A Global Classroom Delivers Tangible Impact: Tan Teck Leng ’12MBA

When Tan Teck Leng ’12MBA enrolled in Arcadia University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, his classroom extended far beyond four walls. Based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the time, Tan was part of a unique international partnership that brought Arcadia’s graduate education overseas–an experience that perfectly matched his fast-paced, professional life.

Arcadia’s collaboration with Aventis School of Management resulted in approximately six graduate cohorts of students, creating a tight-knit yet diverse learning community. Tan was part of the second cohort, joining a group of ambitious professionals who were eager to advance their careers without stepping away from them.

For Tan, choosing Arcadia was an easy decision. “Arcadia suits the working professional life best,” he says. “There was no dissertation component, and the structure fit my lifestyle.” At the time, Tan was traveling frequently for work, making flexibility not just a preference but a necessity; “I traveled back to Singapore every weekend to attend classes. The schedules suited me as I could fly back to Singapore on a Friday evening, attend classes on Saturdays and Sundays and fly back to Phnom Penh on Monday morning.” Arcadia’s MBA program was designed with professionals like him in mind: clear expectations, a balance of individual and group work, and assignments that could be completed independently and then brought into the classroom for discussion.

That clarity made it easier for Tan to fully engage, even while managing a demanding career. It also made the program easy to recommend. “I was always sharing with my colleagues and encouraging them to seek out Arcadia to further their education,” he adds.

One of the most impactful elements of Tan’s MBA experience was the capstone project. Students selected a company, analyzed it in depth, conducted a S.W.O.T. analysis, and stepped into the role of management to propose strategic improvements. “I learned a lot from it,” Tan says. “You analyze a company, look at it objectively, and propose improvements and suggestions. It really builds your confidence.” The capstone served as a bridge between theory and practice, allowing students to test ideas in a simulated environment and then carry those insights into real-world situations.

More than a decade after graduating, Tan’s Arcadia connections remain strong and global. “My cohort meets up quite regularly,” he says. A few weeks ago, Tan was preparing to fly to Bangkok to catch up with one classmate, and keeps in touch with others across the region, including classmates based in China. These ongoing relationships speak to the strength of Arcadia’s cohort model and the shared experience of balancing education, career, and life across borders.

Tan credits Arcadia’s MBA with equipping him with critical, long-lasting skills. “It taught me how to understand financial statements and analyze businesses more deeply,” he says. More importantly, the program emphasized adaptability, an essential skill in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

That mindset–questioning, evaluating, and strategically applying new tools–has stayed with Tan throughout his career. He currently manages the entire operations of a small college (~500 students); he is responsible for operational maintenance, academics, sales and marketing for student enrollment, admissions, and student affairs.

Tan Teck Leng ’12MBA’s journey is a powerful example of what makes Arcadia’s MBA distinctive: a globally minded program designed for professionals who don’t want to put their lives on hold, but rather improve their global perspective and implement it for practical impact.

Ready to launch a new career, pivot within your current field, or advance your skill set? Arcadia’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is 100% online. Regardless of your background, you’ll gain an executive-level understanding of core business areas, then build experience in one of three specific industries. Arcadia is ready to help distinguish your resume from the rest. Explore our Online MBA.