Ya Chun Wang 

INSEAD

“Chill mountain explorer with big questions—chasing goats, discovering wild routes, full of energy bars.”

Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan

Fun Fact About Yourself: Join me on an Invader hunt! I’ve been chasing these pixelated street artworks since 2017, tracking down nearly 400 so far, and even spotted a few en route to field missions. It’s a playful way to explore not only Fonty and Paris, but also hidden corners of the world where the Unidentified Free Artist has left their trace.

Undergraduate School and Major: Political Sciences Major at Bryn Mawr College and Joint Master in Journalism and International Affairs at Sciences Po

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Communications Specialist with Médecins Sans Frontières

INSEAD is one of the most culturally and professionally diverse MBA programs in the world. How do you see these global perspectives enhancing the value of your business education over the next year? Looking back, my journey across three continents has shown me that perspectives and open communications are the threads that weave the world together. I’ve lived in places where identities clashed and blended—where I was both “us” and “them”—and those experiences to stay firm while listening across differences. I thrive in culturally dynamic environments not only because they mirror the reality of our interconnected world, but because I embrace those challenges and expand my thinking.

At INSEAD, I see immense value in learning from people who bring radically different lived experiences, professional insights, and ways to approach problems. So many conversations over lunch could unlock a solution I hadn’t considered, and a group project could sharpen my ability to collaborate across disciplines and viewpoints. I don’t just want a business education; I want a transformative year of global dialogue, discovery, and co-creation. The diversity at INSEAD is not a backdrop—it’s the engine. And I look forward to be part of this movement.

Why did you choose a one-year program over a two-year program? How do you see an INSEAD MBA giving you an advantage in the marketplace? This fast-moving world waits on no one, and I believe INSEAD’s one-year mirrors that real-world pace. I was drawn to the intensity and immersiveness of INSEAD’s ten-month experience—where learning, sharing, and building happen rapidly, just like in the environments I aim to lead in. I’m confident that what INSEAD offers in one year is every bit as rigorous and transformative as a two-year program. I already palpably sense how quickly those ten months will be a blink of an eye, and I’m excited to dive into the whirlwind of fast-paced learning, collaboration, and creation with my cohort. This immersive and global experience will give us a unique edge in the marketplace— to think on our feet, make bold decisions, and thrive in high-velocity environments.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of INSEAD’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I have always been a strong believer in global collaboration, and I want to be part of a cohort that is expansive in heart, mind, and ambition. As someone with roots in the East and a heart in the West, I’m seek environments that stretch across borders and stimulates new perspectives.

INSEAD’s multi-campus model and team-based learning are exactly what I’m seeking to deepen my global perspective. In the short term, I aim to fully immerse myself in French society, while the opportunity to rotate between Fontainebleau and Singapore will let me navigate two distinct worlds of business in one year—each with its own approach to problem-solving and networking. Team-based learning is also an essential preparation in this increasing cross-sector work environment. Much of my work—whether in humanitarian missions or in journalism—has been grounded in the ability to work with, listen to, and lead people from vastly different walks of life. I believe that this collaborative approach reinforces that leadership is not just about having the answers, but about asking better questions and elevating the perspectives around you.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at INSEAD? I look forward to joining the public speaking and healthcare clubs to share and to learn. For me, public speaking has been one of the greatest lessons of owning confidence and team learning, and I am eager to share the space with others. I am excited to explore and deep dive into the healthcare sector, and am particularly interested in networking and coordinating projects in medtech and healthcare access.

Also, a little bird told me that touch rugby is a popular sport for gathering and socialization, so I am keen to try out this new activity for the good vibes when I am not running in the Fontainebleau forest or in the tennis court (do join me!).

What has been your first impression of the INSEAD MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best INSEAD story so far. Wow, where do I even begin? From the moment I started reaching out, I was struck by the generosity, warmth, and openness of the INSEAD community. I’ve spoken with and met INSEAD alumni and students from the MIM, MBA, and GEMBA —across continents and industries—and each interaction left me more excited to join the community.

One of my admissions interviews turned unexpectedly delightful when it transformed into a lively chat with my interviewer’s two children, aged 8 and 12. We ended up talking about debate strategy, gemology, and their sharp takes on world events. It was a refreshing reminder that learning happens in all directions—and at all ages!

I’ve also had insightful conversations with alumni working in pharma and social impact work, who not only shared their experiences but willingly carved out time from their packed schedules to offer guidance, connections, and encouragement. No matter the industry, the common thread was clear: a genuine excitement to support someone about to begin her INSEAD journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As mission leader, I initiated and coordinated Médecins Sans Frontières Taiwan’s first-ever media visit to South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation in the midst of a volatile transition. Despite meticulous preparation, working in a media-censored and unpredictable environment brought constant challenges—flight cancellations due to floods, sudden revocation of media authorizations, and shifting security considerations.

The mission’s goal was to spotlight South Sudan’s pressing medical humanitarian needs through a one-hour documentary. In the end, the project came to life—an achievement made possible only through the collective effort of an extraordinary team, both in the field and behind the scenes.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? After years of chasing stories and engaging deeply with the humanitarian sector, I’ve come to recognize a growing need: better understanding the role of private actors and explore ways to bridge the gap between profit-driven and impact-driven worlds. I now stand at a crossroads that could lead toward the healthcare sector, a return to INGOs, or somewhere entirely new.

What’s clear is that I’m ready to take the road less traveled—not because it’s easier, but because it promises growth, discovery, and the chance to align my ideals with bold, practical action.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into INSEAD’s MBA program?  If you are excited by learning and being inspired by great minds from various backgrounds, then take a leap of faith and believe that you are going to grow personally and professionally during the 10 months program and beyond.

On a more practical side, prepare early and don’t be shy to reach out to alums and current students. Prepare early because the application is going to poke your mind hard, and you need to consider time for revisions and asking for a second pair of eyes from others. Don’t be shy to reach out because straightforwardness and the passion for learning are going to give you the most authentic answers to whether you and INSEAD are a match. Most of the people I have reached out to have been more than glad to share their recollections and journey beyond INSEAD, and their stories are valuable to you when juggling between decisions.

Enjoy the process and be a sponge for learning. You are going to meet one of the most dynamic and brilliant business networks in the world and, better yet, become a part of it.

DON’T MISS: MEET INSEAD’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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