Sifa Rahmania Ala

Getting Thrown into a Welcoming Environment

Choosing National Taiwan University (NTU) for my MBA wasn’t just about rankings or reputation, though NTU’s standing as Taiwan’s premier institution certainly played a role. What really drew me was coming full circle in my Taiwan journey. I first came here in 2018 as an undergraduate at NTUST as a mechanical engineering student, supported by the Ministry of Education scholarship, and fell in love with how Taiwan blends academic excellence with a welcoming environment for international students, especially for Muslims. I felt really warm here, and I enjoy learning Mandarin. Knowing it’s one of the most spoken languages in the world currently, I’m thrilled to practice it in my daily life.

Making a Strategic Shift 

After spending several years working in Taiwan’s digital marketing and business sectors in the retail industry, I realized I needed to deepen my strategic thinking and business acumen. NTU’s Global MBA (GMBA) program stood out because it offered exactly what I was looking for: a rigorous curriculum covering everything from financial management to systems thinking and management consulting, combined with practical applications through courses like Asian Business Consulting and Strategic Management. This aligned perfectly with my goal to pursue a career in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

The scholarship opportunity through the Outstanding International Graduate Student Scholarship was also significant. It validated my previous achievements and made it financially feasible to pursue this dream. Beyond that, I chose NTU because I already knew Taiwan’s education system values hard work, practical application, and cross-cultural collaboration. Having built a professional network here and understanding the local business landscape, it made perfect sense to continue my academic journey at Taiwan’s top institution. The decision has already proven right; winning first place at the NTU Case Competition in my first semester confirmed I made the right choice.

Embracing Opportunities 

My decision to enroll in NTU’s GMBA program was deeply influenced by my own career evolution. Coming from a mechanical engineering background and transitioning into marketing and business development, I realized that while I had practical experience, I needed a structured understanding of business strategy and management to reach the next level in my career, especially in the APAC region. By choosing NTU, I’ve met people from various backgrounds with years of real business experience, which has given me tremendous insights into the actual business world.

What attracted me most was how the GMBA program bridges theory and practice. My colleagues are incredibly supportive and value learning above all else. Even though I have less working experience compared to some, they invited me to collaborate and join competitions. This support became real when our team won the 2025 NTU Case Competition, which made me more motivated to explore myself.

Crossing Majors? No Problem!

Almost all courses are helpful for someone like me who’s crossing majors from mechanical engineering to MBA. The courses that excite me most are Asian Business Consulting, Business Model Canvas, and Strategic Management. We don’t just learn theoretically; the professors are generous with their time and give us free consultation on anything we want to ask. This method is truly helpful for students, as it encourages them to learn more deeply, stay highly engaged with the course, and apply the theory to their work.

I’m also genuinely interested in the quantitative side. Statistics & Data Analysis and Finance courses are pushing me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. In my previous marketing role, I relied heavily on metrics and ROI, but now I’m learning to approach data with more sophisticated analytical tools. The Systems Thinking course has been eye-opening too. It’s changed how I view organizational challenges and cross-functional collaboration.

Beyond academics, enrolling as an MBA student brought me opportunities like being a speaker for a digital marketing training program for migrant workers at the Indonesian Economics and Trade Office. I see enormous potential in strengthening business ties between Indonesia and Taiwan. The program gives me frameworks to analyze these opportunities systematically, and the Marketing Management and Strategic Management courses complement my professional experience, allowing me to understand the strategic principles behind what I used to do instinctively.

Building a Life, Not Just a Degree

My biggest advice: don’t just come to study, come to build a life. I’ve been in Taiwan since 2018, and what makes this place special isn’t just the quality education (though that’s excellent), but the opportunities to truly integrate and grow beyond the classroom.

First, embrace the language challenge. I started with basic Mandarin, and while it’s still a work in progress, even small efforts to speak Mandarin open so many doors, from making local friends to understanding business contexts better. Taiwanese people genuinely appreciate when you try, and they’re incredibly patient and encouraging. Take language classes seriously. It’s an investment that pays dividends in every aspect of your life here.

Second, get involved beyond academics. Join student organizations, volunteer, or take internships if you can. My internship experience while studying has given me insights no classroom could provide. It keeps you grounded, builds your network, and honestly makes you more employable after graduation. I learned more about stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication through hands-on work than any textbook could teach.

Third, be financially prepared but don’t let money fears stop you. Look into scholarships aggressively. Taiwan has many opportunities for international students, from government scholarships to university-specific ones. The NTU Outstanding International Graduate Student Scholarship changed my trajectory, and there are many similar opportunities if you research and apply early.

Finally, stay open to unexpected paths. I came as an engineering student and ended up in digital marketing, then business administration. Taiwan’s dynamic environment allows for career pivots and growth in directions you might not have imagined. The business ecosystem here, especially in tech and cross-strait trade, offers unique opportunities for international students willing to be adaptable and proactive. Taiwan isn’t just a place to get a degree. It’s a place to discover what you’re capable of. Come with an open mind, work hard, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The community here, both local and international, is incredibly supportive.

✨ 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 — 𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐰𝐚𝐧 

I came to Taiwan to grow, to learn, and to become braver. Celebrating the New Year here feels special—the lights, the crowd, and the energy create a feeling like no other, reminding me that new beginnings don’t need familiar places. In 2025, I gained so many insights through MBA projects at NTU that truly pushed me. There were moments of self-doubt and cultural adjustment, but with every step I became more confident, clear, and resilient. Now 2026 is here—the same dreams, ready to shine even brighter.

2026 is here— same dreams, ready to shine even brighter!