ESSEC Alumni in Singapore: “Our position as an Asian hub opens many opportunities”

Singapore is home not only to ESSEC APAC’s campus, but also to around 1,000 alumni. Christophe Gonet (EXEC MBA 17), President of ESSEC Alumni’s Singapore Chapter, tells us more about the local community – and the services he offers to them.

ESSEC Alumni: How many alumni are there in Singapore?

Christophe Gonet : The Singapore Chapter ranks # 4 in number of members among the international chapters of the ESSEC Alumni association. As of today, we have almost 800 members registered in our group on the ESSEC Alumni website. Actually, I estimate that our local community is around 1,000 alumni.

EA: What is their profile? 

C. Gonet : There are entrepreneurs who started their own business two or three decades ago, and typical expatriates with regional management positions with MNCs or medium-size companies. Unsurprisingly, most of our alumni are working in sectors such as luxury, hospitality, healthcare and financial services. Additionally, thanks to a very favourable ecosystem, we are also witnessing an increase in alumni working in digital positions or launching tech startups.

EA: How famous is the ESSEC brand in Singapore?

C. Gonet : The opening of the ESSEC APAC’s campus at Nepal Hill in 2015 has been a game-changer. Additionally, the regular presence of our professors in the media to provide expert opinions on the news has really been helping to raise the ESSEC flag! We are working closely with the faculty, staff and the Dean of Singapore to go even further. 

EA: What opportunities are there in Singapore for alumni?

C. Gonet : Singapore is truly a regional hub in Asia with a proximity to growing economies, which opens many opportunities! Granted, we have always been competing with Hong-Kong, but the recent events and demonstrations there, combined with the COVID-19 situation, has been benefiting us through a knock-on effect. Key strategic industries are Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace & Logistics, Applied Health Sciences, Design, Financial Services & Technologies, Digital Innovation, Media & Digital Content, Travel and Urban Solutions. 

EA: How does the COVID-19 pandemic impact those opportunities? 

C. Gonet : Singapore's resident unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in August 2021. By comparison, it peaked at 6.2 per cent during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) period in 2003. Consequently, the Singaporean government has introduced a new “Jobs Growth Incentive” programme. To be eligible, firms must increase the headcount of their local workforce. On top of this measure, the minimum qualifying salaries for Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders has been raised. This makes it more difficult for foreigners overall to find work opportunities in Singapore. It does remain possible to get a job though, as foreign talents are still needed and desirable, especially for bigger corporations. 

EA: What news from the local ESSEC community in this context?

C. Gonet : Generally speaking, we have heard stories of a lot of persons returning to their home countries due to either corporate decisions or homesickness. A relevant fact is, for the first time ever, the population of Singapore has reduced, and it is mainly driven by a decreasing number of non-residents (-2.1%) mostly in services sector. Those who stay cope as they can, as everywhere else.

EA: What advice do you have for alumni moving in Singapore?

C. Gonet : First and foremost, get in touch with our team (see below). We are lucky to have a board of five office-bearers who can support you with actionable advice and networking opportunities. We have a diverse set of experience and we leverage the community to help you find relevant contacts when needed.

If you are looking for a job in Singapore while living overseas, it will be important to have a clear strategy to approach potential employers and to build a strong case about the added value that you can bring to a firm! What makes you special compared to a local hire? When travel restrictions are lifted, it is usually more efficient to come in person to meet potential employers face to face.

EA: What is the offer of ESSEC Alumni's Singapore Chapter? 

C. Gonet : In a nutshell, our chapter is offering a quick access to the local community and regularly propose get-together events. Despite the sanitary measures, we manage to gather in small groups. Our next event will be held on February 23, so don't hesitate to join us.

Otherwise, we are focusing on four key priorities: Mentoring, Clubs & Topic related panels, Guest Speakers and Networking. Also, ESSEC Alumni's executive coach Patrick Kay provides local career support. Finally, we have also intensified our relationships with other business schools’ alumni communities to extend our networking capabilities.

Reach out to ESSEC Alumni’s Singapore Chapter's team : 

- President: Christophe Gonet (E16) - christophe.gonet@gmail.com

- Vice President: Arnaud Rubeck (EXEC MBA 18) - arnaud_rubeck@hotmail.com

- Leadership Expert: Subin Hong (BBA 09) - subin.hong@gmail.com

- Marketing / Start-up Expert: Thibaut Brière - thibaut.briere@gmail.com

Interview by Veary Ngy, International Community Manager at ESSEC Alumni, and Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni 

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