Jade (Bich Ngoc) Khuong

National University of Singapore Business School

“Committed community-builder blending empathy, technology, and boundless curiosity to deliver inclusive, transformative impact for all.”

Hometown: Nha Trang, Vietnam

Fun fact about yourself: Being a scholarship kid from secondary school through my master’s degree changed my life. It taught me the power of opportunity, which is why I now help other kids get the same chance I had. So far, I’ve helped provide over 2,000 meals to children through Red Cross and World Food Program, while supporting local philanthropic activities whenever possible. Learning is my other passion; I’ve completed 27 certificates on LinkedIn Learning and Coursera and promised myself to learn at least one new skill every year. The way I see it, I’m just getting started on this journey of giving back and growing.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

National University of Singapore – Bachelor of Science (Honors, Distinction) in Quantitative Finance

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school?

Toku Pte Ltd (Singapore) – Business Intelligence Manager, CFO’s Office
Toku creates bespoke cloud communications and customer engagement solutions to reimagine customer experiences for enterprises

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024?

Keppel Corporation (Singapore) – Data & Strategy MBA Intern, Data & Digital Office

Keppel is a Singapore-headquartered global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity.

Where will you be working after graduation? Meta – Sales Strategic Planning & Operations Lead, APAC SMB Group

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Receiver of NUS ASEAN Graduate Scholarship
• President, NUS MBA Technology Club: Oversaw community of tech enthusiasts, managed an annual budget to drive high-impact events, and coordinated with the broader student ecosystem. Built alliances with She Loves Tech global leaders and orchestrated workshops and panels covering emerging fields like AI and cybersecurity – empowering future business leaders to harness cutting-edge technology. Additionally, led succession planning and served on a transition task force for the student council.
• India Global Immersion Program Leader: Orchestrated a study trip for MBAs, securing on-site access to market-leading companies; negotiated sponsorships, arranged networking sessions, and gave classmates firsthand exposure to India’s dynamic business ecosystem.
• NUS MBA Ambassador: Engaged with prospective students during Open Day events and admissions conversations.
• Volunteer at NUS Biz Alumni Events & Initiatives: Supported alumni events and strengthened ties within the broader community.
• Student Assistant (Digitalization of MBA Consulting Toolkit): Supported the digital revamp of a core academic course, supporting faculty and program office with new course resources.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I’m most proud of launching our business school’s first-ever India Global Immersion Program. What began as a simple exploratory trip turned into a full-scale immersion once I realized how many classmates were eager to delve into India’s dynamic business landscape. Working with my co-leader, Siddesh, we pulled it all together in just eight weeks—pitching the program’s value to iconic, market-leading firms, securing corporate visits, arranging flights and accommodations, and even forging ties with the Indian Embassy in Singapore. Orchestrating so many moving parts—sponsorships, cultural excursions, embassy protocols, and more—proved both exhilarating and complex. Yet watching my peers immerse themselves in India’s entrepreneurial energy was a powerful reminder that when you spot an opportunity and step forward, a casual idea can become a transformative, community-wide initiative.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m most proud of supporting foodpanda’s new vertical pick-up across 11 Asia markets, ultimately driving 20x year-over-year growth while boosting both profitability and operational efficiency. Starting as a data analyst and over two years (and two promotions), I dove headfirst into the intersection of technology and business—building internal solutions, refining workflows, and collaborating with marketing and product teams to enhance the pick-up experience and clearly convey its value to customers and vendors. In such a fast-paced environment, I learned that what worked last quarter might need a complete overhaul the next. Each pivot honed my ability to translate complex tech solutions into tangible, stakeholder-friendly value propositions. In the end, I discovered that agility, clear communication, and a laser focus on value creation are what truly drive lasting impact.

Why did you choose this business school? I wanted an MBA program at the heart of Asia’s thriving innovation landscape, and NUS offered exactly that: a diverse, international cohort, robust industry ties—especially in technology—and a powerful global network through GNAM and extensive exchange partnerships. Plus, being based in Singapore, right in the center of ASEAN, has given me firsthand access to a vibrant market teeming with opportunities. As a result, I haven’t just studied buzzwords—I’ve actively engaged with AI, digital strategy, and entrepreneurship projects that mirror the region’s dynamic growth.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Professor Joel Goh, who taught my very first course in Managerial Operations and Analytics. Our class adopted a no-electronics policy by democratic vote, which kept our discussions laser-focused and encouraged thoughtful debates on real-world case studies. We tackled strategic and operational trade-offs from every angle, and Professor Goh’s clever use of mini-props turned each scenario into a mini-performance, making me actually look forward to our 8:30 a.m. Monday sessions (like I was waiting for a show to start!). That blend of interactive fun, deep analysis, and collective focus definitely set the tone for my entire MBA journey.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course was the MBA Consulting Project, where we teamed up with PwC to explore how cutting-edge generative AI could reshape retail banking. My team and I defined the scope from scratch, driving both primary and secondary research to uncover strategic opportunities for this emerging technology. We then translated our insights into actionable recommendations that could inform real business decisions. Collaborating with such a diverse group gave me fresh perspectives—ranging from the technical underpinnings of AI to the broader strategic implications for financial institutions. It was a high-impact, real-world experience that went far beyond a standard classroom lecture.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite tradition was the Beer Bash, an annual event hosted by Professor Jo Seung-gyu. I like to say he’s a “two-hands economist”: on one hand, he’s all about rigorous analysis; on the other, he knows how to have fun. Each year, he invited the entire cohort for a night of (plenty of) beer and relaxed conversation across different sections (though if you don’t drink, that’s perfectly fine too). It was a laid-back yet invaluable way to connect with classmates, share stories, and recharge before tackling the more challenging parts of his course. The Beer Bash remains a highlight of the MBA experience, reminding us that sometimes the best lessons happen outside the classroom.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I don’t regret how I packed my schedule with diverse experiences, but if I could do it again, I’d approach it more systematically. That might mean carving out time for an extra consulting project or a short-term pro bono engagement in a completely different industry, while also building in room for coaching and mentoring. By broadening my scope in a more structured way, I’d gain fresh perspectives, strengthen my adaptability, and deepen the impact I could make beyond my usual focus areas.

What is the biggest myth about your school?

Myth: “NUS is purely academic and research-focused.”

Reality: The program strikes a strong balance between academic rigor and real-world impact. We start with “Launch Your Transformation,” an immersive one-week bootcamp that challenges our perspectives on business and leadership values. From there, we dive into hands-on consulting projects with corporate partners, plus out-of-classroom experiences like credit-bearing internships, global immersion programs, exchange partnerships, and even friendly competition with other Singapore business schools in the MBA Olympics. Thanks to the program’s flexible design—emphasizing fieldwork, real would learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration—there’s a clear effort on putting theory into practice.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Singapore’s proximity to ASEAN’s dynamic markets. You can hop on a short flight and find yourself in a radically different cultural and business climate. As an aspiring global leader, it’s been invaluable to pivot between local Singaporean case studies and broader regional challenges in Indonesia, Vietnam, and beyond.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? While I didn’t enroll in a formal AI programming course, our classes often encouraged using AI tools to accelerate research and boost productivity. We were free to use them for brainstorming, outlining, or quick data pulls, provided we exercised caution and properly cited any sources. This hands-on exposure showed me that AI can be a powerful ally in saving time and enhancing our work, but it also highlighted the importance of double-checking facts and maintaining academic integrity.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I truly admire Prateek Puri, the President of the NUS MBA’s 41st Student Council, for the unwavering spirit and servant leadership he has shown throughout our program. Despite the inevitable changes and uncertainties, he has consistently brought together the student body, alumni, and external partners to strengthen our community. From establishing new relationships with institutions like INSEAD and NTU to championing initiatives such as the Search Funds Chapter at NUS, Prateek has always pushed boundaries and honored every promise he made when assuming office. Even while on exchange, he remained committed to fostering alumni engagement and mentoring incoming students, ensuring a smooth transition for the next generation of leaders. His calm determination and inclusive approach have set a standard for what it means to be a true MBA leader.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

Launch a global data-to-impact consultancy that works with nonprofits and social enterprises across multiple countries, helping them harness analytics for community-level change. By empowering mission-driven organizations with the right data tools, I hope to amplify their reach and improve outcomes for the populations they serve.

Build an edtech platform that demystifies AI for secondary schools in underserved communities, especially in Vietnam—where my roots run deep in a family of teachers. By bridging the digital divide at an early age, I want to spark curiosity and open up opportunities for the next generation of learners, no matter where they come from.

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

“Jade has been an outstanding member of the NUS MBA Class of 2025, contributing in meaningful ways both in and outside the classroom. Her involvement in various impactful student initiatives reflects her strong leadership skills and a genuine passion for community building.

As President of the NUS MBA Technology Club, Jade successfully brought together tech enthusiasts to explore exciting fields such as AI and cybersecurity, helped empower students to understand and leverage new technologies, and ensured the club’s continued success by working on succession planning and supporting the student council’s transition. Her co-leadership of the school’s first-ever India Global Immersion Program demonstrates her generous spirit and collaborative mindset, delivering an enriching and transformative immersive learning experience for her classmates.

Jade embodies the spirit and values of the NUS MBA through her leadership and strong commitment to community engagement. Her aspirations to leverage her data-driven strategic abilities, honed further through the NUS MBA, to help nonprofits use data for positive change and create an edtech platform to teach AI to students in underserved areas, are laudable and inspiring. This aligns with the NUS MBA’s emphasis on nurturing leaders who are forward-thinking and socially responsible.

In summary, Jade’s contributions and aspirations make her a shining example of the values that the NUS MBA Program seeks to cultivate, and she leaves a lasting impact on both her peers and the broader community.”

Nitin Pangarkar
Academic Director
The NUS MBA

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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