Kaplan programme ensures that he gets high-quality business education

Mr Mervyn Tang, 24, knew from an early stage that pursuing an education in the field of business was for him. But he did not do well enough in his O-level exams in 2007 to secure a place in the post-secondary school of his choice.

Reluctant to settle for an educational route he was not wholeheartedly passionate about, he enlisted in the army. Upon completing military service, Mr Tang (below) decided to further his education in line with his interests, so he enrolled in a Diploma in Commerce (Business Administration) programme at Kaplan. Kaplan in Singapore is part of Kaplan, Inc. — a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses.

It caters to more than 1 million students from more than 500 locations around the world. Mr Tang graduated from the Diploma in Commerce programme in April last year, and progressed on to pursuing his degree five months later.

The full-time student is now into his third trimester of pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management and Management awarded by Murdoch University, also at Kaplan. For someone who had to start his post-secondary school education later than many of his peers, time was of the essence.

GOOD CHOICE

“Kaplan seemed like a good choice as the curriculum touched on the areas I felt were necessary to support my career ambitions,”Mr Tang said. “

The programme gave me the opportunity to attain my eventual goal of getting a business degree in a shorter time frame than with most other institutions.” “Knowing that I could graduate and catch up with my peers in building up my career was something I looked forward to.”

He currently sees the value in a double major degree that allows possible career prospects in different areas when he graduates. The Diploma in Commerce is an eight-month-long programme, while the Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management and Management programme takes one year and four months to complete.

Completing his higher education at a good pace did not mean compromising on its quality.

“The programme at Kaplan was comprehensive and detailed and the structure was also easy to follow. The lecturers were patient and clear in the delivery of the lessons,” he said. “Class sizes were smaller than other private institutions, which gave me more opportunities to interact with lecturers and to learn more through the discussions with my classmates as well.”

Completing the diploma programme gave Mr Tang advanced standing into the second year of most degree programmes offered by Kaplan’s many university partners.

“The diploma programme set a strong foundation in my learning, so when I progressed to the degree level, I found the transition relatively easy,” he said. “Also, Kaplan’s university partners are prestigious, renowned institutes from around the world, so I was already assured of a quality degree even before I decided on the specific degree programme.”

“Kaplan specialises in offering diplomas that cater to the career needs of individuals, but with the safety net for those who wish to pursue further studies. We are also proud to offer the largest suite of double major degrees by Murdoch University in Singapore, and Kaplan has had graduates who emerge as Top 2 per cent of the Murdoch graduate cohort. These programmes are very popular as they increase the potential employability in the workforce.” – Mr Rhys Johnson, Vice-President, Kaplan

Source: The New Paper, 12 January 2015 © Singapore Press Holdings Limited.  Permission required for reproduction. Click to view PDF.