As the Founding Partner of TNB Aura, Vicknesh heads up the group’s sell-side and buy-side initiatives.

Vicknesh started his career in Investment Banking before founding, operating and exiting his real estate mezz fund. Currently, Vicknesh serves as a board member at several companies where he advises and assists on their internal strategies and regional expansion plans.

Having graduated with a double degree from Nanyang Technological University and dual MBAs from UCLA Anderson and the National University of Singapore, Vicknesh is passionately involved in region’s startup ecosystem. He is an appointed judge and mentor for numerous entrepreneurship workshops, conferences and competitions, contributing to the cultivation of aspiring entrepreneurs and startups.

Transforming Ventures with Business Brilliance

What drives someone to leave a successful career and start a new venture in a dynamic and emerging market? For our UCLA-EMBA alumni, Vicknesh R Pillay, it was a combination of ambition, vision, and desire to make a significant impact. In 2015, Vicknesh embarked on a journey with the UCLA-NUS EMBA program while founding TNB Aura, a leading venture capital firm in Southeast Asia. After exiting his role as a partner at a real estate mezzanine fund, he recognised the immense potential in the region’s burgeoning VC ecosystem. He sought to leverage his fund management and finance background to capitalize on entrepreneurial and investment opportunities. We talk to him to determine what fuels the fire behind his dynamic decisions.

The Decision for an EMBA
Looking back, Vicknesh credits his decision to pursue an EMBA over other programs as a huge factor for his ambition: “I believed that the right education was necessary for me to add structure and processes around many of my initiatives. Coming from an entrepreneurial background, I valued the opportunity to not just learn from peers with diverse experiences but to ‘unlearn to relearn.'”

The UCLA-NUS EMBA program provided Vicknesh with a holistic and transformative learning experience. “The UCLA-NUS program is very holistic, providing a broad-based perspective on strategic decisions,” he shares. Leadership, negotiation, and accounting courses were particularly impactful, equipping him with essential skills for his career. These skills became crucial as he built and expanded TNB Aura. “The program’s dual degrees bolstered my professional credentials, making me a more well-rounded leader,” Vicknesh notes.

Shaping Leadership Skills
Another key benefit is that the program significantly shaped Vicknesh’s leadership skills and mindset. Coming from a finance and fund management background, the exposure to leaders across diverse fields like marketing and operations broadened his perspective. “The program fostered a collaborative environment where I could learn from talented peers, challenge my assumptions, and gain new tools and strategies to navigate complex business scenarios,” he explains.

As a leader, having global perspectives is essential. Vicknesh’s insights gained from the UCLA-NUS EMBA program have shaped his approach to business and decision-making. “Based in Southeast Asia, the program transformed my approach by fostering a global perspective,” he says. The exposure to diverse markets and cultures broadened his network and deepened his understanding of international business dynamics. The program’s segments in China and India were particularly eye-opening, providing insights into market dynamics and emerging business models relevant to his focus on venture capital.

Work, Play, and Juggling Family
It’s not all work, and Vicknesh acknowledges that the network is another reason the UCLA-EMBA was such an enriching experience. He talks about the friendships and networks built during the program. “We maintain a group chat where we celebrate each other’s wins and offer support during tough times,” he shares. This ongoing connection and network have been one of the most rewarding aspects of his experience.

To pay it forward, Vicknesh stays actively involved with the UCLA-NUS community, maintaining close connections with his supportive cohort. On this, he gives a special shoutout: “Special thanks to Ljupco Fidanovski, our class president, for keeping us connected and suggesting activities that strengthen our bond.”

With these social commitments while studying, could he find time for his family? He admits that balancing work, family, and studies was challenging but emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment. “You get as much as you put into the program. It was a case of how much I wanted to get out of the program, which was determined by how much I wanted to put into it,” he states.

Advice to Prospective Students
Vicknesh advises prospective students who feel stagnant in their careers to consider an EMBA if they seek to deepen their business knowledge and expand their professional network. “If you fit this profile, I highly recommend an Executive MBA, where you can engage in more meaningful and actionable conversations and relationships,” he suggests.

Celebrating 20 Years
As the UCLA-NUS EMBA program celebrates its 20th anniversary, Vicknesh reflects on its evolution and continued relevance. “Meeting individuals like Dr. Prem Shamdasani and Jochen Wirtz has been a highlight, enriching my learning experience,” he says. He believes the program’s diverse cohort and emphasis on real-world applications will keep it impactful for future leaders. “My wish is that the UCLA-NUS program will continue to adapt itself to stay relevant in this fast-moving geopolitical scene,” Vicknesh concludes.

Happy 20th Anniversary, UCLA-NUS EMBA Program! Congratulations on reaching this milestone. Here’s to many more years of new opportunities and accomplishments.