OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT | Howser Chiam

2025.04.19 41

 

人物白描

Howser Chiam is an international MBA student at Antai College of Economics and Management, hailing from Malaysia. Competitive and goal-oriented, he often says, “The most effective way to grow is to stand on the right stage and compete with the best——and without a doubt, one of the best places to do that is China.” It was this belief that led him to pursue his MBA in Shanghai. Although he completed his undergraduate studies in the UK and, after gaining several years of work experience, received an enthusiastic invitation from his alma mater to join its MBA program, he still chose Shanghai Jiao Tong University without hesitation. For Howser Chiam, while China’s profound culture played an important role in his decision, what mattered more was the unique strength of Antai College: a platform that offers global perspectives and hands-on opportunities, as well as a challenging and collaborative international stage.

01

在学术中追求卓越,

奠定职业基础

After joining the Antai MBA program, Howser Chiam quickly adapted to the rigorous academic environment and stood out in his class with his outstanding attitude toward learning. He firmly believes that the integration of theory and practice is key to professional growth, which is why he places particular emphasis on courses related to management theory, business analysis, and strategic planning. In class, he actively participates in discussions and often applies what he learns to real-world business scenarios through case studies and data modeling. His efforts have earned him an excellent GPA of 3.85 in academic assessments.

02

职业导航:

明确方向与核心竞争力

At the end of 2023, Howser Chiam participated in the Career Navigation Program organized by Antai College and was successfully matched with mentor Zhou Xinhua. Through the program, he received guidance from several senior industry mentors, gaining particularly valuable insights in the fields of strategic consulting and international finance. The mentors helped him reassess his strengths and provided concrete career planning advice, including how to present himself on global platforms and how to achieve long-term value in the workplace. This experience gave him a clearer understanding of his career goals and taught him how to balance academics with practical experience, as well as short-term planning with long-term development.

03

从实践到交流:

跨越国界的成长之旅

Howser Chiam's growth is reflected not only in the classroom but also through hands-on experience and global exchange. In the summer of 2024, he successfully completed an internship in the strategy department of Avient. During the internship, he was deeply involved in market analysis and strategic planning projects, with a particular focus on evaluating the potential market of Malaysia’s cable industry. By applying theoretical knowledge learned in class to real-world business challenges, he earned recognition from his mentors and provided the company with practical and actionable recommendations. This experience gave him a deeper understanding of global market dynamics and the core logic of business operations.

At the same time, Howser Chiam seized the opportunity for international exchange and spent a semester at Bocconi University in Italy. During his six months there, he immersed himself in the European education system and engaged in intellectual exchange with outstanding students from around the world. Unlike the fast-paced and practice-oriented approach in China, Bocconi’s courses emphasize academic depth and innovative perspectives, giving him new insights into strategic management and business innovation. During the exchange, he actively participated in case analyses and international student forums, where he shared his views with peers from various industries and introduced them to his academic and practical experiences in China.

03

从实践到交流:

跨越国界的成长之旅

Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Howser Chiam's life in China has been filled with exploration and discovery. Passionate about travel and cultural experiences, he has used his free time to personally experience the beauty of China’s landscapes. He has climbed Huangshan to admire its sea of clouds and iconic pine trees, and visited Jiuzhaigou, where he was captivated by the breathtaking scenery of lakes and waterfalls. These natural wonders deepened his appreciation for China’s diversity and unique charm. He also braved the freezing temperatures of December to climb the Great Wall, seeking to understand the profound history and enduring spirit behind this monumental structure.

During his time in China, he has been more than just a traveler——he has also been an active participant in and promoter of culture. As a chess enthusiast, he was invited to represent Malaysia in the "China KT Bank Cup – ASEAN Chinese Chess International Invitational Tournament" held in Shenzhen. This event brought together top players from ASEAN countries and provided him with a valuable platform to showcase both his cultural background and his skills in Chinese chess on the international stage.