Meet Our 75th Anniversary Scholars From STEM to Startup: WeiBeng Ng’s EMBA Journey

With deep expertise in engineering and science, WeiBeng Ng spent many years working for global tech firms such as Sony and Merit Medical. But when he launched his own medical-device company a few years ago, he realized he needed a stronger understanding of business topics such as accounting and finance. That’s when he applied to the Sokolov Executive MBA Program at Chicago Booth—and was awarded a 75th Anniversary Scholarship.

In this blog, WeiBeng, who is based in Singapore, talks about his path to an MBA after decades in STEM, how the Booth experience is reshaping his career, and what it meant to receive the 75th Anniversary Scholarship.

What were you doing before Booth, and what motivated you to pursue an MBA?

My entire career has been in science and engineering. I’ve worked in R&D roles at multinational companies—Japanese firms like Sony and American medical-device organizations such as Merit Medical. Finance and accounting were foreign languages to me.

A few years ago, I launched my own startup. Suddenly, I needed to understand balance sheets, income statements, and the financial health of my company, and I realized I didn’t have that foundation. It was a wake-up call, and I decided it was time to pursue an MBA.

When I started looking at top programs, Booth was at the top of my list—not only because of its history in Singapore [where the campus was previously located], but because of its strong finance curriculum and experiential approach. That was exactly what I needed.

Tell us more about your startup.

We work in the healthcare and medical-device technology space. We focus on two areas: noninvasive health-monitoring wearables, and technologies that support minimally invasive surgical procedures.

We launched in late 2019, and we were lucky to begin with projects tied to former partners at companies like Sony. Our team is small and nimble, because I want to keep the burn rate low, especially while I’m pursuing the MBA. But operations and revenue are healthy, and we have ongoing collaborations. My hope is to use what I learn at Booth to scale the company to the next level.

You’re about three months into the Executive MBA Program. What has the experience been like so far?

Truly transformative, especially the global component. During the international week in Chicago, I met classmates not just from all across the US but from Europe as well. The conversations that we had on a daily basis—not just during class but also before and after—were incredibly enriching and eye-opening.

I was raised in a traditional Asian culture, where people are often quieter and more reserved, and the program has helped me open up. I’ve become much more comfortable initiating conversations with people from totally different backgrounds. That’s one of my personal goals for this MBA: to not only grow academically but also make connections and engage in empowering conversations with people from around the globe. And I’m already seeing that change.

Any faculty who have made a strong impression?

Yes. Christian Hansen, who teaches Statistics, stands out for his “work hard, play hard” approach. During our International Week in Hong Kong, he joined us at the pub and for dancing that night. But when he’s teaching, he’s sharp, focused, and professional.

The quality of the faculty has exceeded expectations. You really feel you’re learning from people who care deeply about both their subjects and their students.

How is the program aligning with your career goals?

Beyond the finance foundation I’m seeking, the networking has been incredible—almost 50 percent of my cohort works in finance. I’ve already met people who specialize in IPOs, people deeply connected in the healthcare ecosystem, and others who are excited about the work my startup is doing.

Some classmates from the US have encouraged me to explore the American market, which is something I had never seriously considered before. Understanding the pain points in different regions—the US, Europe, Southeast Asia—helps me refine my business model and think more globally. Those conversations are as important as the coursework.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying?

Be realistic about the commitment. It’s intense. You’ll travel almost every month, and each residency week requires you to step away from your job completely.

My advice is to prioritize. You only have 24 hours in a day—some things will need to come off your list for the 21 months of the program. But that’s part of the value. You don’t want an MBA that’s too easy; you want a quality experience that challenges you.

I also tell prospective students about the program’s flexibility. If someone gets relocated—from Asia to Europe, for example—they can shift campuses because it’s all one global program. And I share practical tips: using apps that convert readings to audio, planning flights strategically, and learning to say no to nonessential commitments. If there’s a will, there’s a way.

How did it feel to receive the 75th Anniversary Scholarship?

I was surprised—and of course, very grateful. It’s substantial and meaningful, and it makes me feel like part of a global family.

Receiving the scholarship created a responsibility to give back. That’s why I attend info sessions and share my experience with prospective students. After graduation, I want to continue supporting others—just as alumni have supported me.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Only that the program has given me the opportunity to meet people from so many different backgrounds, and I love that. I used to be an art student, and I recently started doing oil paintings again. I believe in the synergy that can happen when you bring together different parts of yourself, and it’s the same with this program: I’m learning from people in finance, literature, consulting, and so many other fields. That diversity of perspectives opens my mind.