“Enjoy finding elegant solutions to complex problems and strive to live, not just exist.”
Hometown: Metro Manila, Philippines
Fun fact about you: I make a delicious banana pancake and I’m single.
Basic education and qualification: University of the Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude
Where did you last work before enrolling in business school? In Kuala Lumpur, I worked for Maybank as a trader in Group Corporate Treasury.
Where did you do your internship in summer 2023? Twin Towers Ventures in Kuala Lumpur. It is the venture capital arm of Petronas that invests in high-impact solutions, including AI, Industrial Internet of Things, hydrogen energy, renewable energy, green mobility, circular economy, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and biotechnology, among others.
Where will you work after you graduate? At the same firm where I did my internship, Twin Towers Ventures. I will work as an Investment Associate with a focus on sustainability, balancing my passion for finance with my commitment to environmental and social impact.
Community work and leadership roles in the 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 people with similar interests. Likewise, I led a finance organization at the university where we traveled across islands in the Philippines and conducted finance seminars for over 1000 students.
What academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of while studying at business school? That I was one of the two who, as an MBA Summer Associate, was able to present my research results on electric vehicles live at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center to the employees of Malaysia’s largest corporation. The other research paper presented came from the head of a venture capital firm based in San Francisco.
What achievement in your professional career are you most proud of? Being licensed as a Treasury Dealer. This gave me the feeling that I could have a secure career in Kuala Lumpur. I worked hard for it, especially because this industry has one of the highest barriers to entry for foreigners, especially newbies. This success solidified my belief in myself – that with hard work I can grow and achieve my set goals – even those I thought were the most difficult at the time.
Why did you choose this business school? It was in the heart of the city I love. Also, I didn’t have to fly all the way to the US, far away from my family, to be taught by the best professors at MIT. It’s also in Asia, where I want to build my career.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? Rodrigo Verdi. He is the associate dean for teaching and learning programs at the MIT Sloan School of Management and a professor of accounting. He did something I could never have imagined in my entire life – an entire class enjoy Accounting. It was like magic.
What was your favorite course during your MBA? Action Learning – This is real experience. We travel to different countries and work for real companies. This helps you understand that the ASB MBA is more than just a service to yourself. You also have the responsibility to do meaningful work for others. I like that.
What MBA event or tradition did you enjoy most at your business school? The “Jom Makans” (translated from Bahasa: Let’s go out to eat!). It is organized every month by the ASB administration for the whole community. It shows that we love to eat.
Looking back on your MBA experience, what would you do differently and why? I was so focused on doing well academically that I wish I could have spent more time with my classmates. My priorities have shifted from mainly academic results to lasting friendships. It is the first time I have had friends from Russia, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Colombia, Peru and Italy. I am not sure when I will see them again as they live very far away. I miss their presence very much.
What is the biggest myth about your school? Since it’s “in collaboration with MIT,” the tuition might as well be “in collaboration with MIT.” But no, it’s all meat without the fat – it’s totally worth it.
What did you like most about your business school city? The vibrant culture, diverse food and warm, hospitable people add to its charm. Economically, the cost of living is affordable and it has the atmosphere of an industrial country. I can imagine settling here long-term.
What surprised you most about business school?? That the focus is not on business, but on people. The skills needed to succeed in undergraduate studies are not enough to get the most out of a business school.
Which MBA classmate do you admire the most? Rijen Phang – Born in Penang, Malaysia and working in Shanghai, I think he is highly intelligent, has a thoroughly self-disciplined personality and makes a significant contribution to the community. Best of all, he makes everyone feel included – so much so that I feel like my ASB MBA colleague is my family in Kuala Lumpur.
What are the two most important things on your professional bucket list?
1. Lead a team of talent from different parts of the world – I enjoy the process of getting to know people and bridging cultural differences to create something meaningful.
2. Invest in a startup and watch it become a unicorn.
What made Michelle such a valuable addition to the class of 2024?
“It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Michelle George Tan for the Poets and Quants’ MBAs To Watch award, an honour that recognises her exceptional achievements and contributions both academically and professionally. George’s journey to the Asia School of Business (ASB) is a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional ability to overcome barriers. Prior to ASB, she began her career in finance, securing a position in Malaysia’s extremely competitive global markets with Maybank, an achievement that speaks volumes about her competence and tenacity.
George’s academic engagement at ASB is characterized by her incredible diligence and drive for excellence, making her one of the best students in the class. Of particular note is her strategic engagement in three action learning projects and a summer internship, which exemplifies her proactive approach and adaptability, and enables her to make a significant career change from global markets to venture capital within Petronas’ venture capital division. This achievement not only demonstrates her intellectual prowess but also her ability to capitalize on opportunities for professional growth and development.
Beyond her professional and academic achievements, George is distinguished by her profound impact on her peers. Her active participation in club events and her role as a support for her classmates underscore her leadership qualities and ability to inspire those around her. Michelle’s holistic approach to her education and career, combining hard work, strategic thinking and community involvement, embodies the values and aspirations of the Poets and Quants award. It is her holistic commitment, relentless pursuit of excellence and innovative career development that make her an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award.”
Juliana Roth Narayan
Director of Executive MBA Programme and Student Services and Wellbeing (Asia School of Business)
