Michelle George Tan

Asia School of Business in Collaboration with MIT Sloan

“Enjoys seeking elegant solutions to complex problems and strives to live, not merely exist.”

Hometown: Metro Manila, Philippines

Fun fact about yourself: I make a delicious banana pancake and I am single.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of the Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? In Kuala Lumpur, for Maybank, I was a Dealer in Group Corporate Treasury.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? Twin Towers Ventures in Kuala Lumpur. It is Petronas’ venture capital arm that invests in impactful solutions. These include AI, Industrial Internet of Things, Hydrogen Energy, Renewables, Green Mobility, Circular Economy, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), Biotech, amongst others.

Where will you be working after graduation? With the same company I interned with, Twin Towers Ventures. I will be an Investment Associate with a focus on sustainability, aligning my passion for finance with a commitment to environmental and social impact.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I am a member of the Finance Club, where I eventually took on a co-leadership role. As a self-proclaimed finance geek, I had the opportunity to share my knowledge and network with like-minded individuals who shared similar interests. Similarly, I led a finance organization in university, where we traveled across islands in the Philippines and conducted finance seminars for over 1000 students.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? That I was one of the two chosen to present my research live on Electric Vehicles in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center to the employees of the largest corporate entity in Malaysia as an MBA Summer Associate. The other research presented was by the Principal of a Venture Capital firm based in San Francisco.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Gaining a license as a Treasury Dealer. It was when I felt securely rooted for a career in Kuala Lumpur. I worked hard for it, particularly because this industry as a foreigner, especially as a newcomer, has one of the highest barriers to entry. That achievement cemented my belief in myself—that with my hard work, I can grow to achieve my set goals—even those I deem most difficult at the time.

Why did you choose this business school? It was situated in the heart of the city I adore. Moreover, I did not have to fly all the way to the US, far away from my family, to be taught by the best professors from MIT. It is also in Asia, where I want to build my career.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Rodrigo Verdi. He is the Deputy Dean for Degree Programs of Teaching and Learning at the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Professor in Accounting. He did something I never imagined I would see in my entire life—to make an entire class enjoy accounting. It was like magic.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Action Learning – It’s the genuine experience. We get to travel to different countries and engage in real work for real companies. It helps one understand that the ASB MBA is more than just a service to one’s self. You also have a responsibility to undertake meaningful work for others. I like that.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? The ‘Jom Makans’ (translated from Bahasa as: Lets go eat!). It’s organized by the ASB admin every month for the entire community. It shows that we love to eat.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I was so focused on doing well academically, I wish I focused more on spending time with my classmates. My priorities have changed from mostly academic results to include lasting friendships. It’s the first time I had friends from Russia, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Colombia, Peru, and Italy. I am not sure when I will see them again since they live very far. I miss their presence a lot.

What is the biggest myth about your school? Since it’s ‘in collaboration with MIT’, the tuition fee amount might also be ‘in collaboration with MIT’. But no, it’s all the meat without the fat – truly worth it.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? The vibrant culture, diverse food, and warm, welcoming people contribute to its charm. Economically, it boasts an affordable cost of living and gives off the vibe of a developed country. I can see myself settling here for the long term.

What surprised you the most about business school? That business is not the primary but instead it is the people. The skills one needs to succeed in undergraduate school are not enough to make the most out of a business school.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Rijen Phang – He was born in Penang, Malaysia and worked in Shanghai. I think he is highly intelligent, steadily self-disciplined, and does significant service to the community. Best of all, he makes sure that everyone feels included—so much so that I feel like my ASB MBA cohort is my family in Kuala Lumpur.

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

1. Lead a team composed of talents from various parts of the world – I enjoy the process of learning about people and bridging cultural differences to create something meaningful.

2. Invest in a start-up and witness it becoming a unicorn.

What made Michelle such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Michelle George Tan for the “MBAs To Watch” recognition by Poets and Quants, an honor that acknowledges her exceptional achievements and contributions both academically and professionally. George’s journey to Asia School of Business (ASB) is a testament to her unwavering determination and extraordinary ability to transcend barriers. Prior to ASB, she embarked on her career in finance, securing a position in the ultra-competitive global markets of Malaysia with Maybank, an accomplishment that speaks volumes of her competence and tenacity.

George’s academic pursuits at ASB are marked by her incredible diligence and commitment to excellence, making her one of the top students in the class. More notably, her strategic engagement in three action learning projects and a summer internship exemplifies her proactive approach and adaptability, enabling a significant career transition from global markets to Venture Capital within Petronas’ venture capital arm. This achievement not only demonstrates her intellectual prowess but also her capacity to leverage opportunities for professional growth and development.

Beyond her professional and academic accomplishments, George’s profound impact on her peers sets her apart. Her active participation in club events and her role as a pillar of support for her classmates highlight her leadership qualities and her ability to inspire those around her. Michelle’s holistic approach to her education and career, combining hard work, strategic thinking, and a commitment to community, embodies the values and aspirations of Poets and Quants recognition. It is her holistic engagement, relentless pursuit of excellence, and innovative career trajectory that make her an exemplary candidate for this esteemed recognition.”

Juliana Roth Narayan
Director of Executive MBA Program and Student Services and Wellbeing (Asia School of Business)

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2024