Dr. Nadir Zafar & Dr. Michael Yap - Developing Leaders in Singapore

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Dr. Nadir Zafar is a Singaporean national who holds several leadership roles.He is the Director of the Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN), where he leads a national movement to prepare Singaporeans for global leadership roles. SGLN is funded by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and managed by the Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI).

At HCLI, Dr. Zafar is the Chief Experience Officer (CXO), responsible for leading the client engagement, strategic marketing, and alumni relations teams. HCLI is a Temasek owned leadership institute backed by the EDB and Ministry of Manpower.  Dr. Zafar has a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation from the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, & Human Development, an MBA from global business school INSEAD, and a Bachelor of Business Management from the pioneer cohort at the Singapore Management University.

Dr. Michael Yap is a dynamic and forward-thinking higher education leader known for his strategic prowess and ability to foster impactful collaborations. As the Regional Managing Director for Coventry University Singapore Hub, he assumes the esteemed role of the university's most senior representative within the Asian region.

Michael's impact within Coventry University Singapore Hub is profound. He has orchestrated the development of numerous strategic partnerships with regional higher education institutions, cutting-edge research centres, and dynamic commercial entities. He elevated the university's brand recognition through strategic insight and fostered robust relationships with influential governmental stakeholders from the UK and local jurisdictions.

With a deep-seated understanding of Asian and UK education landscapes, Michael is adept at navigating complexities and building bridges between cultures. His extensive travels across Asia have honed his cross-cultural competencies, enabling him to drive meaningful change through effective global engagement.

A Quote From The Episode

• "In Singapore, we are blessed to have a mix of Western and Eastern influences in the workplace. While we carry the Eastern values, we also have the Western pragmatism when it comes to doing business, and that puts us at an advantage when it comes to the global stage."

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Organization - Human Capital Leadership Institute
• Organization - Coventry University Singapore 
• Video - Lee Kuan Yew in His Own Words

About The International Leadership Association (ILA)

• The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for ILA's 26th Global Conference in Chicago, IL - November 7-10, 2024. 

About  Scott J. Allen

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