Director
Associate Professor | Division of Information Technology & Operations Management
Nanyang Business School

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