Student Stories

“As long as you don’t give up, you will get there!” – Lai Mun

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Could you briefly share with us your current career portfolio as an Assistant Director (Facilities Maintenance) in National Library Board Singapore (NLB)?

I am in charge of the facilities management for all the mall and co-located libraries in NLB to ensure a conducive and safe environment for our patrons. My core functions also include asset upgrading and enhancement works for our infrastructure and systems.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your career and how do you overcome them?

Tight deadlines and harsh demands are part and parcel of the challenges I face in my career. For me, having a great team and building good people relations are the best solutions to overcome any work challenge. Having discipline and managing my time effectively are keys to ensuring my milestones are on track for both my job tasks and MBA assignments.

What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?

Being a problem solver and achieving the intended outcomes where all stakeholders are satisfied are some of the most rewarding aspects of my job. When the libraries were able to resume operations after the Circuit Breaker, all building systems and infrastructure were ready to welcome our patrons back in a safe and comfortable environment.

What made you study the Master of Business Administration in Global Business at PSB Academy? How did this programme help you to make a difference in your career?

Studying for an MBA has always been a personal goal of mine. The timetable schedule and full coursework offered by the Master of Business Administration in Global Business at PSB Academy fit the criteria and personal schedule that I was seeking as a part-time student juggling a full-time job.

This programme has honed my critical thinking skills and helped me gain valuable business management knowledge to see things from a holistic perspective. This strengthened the operational skillsets that I already possess and enabled me to add value to NLB.

One of my favourite subjects is “Leading in a Changing World”, which has made me learn different leadership styles and what will be effective for leading my team to success. Another subject is “Entrepreneurship – Creating a Business Opportunity and Developing the Business Plan”, which has given me a holistic understanding of bringing ideas to fruition, and sustaining business continuity. It has taught me to consider all perspectives so that I can develop innovative yet practical solutions that drive growth for my organisation.

What was most memorable about your time at PSB Academy?

My most memorable moments were the times discussing with my group mates about projects and assignments. Throughout my time at PSB Academy, I have forged great friendships that will last a lifetime!

During group project discussions, we had differing views and opinions on the subjects, but this did not adversely affect our relationship. Instead, we were able to appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This helped to facilitate deeper thinking and as a result, the whole group learnt more together.

Lai Mun with her MBA project team members after their presentation in March 2019.

What advice can you give to students who are taking a similar degree as you?

It is most important to have perseverance and remember why you are taking the degree so that you will reach the end goal and not give up.

Any quote that you live by or a quote that you would like to share with our current students?

My mantra – as long as you do not give up, you will get there!