A Passion for Analytics Rooted in Dual Disciplines
From Hanoi, Vietnam to Singapore, and from Economics to advanced analytics — Pham Huong Giang (Mandy) has always followed her curiosity and instinct for growth. A proud alumna of the NUS MSc in Business Analytics (MSBA) Class of 2019, Mandy now leads an analytics team in Singapore’s consumer banking sector, where she transforms data into strategic decisions with real-world impact.
Mandy’s journey into data science didn’t follow a straight line. Starting with a degree in Economics, she developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and a genuine curiosity about how data can help explain real-world behaviours. When technology began to transform finance, Mandy decided to complement her background by pursuing a second degree in Computing at the National University of Singapore. “I gradually became more interested in how data and analytics could help address practical challenges and inform decisions,” she shared. After working eight years in financial services, Mandy noticed the growing role of business analytics, AI, and machine learning, which inspired her to deepen her knowledge through the NUS MSBA programme.
Bridging Academia and Industry: Why NUS MSBA?
After eight years in the financial services industry working closely with traders, risk managers, and finance teams, Mandy sought to deepen her expertise in analytics. She saw the rising tide of business analytics, AI and machine learning as the signal to expand her capabilities, leading her to the NUS MSBA.
The NUS MSBA programme stood out to her for its joint curriculum between the School of Computing and NUS Business School, its distinguished faculty, and strong industry relevance. Her decision to join NUS MSBA was a natural progression, building on her earlier academic experiences and her growing fascination with data-driven decision-making in finance.
A Capstone Experience That Transformed Perspective
One of the most defining moments of Mandy’s NUS MSBA journey was the capstone project, where she applied her skills in a real-world setting within the hospitality industry.
“It was a turning point — moving from working with data in theory to applying analytics in a practical, consultative and impactful way,” she recalled. With close mentorship from NUS faculty and collaboration with industry leaders who were genuinely invested in embedding data-driven approaches into their day-to-day operations, the project taught her the value of creating solutions that are both technically sound and practical.
She learned to think beyond model-building, focusing on how end users would apply solutions to solve business problems. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, as her project “Optimal Manpower Planning Using Stochastic Programming and AI” was one of five awarded the Outstanding Capstone Project Award during the NUS Business Analytics Centre Symposium (BACS) 2019 (previously named Business Analytics Technical Evening (BATE)).
Gaining Strategic Edge: How NUS MSBA Shaped Her Career
For Mandy, the NUS MSBA did more than just deepen her technical toolkit. The programme reshaped the way she thinks about business problems.
“The programme equipped me with a structured approach to analytics, from framing business questions to delivering insights that inform decisions,” she said. Exposure to real-world use cases, cutting-edge tools and methodologies, and industry partners gave her the confidence to take on strategic roles and lead data initiatives.
Beyond technical skills, NUS MSBA offered valuable industry exposure and a strong alumni network, which played a crucial role in her career progression. The programme’s stellar reputation also provided industry recognition that opened doors to new opportunities.
Driving Impact: From Early Roles to Leading Teams in Fintech Start-Ups and Banking
After graduation, Mandy continued her analytics journey in the hospitality industry, applying the skills she honed during her capstone project. She later had the opportunity to join a digital bank start-up in Singapore, where she was part of the early data analytics team.
“NUS MSBA gave me the foundation to hit the ground running. I was able to contribute from day one — building workflows, generating insights, and driving data-informed decisions.” Mandy shared.
Mandy’s early experience in a fast-paced, data-first environment laid the foundation for her leadership in data transformation initiatives across major banks and fintech firms. Today, she leads the analytics team in consumer banking at a major financial institution, embedding data into core decision-making processes and delivering impactful results.
Advice for Future NUS MSBA Students
Looking back, Mandy encourages prospective NUS MSBA students to fully leverage the programme’s resources — not just the rigorous curriculum, but also the vibrant community and the wealth of opportunities it offers. She emphasises the importance of engaging with classmates, professors, and industry mentors.
Her advice: “Be curious, stay grounded in solving real-world problems, and don’t hesitate to step up and lead when opportunities arise. The effort you invest during the programme will compound and pay off throughout your career.”
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