“I enjoy finding elegant solutions to complex problems and aim to live rather than simply exist.”
Birthplace: Metro Manila, Philippines
Fun fact about myself: I know how to make delicious banana pancakes and I'm single.
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of the Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Cum Laude
What was your last place of employment before enrolling in business school? I was a Group Corporate Treasury dealer at Maybank in Kuala Lumpur.
Where did you do your internship in the summer of 2023? Twin Towers Ventures in Kuala Lumpur. This is the venture capital arm of Petronas that invests in impactful solutions. These include AI, industrial IoT, hydrogen energy, renewable energy, green mobility, circular economy, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), biotechnology, and more.
Where will you be working after graduation? The same firm where I interned, Twin Towers Ventures. As an Investment Associate, I will focus on sustainability and align my passion for finance with my commitment to environmental and social impact.
Community activities and leadership roles in business school: I was a member of the Finance Club and eventually took on the role of co-leader. As a self-described finance geek, I had the opportunity to share my knowledge and network with like-minded people who shared similar interests. Similarly, I led a finance organization in college that traveled across the islands of the Philippines and conducted finance seminars for over 1,000 students.
What academic or extracurricular accomplishment are you most proud of during your time in business school? As an MBA Summer Associate, being selected as one of two people to present my research on electric vehicles live at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre to employees from Malaysia's largest company. The other presenter was a representative from a San Francisco-based venture capital firm.
What is your proudest achievement in your professional life so far? I qualified as a financial dealer. It was the moment I felt firmly rooted in my career in Kuala Lumpur. I worked hard for it as this industry has one of the highest barriers to entry for foreigners, especially newcomers. This achievement strengthened my confidence that if I worked hard enough, I could achieve even the most difficult goals that seemed like a challenge at the time.
Why did I choose this business school? Because it was located in the heart of a city I love. Also, I didn't have to fly far away from my family to the US to learn from the best professors at MIT. Also, this business school was in Asia, where I wanted to build my career.
Who is your favorite MBA professor? Rodrigo Verdi. He is the Associate Dean for Educational Programs at the MIT Sloan School of Management and a professor of accounting. He did something I'd never seen in my life: he made accounting fun for the whole class. It was magical.
What course did you like best about your MBA? Action learning – it's an authentic experience. You travel to different countries and do real work with real companies. It helps you understand that the ASB MBA is not just a service for you. You also have a responsibility to do meaningful work for others. I love that.
What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at business school? “Jom Makans” (which translates to “Let's go eat!” in Bahasa). This is a monthly event organized by the ASB administration for the whole community. It really shows how much we love to eat.
Looking back on your MBA experience, what is one thing you would do differently now? And why? I wish I had placed too much emphasis on academic achievement and spent more time with my classmates. My priorities have changed from being focused on academic achievement to including lasting friendships. This is also the first time I have made friends from Russia, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Colombia, Peru, and Italy. They live so far away that I don't know when I will see them again. I miss their presence so much.
What's the biggest misconception about your school? Because we're “affiliated with MIT,” maybe the tuition is “affiliated with MIT.” But no! It's all meat without the fat, so it's really worth it.
What do you like most about your business school town? The vibrant culture, diverse food, and warm, welcoming people are some of the attractions. Economically, the cost of living is reasonable and it has a developed country feel. I see myself settling here long term.
What surprised you most about business school? It's not about business, it's about people. The skills you need to succeed in undergrad aren't enough to get the most out of business school.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Rijen Phang – born in Penang, Malaysia, and working in Shanghai. I think he is incredibly smart, disciplined, and contributes greatly to his community. Above all, he makes sure everyone feels included. My ASB MBA classmates are like my family in Kuala Lumpur.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
1. Leading a team of talented people from all over the world – I enjoy the process of learning about people and bridging cultural differences to create something meaningful.
2. Invest in startups and watch them become unicorns.
What makes Michelle such a valuable asset to the class of 2024?
“I wholeheartedly recommend Michelle George Tan as Poets & Quants' MBA to Watch. This is an honour that recognises her exceptional achievements and contributions in both her academic and professional life. George's path to the Asian School of Business (ASB) is a testament to her unwavering determination and extraordinary ability to push boundaries. Prior to joining ASB, she began her career in the finance industry, securing a position with Maybank in Malaysia's highly competitive global market – an achievement that speaks to her ability and tenacity.”
George's academic pursuits at ASB have been marked by her exceptional work ethic and dedication to excellence, making her one of the top students in her class. More notably, her strategic involvement in three action learning projects and a summer internship demonstrated her proactive approach and adaptability, enabling her to make a significant career transition from global markets to venture capital with Petronas' Venture Capital division. This achievement is a testament not only to her intellectual capabilities, but also her ability to take advantage of opportunities for professional growth and development.
George stands out not only for her professional and academic achievements, but also for the tremendous impact she has made on her peers. Her active participation in club activities and role as a support for her classmates highlight her leadership qualities and ability to inspire those around her. Michelle's holistic approach to her education and career combines hard work, strategic thinking and commitment to her community, embodying the values and aspirations of the Poets and Quants Award. Her holistic approach, relentless pursuit of excellence and innovative career trajectory make her an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award.”
Juliana Ross Narayan
Director of Executive MBA Programmes and Student Services and Wellbeing, Asia Business School
