Success Stories

Siti Nur’Aishah Binte Mohammed Zakariah
Manager, Agency for Integrated Care (AIC)
Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) (Digital Business)
University College Dublin 2026 Graduate & Programme Achievement Award Recipient
(Source: 2026) 

I graduated with a Diploma in Hotel Management in 2007 and entered the workforce shortly after. Although I had always wanted to continue studying, life commitments and financial considerations meant I did not have the opportunity to pursue a Degree earlier.  

Returning to school after many years was nerve-wracking. I worried about coping academically, managing my time, and keeping up after such a long break. Being one of the older students also made me wonder if I was “outdated”. However, I knew that if I kept waiting for the “perfect time”, I might never move forward. I wanted to challenge myself and prove that growth does not stop with age.  

I chose the Degree in Business Studies (Digital Business) because it aligned closely with my role in customer operations in AIC. The programme strengthened my business foundation and digital capabilities, especially in areas such as AI, workflow optimisation, and customer journeys. It also improved my analytical thinking and gave me greater confidence to contribute ideas beyond daily operations.  

Balancing full-time work and part-time studies was challenging, but I remained determined. Being recognised as a Programme Achievement Award recipient was truly unexpected. This experience has reminded me that it is never too late to start again, challenge yourself, and pursue growth no matter where you are in life.   

Xavier Choy 
Equities Dealer, Phillip Securities 
Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) (FinTech) 
University College Dublin 2026 Graduate & Programme Achievement Award Recipient 
(Source: 2026) 

I decided to enrol in the Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) (FinTech) programme because I wanted the best of both worlds, gaining strong foundations in finance while being exposed to technology.  

With the financial industry rapidly evolving through digitalisation, I recognised the importance of understanding not just traditional finance, but also how technologies such as data analytics, digital platforms and automation are shaping the future of the industry. The Fintech programme from University College Dublin (UCD) at Kaplan offered a good balance of both areas, which aligned with my career interests.  

One of the key strengths of the programme is its flexibility. As a part-time student, I was able to continue working while pursuing my Degree, which allowed me to apply theoretical concepts directly to real-world situations. This made the learning experience more practical and relevant.  

The curriculum provided by UCD is well-structured and globally recognised, adding credibility to the qualification. The lecturers and support system at Kaplan were also helpful in guiding students through the programme, making it manageable alongside work commitments.  

One of the main challenges I faced was balancing full-time work with academic commitments, which required strong time management and discipline. I overcame this by maintaining a structured study schedule and planning ahead for exams or major project submissions.  

Overall, I would recommend this programme, as the combination of academic quality, flexibility, and industry relevance makes this programme a strong option for working professionals looking to upgrade their qualifications.  

Lee Guan Qing
Business Analyst, Banking industry 
Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) (Business Analytics) 
University College Dublin 2026 First Class Honours Graduate & 
Programme Achievement Award Recipient 
(Source: 2026) 

Receiving First Class Honours and the Programme Achievement Award was a milestone I never expected when I first enrolled. As someone juggling full-time work and part-time studies, there were many late nights, tight deadlines, and moments of self-doubt. However, the experience taught me the importance of perseverance and stepping outside my comfort zone.  

Looking back, the achievement was not just about the awards, but about proving to myself that continuous learning and hard work can lead to meaningful growth and opportunities.  

One of the key reasons for enrolling in this programme from University College Dublin (UCD) at Kaplan was its 18-month duration, which fit well into my schedule while working full-time. UCD’s global recognition and Triple-Crown Accreditation¹ further assured me of the programme’s academic rigour and credibility. 

While balancing work and studies was tiring, the structured pace made it manageable. Since completing the programme, I have since transitioned into a Business Analyst role, where I apply a stronger analytical mindset and newly acquired data analysis skills. I can now leverage data more effectively to gain insights and make informed decisions.  

Beyond academics, the friendships formed through shared experiences made the journey more meaningful. I would highly recommend this programme to professionals seeking to upskill while balancing their careers.  

Leow Yee Shiang 
Civil Servant, Public Sector 
Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) (Business Analytics) 
University College Dublin 2024 Graduate & Top Student Award Recipient
(Source: 2024)

In order to broaden my horizons and increase my depth of knowledge in an area I was unfamiliar with, I decided to pursue further studies by enrolling in the Business Analytics programme from University College Dublin (UCD) at Kaplan. 

I would recommend UCD as the UCD College of Business is among the Top 1% of Universities Worldwide, and it is one of the few elite Business schools with the Triple-Crown Accreditation². With over 30 years of educational excellence in Singapore and over 12,000 alumni, I am assured by UCD’s strong academic support and high standards of programme delivery. 

I appreciate how the classes are structured and conducted in an efficient and compact timeframe. This gives me flexibility to manage team assignments, work arrangements and personal commitments. Moreover, the timetable was provided to us well in advance, allowing working adults like me to plan our schedules efficiently. 

A Degree in Business Analytics is highly useful in the dynamic world of Big Data where one is required to make informed decisions logically and systematically. Furthermore, Business Analytics is a versatile field of study that can be applied across industries and will be relevant in the years to come.  

Winna Tay 
Due Diligence Agent, FinTech Industry 
Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) (Finance) 
University College Dublin 2023 Graduate
(Source: 2023)

I previously worked in the Event and Exhibition industry for three and a half years until COVID-19 hit, and I witnessed the toll it took on the sector. Consequently, I made the decision to further my studies, a plan that had been postponed for several years. In addition to my dream to work in a bank, I also recognise that the Finance industry is an essential and relatively stable field that promotes employee welfare. Hence, I chose to major in Business Studies, more specifically, in Finance. 

My friend recommended University College Dublin (UCD), and I discovered that it met my requirements, such as the flexibility to complete my Degree programme quickly while working. After conducting some research, I was attracted to UCD’s well-structured programme and its internationally-recognised Business Bachelor’s Degree. 

During my studies, I was able to experience a blend of local and overseas lecturers’ teaching methods, and the interactive teaching approaches allowed me to relate to real-world scenarios. The lecturers at Kaplan have also imparted business insights and personal experiences that are not typically found in textbooks. The programme enhanced my foundational knowledge in business studies and enabled me to explore more in-depth about the financial ecosystem. As a result, I discovered my specialisation in the digital payment industry and was given a salary increment. 

Fong Jin Wei Ryan 
Technical Talent Acquisition Specialist, Blockchain & Web3 Industry 
Bachelor of Business Studies (Honours) (Human Resource Management) 
University College Dublin 2024 Graduate
(Source: 2024)

After enrolling in this programme from University College Dublin (UCD), my job performance in the Talent Acquisition field was significantly enhanced as I became more knowledgeable and equipped with information that helped me improve my work processes and results. I would definitely recommend my Degree as UCD and Kaplan do a great job in planning the programme, keeping it well-paced and allowing me to juggle my studies and a full-time job.  

I believe having a Degree is essential in the current job climate. By preparing individuals with skills to excel in the workforce, a Degree opens the doors to bigger and better opportunities, paving the way for one’s career progression.