Collaborative process

SINGAPORE - Intrigued by how real life can be modelled by economic concepts and theories, Ms Regina Ng, 23, took a double degree in economics and business management at the Singapore Management University (SMU).

She specialised in the Quantitative Economics Track (QET), which focuses on technical and quantitative treatment of the subject, applying mathematics and statistics to economic analysis to understand and give empirical content to economic relations.

SMU is known for its seminar-style teaching, where the small class size meant that lessons tend to be interactive and vibrant.

"There was a lot of collaborative learning, when we would share ideas and help one another through any difficulties faced in understanding what was taught in class," says Ms Ng.

"While the QET is technical in nature, the professors are very capable in explaining the intuition behind the formulas and numbers. The course provided good training in intellectual perseverance, to persist in thinking through complex issues. I would recommend QET for someone who is serious about pursuing a career in the field of economics, as the rigorous coursework creates a strong foundation."

Her course also included subjects such as Facilitation and Counselling Skills, where students practised facilitation techniques, active listening and empathy in role-playing sessions.

"This module contributed significantly to my personal development, and taught me how to deal with difficult social situations better, such as helping a friend who is going through a rough patch, or one who is feeling stressed during examinations," she says.

Another subject Ms Ng enjoyed was Economic Development in Asia, where the class explored economic challenges in poor regions, and used economic tools to analyse and better understand what drives development there. They had weekly debates on topics ranging from colonialism to inequality, helped by the mix of Singaporeans, international and exchange students offering diverse viewpoints resulting from their different cultures and backgrounds.

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Collaborative process