Lifelong learning for a lifetime of success
Most parents steer their children towards their alma maters when it comes to picking the right university. In the case of Vice-President for Corporate Governance at SMART Communications, Archilo Matugas, the roles were reversed. His son — who graduated from SMU with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management — inspired him to enrol in SMU’s Master of Laws (LLM) programme.
Also, a part-time law professor, Archilo was familiar with legal issues from both a local and international perspective. However, he felt that he could benefit from learning more about cross-border transactions, thus enrolling in the Cross-Border Business and Finance Law in Asia track of the programme.
Not only did he gain a better understanding of the legal landscape, but he also had the opportunity to network with other legal professionals. In addition, the programme gave him the tools to navigate the ever-changing world of business. Today, Archilo is a strong advocate for the programme, and he credits it with giving him a competitive edge in both his legal and business career.
“When my son finished his undergraduate studies at SMU's Lee Kong Chian School of Business, his transformation was palpable in the way he expressed himself, and how he framed discussion points,” shares Archilo.
“I told myself that studying in SMU for my LLM may not be a bad idea. I browsed the modules offered which I thought were forward-looking and future relevant. I believe I made the right choice in SMU with its excellent professors, modern facilities, and convenient location.”
Transforming headwinds into tailwinds
In today's economy, continuous education and upskilling have become essential in order to stay ahead of the curve. With so much change and uncertainty in the world, it's more important than ever to hedge against uncertainties by investing in yourself.
Due to his responsibilities as a full-time corporate officer and part-time law professor, Archilo has always committed himself to continuous learning. Reading and studying were integral parts of his life: As a corporate officer, he had to keep abreast of the relevant developments and their innovative applications. As a law professor, he had to stay current by regularly updating his syllabus, reading the latest applicable cases decided by the Supreme Court, and learning from his students.
More significantly, the ability to operate effectively in different cultural and political environments is essential for success in today's economy. By hiring senior executives with foreign education or work experience, companies can tap into new markets and perspectives — enabling them to better understand the needs of their customers and find new ways of doing business. The globalisation of the workforce is something that is happening more and more. Business leaders with international experience bring a valuable perspective to the table by being able to identify opportunities and navigate challenges in a global marketplace. In fact, Archilo had noticed that the company he was in was increasingly hiring senior executives with foreign education or work experience. This presented him with an opportunity to accelerate his growth trajectory.
“My boss, who was then the Vice-President (VP) and Head of Corporate Governance, was planning on retiring in March 2020,” says Archilo.
“As his Assistant VP, I was the next-in-line based on succession management, which I did not fully rely upon knowing how fast directions change in the corporate world. Thus, I applied to SMU and fortunately was accepted into the ASEAN Post-Graduate Scholarship Programme.”
Cutting-edge curriculum for a holistic outlook
A holistic outlook is not only about looking at the big picture, but also about understanding the interconnectedness of ideas. It's an approach of interdisciplinary thinking that can be applied to everything from business relationships to global problems. And it's something that can be learned.
When Archilo started his career in law, he never imagined that he would one day be teaching the subject to others. But after more than a decade in the industry, he discovered a newfound passion for growing his knowledge base as a student.
Lifelong learning is a continuous journey that begins with curiosity. It is an approach to learning that emphasises the joy of discovery and the importance of ongoing inquiry. In his own path of intellectual enrichment during the LLM programme, Archilo found design thinking, frame-working, and strategy formulation and execution to be invaluable tools. Each of these approaches has helped him better analyse the world and unveiled fresh perspectives.
“I particularly liked the comparative approach taken in each module, which enabled us to discuss relevant legal issues from local to regional to global perspectives,” he elaborates.
“The modules I took made my development holistic as they transcended legal matters – learnings which I shared with my team and applied at work when I returned to corporate.”
In particular, the LLM Comparative Corporate Governance module provided a detailed look at how different countries approach the regulation of businesses, he recalls. Through his deepened knowledge, Archilo hoped to share with his team members, organisation, and students the same understanding and appreciation for the topic and make a positive impact.
As Archilo discovered, a Master of Laws can provide an edge in a competitive economy, especially within the upper echelons of the corporate hierarchy. The combination of theoretical and practical knowledge available through the LLM programme can equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today's business world.
With the ever-changing landscape of the global economy, a specialised postgraduate education can ensure that students of different backgrounds — including high-powered careerists — are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century head-on and remain relevant.