Jeff is venture builder, adviser and investor in technology startups & education space across Asia Pacific.

He was banker turned entrepreneur, investor and lecturer with over 40 years of professional experience spanning 7 countries: Canada, US, UK, Indo, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand.

As Venture Builder, he provided market access, talent access and capital access to help the startups scale.

Startups mentored/invested include those from India, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, USA.

Bridging Investment and Innovation

Alumni Jeffrey Nah’s life story took an exciting curveball as he went from seasoned banker to innovative investor. When he joined the UCLA-NUS EMBA program in 2014, he had already spent 34 years working across various countries as a banker and entrepreneur. Seeking to transition into investment, Jeffrey saw the EMBA as a gateway to a broader global network and a refresher in finance.

Reflecting on his mid-career decision, Jeffrey says, “I thought that an Executive MBA program would open doors to me to have access to a wider global network beyond what I already have and also to help me polish my finance, which after being 34 years away from university, was a far distant memory.” The EMBA program rekindled his academic prowess and provided strategic frameworks that honed his thinking patterns. “There are frameworks that help me frame what I’ve learned in practical world experience more concisely and strategically,” he shares. This strategic outlook has been crucial, whether in his role as an investor or entrepreneur.

One of Jeffrey’s significant achievements post-EMBA is his investment in a medtech company in California. He notes, “I would not have invested in a medtech company in California that is now going through series C without the network I built through the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA. This network has been instrumental in his various investments across India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, and the United States. “The program has helped me build a strong network across the world, which today, as an investor and entrepreneur, has been very beneficial,” he says.

It is not just the valuable networks but also how the EMBA program shapes his leadership skills and mindset. His leadership style, influenced by his diverse cohort, allows him to navigate different cultural and industrial landscapes effectively. Part of it is because the global perspectives gained from the program have significantly influenced Jeffrey’s approach to business. He highlights how important these diverse viewpoints are in opening up new possibilities and helping him think through the second half of his career. “Meeting new people from different countries and industry sectors has opened up my mind to possibilities beyond the sectors that I have been involved in,” he shares.

Jeffrey feels that the most beneficial aspect of the program is the robust network he has built, which continues to support his ventures and provides invaluable insights into various industries. “As a result of attending the UCLA-NUS program, I’ve made many friends, which I call friends in Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and the US,” he states.

Jeffrey advises taking the plunge to prospective students at a career standstill. “The greatest fear is fear itself. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you can take the pain, you can see the gain,” he encourages. Balancing the program’s demands with work and family life is challenging, but with determination and support, it is manageable.

True to his words about networking and also in the spirit of giving back, Jeffrey remains actively involved with the UCLA-NUS community. He is the UCLA Anderson Singapore chapter chair and frequently participates in alumni events. To him, this continuous engagement with past and present cohorts enriches his professional and personal life. Therefore, as the UCLA-NUS EMBA program celebrates its 20th anniversary, he has this message for the program. “I encourage the school to continue networking with past alumni and industry visits to create more opportunities for participants,” he suggests. He believes the program’s emphasis on diversity and networking is crucial for its success.

Happy 20th anniversary, UCLA-NUS EMBA program! Here’s to many more years of fostering global leaders like Jeffrey.