The highest compensation package for the global MBA class at the SP Jain School of Global Management stood at Rs 43.9 lakh while that for the MGB programme was Rs 35 lakh.

Over 56 per cent students from the class of 2020 bagged international offers, from locations like Singapore, Dubai, Qatar and Malaysia as the SP Jain School of Global Management (SP Jain Global) concluded its campus placements.

The flagship Global MBA (GMBA) and Master of Global Business (MGB) programmd saw top recruiters such as Aramex, Bayer, Cognizant, Dabur, Danzas, EY, Emerson, Frost & Sullivan, Genpact, Grant Thornton, Henkel, and Reckitt Benckiser.

The business school also reported several new recruiters this season including PayTM, Neutrinos Siemens Mobility, Daimler, Michelin, OLX Group, Micron, Tata Cliq, and Ornua.

The highest compensation package for the Global MBA class stood at Rs 43.9 lakh while that for the MGB programme was Rs 35 lakh. On the other hand, annual average salary for GMBA stood at Rs 22 lakh while that for MGB was Rs 16.7 lakh.

Sector-wise, Information Technology emerged as the top recruiter this year, with over 33 per cent placement offers, followed by logistics (22 per cent) and consulting (11 per cent).

The FMCG, BFSI, edtech, oil and gas, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals sectors were some of the other recruiters of the class of 2020.

Function-wise, sales and marketing roles were most sought-after by students, accounting for nearly 36 per cent of overall offers made. This was followed by consulting roles at 22 per cent and supply chain management roles at 15 per cent.

Functions like general management, finance, category and program management, along with project management, were also well represented in this season’s placements.

The Global MBA programme is designed for professionals with 3+ years of work experience, and the batch has an average work experience of over six years.

The MGB is a 16-month programme designed for graduates with little or no experience and includes a mandatory four-month international internship component with opportunities to convert into full-time.

The international offers came despite a tough year amid COVID-19 pandemic with the B-school having seen over 84 per cent of the class bagging international internship offers in 2020.

Commenting on the placements, SP Jain School of Global Management Director Nitish Jain said that students graduating from the B-school carry a unique competitive advantage in terms of international exposure, having studied in three countries including Singapore, Dubai and Sydney.

“They understand how to operate in a global business environment — a skill recruiters much value,” Jain added. “They undertake projects with top companies, interact with business leaders and thinkers, go on cultural tours and develop important global skills. These skills have led to better jobs, salaries, and better graduate outcomes.”

The following is a press release from the British Council. Their thoughts and opinions are their own.

The UK puts the health of students and staff at the heart of decisions whilst making sure high-quality teaching continues. The UK universities work to ensure their courses help students achieve their academic goals, regardless of the mode of delivery.

• Six measures have been taken to reassure the confidence of the international students to study in the UK: student support during the coronavirus quarantine, a special financial relief programme, support for mental health and wellbeing, access to public health services, access to COVID testing, and access to vaccines.
• The top five most popular courses among Thai students in the UK are business management (60%), law (10%), engineering and technology (6%), social studies (5%), and creative arts and design (3%).

Bangkok, 17 February 2021 — The British Council and the British Embassy in Bangkok shared the latest statistics on Thai higher education students studying in the UK. From a total of 15,457 Thai students choosing to study in English-speaking countries, 6,880 are studying in the UK. The top five most popular subjects among Thai students in the UK are business management (60%), law (10%), engineering and technology (6%), social studies (5%), followed by creative arts and design (3%).

The six measures are introduced to ensure the health and safety of the international students studying in the UK: 1) student support during the coronavirus quarantine, 2) a special financial relief programme, 3) support for mental health and wellbeing, 4) access to public health services, 5) convenient access to COVID testing, and 6) access to COVID-19 vaccines on the same basis as other UK citizens. The British Council’s scholarships are introduced to support the students to further their education in the UK – GREAT scholarships and Women in STEM scholarships.

“The British Council is an international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We build connections, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and Thailand through arts and culture, education and the English language said Helga Stellmacher, Director of the British Council in Thailand . “The UK’s academic reputation is world-renowned. According to the recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021, two universities out of the UK’s world-class higher education institutions nationwide are listed in the Top 10, including Oxford University as the world’s number 1 institution, seven others in the Top 50, and an additional 26 universities in the world’s Top 200. Quality is government-guaranteed. The UK’s 162 higher education institutions are all included in a rigorous, state-approved quality assurance programme.

Alexandra McKenzie, Deputy Ambassador, the British Embassy Bangkok , said “Despite the challenges facing the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK continues to be overwhelmingly in favour of international students joining UK universities. We are taking a close look at the situation and plan to react where necessary with measures for the benefit of all international students furthering their studies in the UK. The six key measures are as follows:

1. Food and essentials while self-isolation

The UK government is working closely with every university in the UK to supply food as well as other necessities and medication to self-isolated students. There are qualified staff in place to provide students with updates and consultations concerning COVID-19.

1. Special student support

Universities’ student support and welfare teams are always available to provide vulnerable students with advice and special care. In specific cases, immediate hardship funding can also be made available by universities for students in need. Support might include help for international students facing additional costs arising from having to maintain accommodation in more than one location or assistance to help students access teaching remotely.

1. Support for mental health and wellbeing

Onboarding activities will be available for all students to promote positive interactions and relationships as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. In many universities, the international buddy schemes pairs international students with the aim of creating better relationships, while facilitating the sharing of ideas, and circulating useful advice among participants.

1. Access to public health services

All international students have access to public health services under the UK’s NHS programme, which includes online and emergency services.

1. Access to COVID-19 testing

After following the correct arrivals procedure, students should follow instructions on ongoing asymptomatic testing as set out by universities. The ambition is to work with all universities to continue to build testing provision at their institutions, including the use of lateral flow devices (LFDs).

1. Access to COVID-19 vaccines

International students who reside in the UK and have registered with a local GP will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination on the same basis as other UK citizens.

Ms. Alexandra continued, “Last year, the UK introduced a new Graduate Route that provides a period of two years for undergraduate or master’s students to stay in the UK to work or look for work after they have completed their degree in the UK. International doctoral graduates will be able to stay in the UK for three years after completion of their studies. International students studying by distance/blended learning remain eligible to apply for the Graduate Route as long as they complete their final term in the UK”

“In addition, under the Student Route, international students can apply for a newly improved student visa six months before the course start date. After graduation, those eligible will also be able to apply for the Graduate Route. All these initiatives are meant to promote cultural diversity, and a multicultural learning and working environment in the UK, to which international students contribute substantially. The UK is expected to attract as many as 600,000 international students by 2030,” said Ms. Alexandra.

Uraiwan Samolee, Head of Education Services, the British Council , pointed out that the UK remains the most popular destination for Thai higher education students. “In the academic year 2018/2019, there were 6,880 Thai university students in the UK, which represents 45% of the total 15,457 Thai students furthering their studies in English speaking countries. The US was in second place with 5,451 students (35%) followed by Australia 2,528 (16%), and Canada 598 (4%). Statistics show that the top five most popular subjects among Thai students in the UK are business management (60%), law (10%), engineering and technology (6%), social studies (5%), and creative arts and design (3%).” added Ms. Uraiwan.

“We still believe that the UK remains the number one higher education destination for Thai students despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK’s academic and research are world-class. All universities are working hard to welcome international students and have action procedures in place to keep students, staff, and local communities safe. This year, there are 28 GREAT Scholarships for master’s degree students, with a minimum approximate scholarship value of 412,000 baht each and more than 11,500,000 baht available in total. Additionally, we introduced the first Women in STEM scholarships for South East Asia countries; including Thailand. This new scheme is aimed at supporting women who wish to pursue their master’s degrees in UK universities in areas related to Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM). This ambitious scholarship scheme includes tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa and health coverage fees. The scholarship is also open to women with dependents to apply and contains a provision for scholars that might need a short pre-sessional English course to achieve the language level needed to undergo their studies.

“In the meantime, the prospective students who are interested in furthering their studies in the UK should plan and prepare by keeping up to date with course details and university updates. There are a number of scholarships introduced this year as well as the free online course for you to experience from home. You should also keep up to date on the latest news from universities and the UK government as well as changes in international travel requirements,” said Ms. Uraiwan.

The British Council has recently hosted a press conference on ‘Get Ready for Study UK 2021’ at the British Council Siam Square, Wittayakit building Bangkok. For more information, visit https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org or www.britishcouncil.or.th , or follow ‘British Council Thailand’ Facebook page.

More help will be given to students and seniors to enable them to access digital resources, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said yesterday.

He noted that in the ongoing stay-home period, families have been making fuller use of digital technology for home-based learning, entertainment, ordering meals and keeping in touch with their friends and family members.

The value of having access to digital technology is clear, he said in his fourth Budget speech this year, adding that it has enabled people to connect with and support one another safely during the corona-virus pandemic.

“In a post-Covid world, having all on board digital channels will open up exciting new possibilities for different members of the community to engage with and support each other,” Mr Heng, who is also the Finance Minister, told Parliament.

“Going forward, digital inclusion should be an important way for us to strengthen social resilience,” he said.

“Regardless of age or resources, all members of our society should have access to digital resources, with no one left behind.”

Mr Heng said the Ministry of Education will “accelerate the timeline” for all secondary school students to own a digital learning device as part of its longer-term plans to support digital literacy for all students.

Education Minister Ong Ye Kung will announce details of the accelerated timeline when they are ready, he added.

In March, Mr Ong announced during the debate on his ministry’s budget that every secondary school student would own a digital learning device, which can be subsidised using Edusave funds, by 2028.

He said that all students would get a $200 Edusave top-up to support the purchase and those from lower-income households would get further subsidies so they would not have to pay any of the cost out-of-pocket.

Students have already gone through about four weeks of home-based learning during the circuit breaker period, which ends next week, but some students from lower-income families may not have digital access at home, Mr Heng said yesterday.

In March, Mr Ong announced during the debate on his ministry’s budget that every secondary school student would own a digital learning device, which can be subsidised using Edusave funds, by 2028. He said all students would get a $200 Edusave top-up to support the purchase and those from lower-income households would get further subsidies so they would not have to pay any of the cost out-of-pocket.

He said the Education Ministry has loaned out more than 22,000 computing devices and Internet dongles to these students for them to benefit from full home-based learning and continue to connect with their teachers and friends.

For senior citizens, Mr Heng said the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will launch a “Seniors Go Digital” movement to support them to adopt digital channels and equip them with the digital skills to do so.

He said this will enable seniors to stay in contact with their families and friends, and help care teams and volunteers to reach out to seniors more effectively.

The move will require support from family, friends and the wider community, Mr Heng said.

A “Digital Ambassadors” movement will also be launched to rally the community and volunteers to help seniors acquire digital skills, he added.

“For seniors from lower-income households who wish to learn but are unable to afford the devices, we will also provide them with financial support,” he said.

Mr Heng encouraged young people with digital skills, as well as corporate companies, to step forward and be involved in the programme.

The Minister for Communications and Information and the IMDA will announce more details at a later date, he added.

Dr Bala Krishnamoorthy, I/C Dean, School of Business Management, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, tells you how to make the right choice.

For MBA aspirants, choice of a most suitable management school is vital as it is their stepping stone for their career.

A school’s reputation and standing in the marketplace assumes a lot of importance for the aspirants and is one of the key factors in deciding the choice of the school.

The reason being that reputation is earned through several factors including the learning ambience provided, the learning opportunities created including curricular and co-curricular learning.

It also relies on the resources and supporting technology adopted for smooth conduct of the programme, the industry interface and network established and maintained by the school along with a sustained alumni network and support of alumni in mentoring the students.

Before you sign up for a school where you will spend a year or more polishing your skills, here are some factors to consider:

1. Placements

Business schools are unique as the learning in the MBA programme is tied up to being job-ready and exposure to the corporate world.

Aspirants eagerly look up to the track record of the school to ensure that their career aspirations are supported by the placement efforts of the School.

You must look at the list of regular companies visiting the campus to check if the school you are applying to will provide you a fair chance for being placed in a reputed company.

2. Faculty

Top management schools have teachers with impeccable academic records with grounding in research.

Typically, faculty group has a combination of academicians, industry experts, and business leaders.

The curricular process is well in place to ensure that the students are taught the most relevant topics to make them employable.

3. Operational approach and experiential learning

Modern management education is a mix of operational approach with experiential learning.

The operational approach provides students with the ability to apply the techniques, principles, and concepts of the discipline to practical use.

Experiential learning is the other aspect of learning where students learn from experience. It is aimed at equipping course-based learning with employability skills.

4. Inter-disciplinary exposure

Many management concepts today straddle different disciplines.

An interdisciplinary approach equips students with the ability to resolve a problem by using different techniques and perspectives.

This is also useful when applying technology, data, and other practical tools.

The emphasis on an inter-disciplinary approach in a B-school is necessary to provide students with employability and practical skills.

5. Corporate/industry-exposure

Corporate or industry collaborations can extend from faculty to field assignments, capstone projects, seminars, and collaboration on various curriculum and policies.

The involvement of industry experts and business leaders ensures that curriculums and teaching policies remain relevant, contemporary, practical, and provide students with employable skills.

6. Vibrant campus life

Education is not just about academics. We also learn a lot from our relationships with those around us.

For college students, this is often the most important aspect. It could include other extra-curricular activities on the campus, such as cultural programmes, sports, or different interest clubs.

7. High-level teaching aids

Teaching aids have emerged not just as an important mechanism for improving learning, it also helps students become adept at using and applying technology.

Such tools are also necessary for remote learning, holding webinars, and collaborating with different experts.

Teaching aids are now used for blended learning, field projects, assignments, associating with experts, and to improve on experiential learning.

8. Global opportunities

Education has no boundaries. And many colleges have now established associations with top universities across the world.

Such collaborations also help in expanding a student’s exposure through campus visits, dual degree courses, and the opportunity to learn from visiting faculty.

It would be interesting to attend a school that offers you international exchange opportunities as part of the programmeme.

9. Specialisations offered

Premier business schools provide a large basket of electives for students to choose from to make them ready for cross-functional roles.

Business Schools also offers courses and programmes on analytics to suit the emerging opportunities in new domains.

These efforts are well thought through, discussed at different stakeholder groups of the business schools and introduced after ensuring support for the new initiatives.