Have you ever dreamed of getting into the 1st public policy school in Asia? On 3 November 2021, our Co-Founder Dan shared his experiences about studying in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) as a master student in their public administration programme, as well as some tips on postgraduate admission.
Graduate admission tips 1: Think about how the programme might help you in achieving your professional goals
As a practitioner in the non-profit sector, I have always recognised that we need a new economic system that unleashes altruism as a new driving force, combining purpose and monetary return. It was clear to me that studying in the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) would provide me a great clarity in analysing the root causes of different issues, at both local and regional level. During my application, I outlined my career plan and explained how the programme might help me to further facilitate my work.
Graduate admission tips 2: Find your anchor!
As I have mentioned, with my experiences in the non-profit sector, I learnt that a modern, altruistic economic system combining purpose and monetary return is, indeed, essential to our society.
With this anchor, I have started my impact consultancy firm Hong Kong NGO Development Centre in 2018 to support newly established and small-to-medium sized impact organisations to scale up their effects. One of the causes that deeply moved me, is the drastic economic disparity — especially as he sees an increasing opportunity gap between the youth who come from different social backgrounds. Therefore, I have also co-founded venture AYF, a youth impact platform dedicated to empower and uplift young people with networks and resources to champion, as well as creating local solutions to sustainable development.
Graduate admission tips 3: Be brave and resilient
My first application to the LKYSPP was not successful indeed, to be honest, I was a bit frustrated back then. However, it didn’t stop me from continuing my work. and I kept reviewing my strengths and weaknesses, as well as finding out how I can make a further step. Fortunately, I have made my successful application in the following year, and completed the master programme. I even started my new adventure in a regional impact investing network in Singapore, to further equip myself with the new insights and skills.
So, my final advice is to be brave, and be resilient. Do not be afraid of being rejected. Find your strengths, believe in yourself, and be determined to achieve your dreams. You can also achieve your most ambitious dream.
