T.E.
Dr Kang looks like a caring Doctor with a compassion heart for the marginalised in the society ...
After completing his Master’s degree in Family Medicine, Dr Gary Kang answered a long-held calling to serve Singapore’s most
marginalised patients, and chose public healthcare over private practice.
In 2019, he was appointed Clinic Director of SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) – Sengkang, a new role that came with new challenges. “I was essentially placed in charge of Sengkang Polyclinic,” Dr Kang recalls. “It wasn’t enough just to be competent anymore. I wouldn’t succeed unless I learned senior leadership competencies in management, operations, and finance.”
Dr Kang needed hands-on knowledge like strategies, frameworks, and decision-making paradigms that could be immediately applied to his work. He also sought to hear first-hand leadership stories from those in similar positions.
His desire to upskill led Dr Kang to the Executive MBA (EMBA) programme at Nanyang Business School. The 13-month programme provided critical support as he took on the added responsibilities of his new leadership role.
Coming into his own as a SingHealth Polyclinics leader
The knowledge Dr Kang gained during the Nanyang EMBA’s modules was immediately applied in his new role. He used the frameworks he learned during the programme to plan long-term budgets, improve processes, adjust strategies, and iron out structural issues.
Strengthening his personal relationships, in and beyond the workplace
For Dr Kang, one of the Nanyang EMBA’s key legacies was the ability to connect to others on a deep, meaningful level – both in and beyond the workplace.
“When I was a younger doctor, I used to write to my superiors with critiques and suggestions. They took all feedback constructively and groomed me to be a healthcare leader. I want to be the kind of leader who can do the same for the next generation,” says Dr Kang.
Even with his expanded responsibilities within SHP, Dr Kang continues to actively flatten his organisation’s structure so that even the most junior clinic staff can feel comfortable approaching him directly with their concerns.
The network he gained from the EMBA has proved its long-lasting value. “It was more than a network, actually,” he says. “At Nanyang Business School, I found true friends in fellow leaders who truly understand what I am struggling with and know how to support me.”
To this day, Dr Kang continues to keep in touch with members from his cohort. When one of them needs advice, they would all join a Zoom call to hash it out. With a smile, he remarks, “This is the kind of invaluable connection that I will keep with me for many years to come.”
The Healthcare Leader Scholarship offered to healthcare professionals including the pharmaceutical sector recognises the contribution of leaders in driving transformation for healthcare. To find out more about the scholarships available, contact us at [email protected] or schedule a chat for a 1-to-1 discussion on your postgraduate aspirations.
Register here for a chat: https://bit.Iy/NanyangEMBAchat
The Nanyang Executive MBA is a part-time 13-months programme designed for senior leaders aspiring to transform the way they lead. The programme aims to embrace the connection between business, technology, and innovation–delivering a relevant curriculum to business leaders to help them excel in global environments and adapt to each new wave of digital change.