Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) recently welcomed back one of its distinguished alumni, Ng Pock Too, for his eighth visit as Executive-in-Residence with the faculty of management. Throughout the week, students had the unique opportunity to engage with Dr. Ng, gaining valuable insights from his extensive experience in business and leadership.

Born and raised in Singapore, Dr. Ng came to UNB as a recipient of the Colombo Plan Scholarship, which allowed him to pursue an undergraduate degree at UNB. Graduating in 1968 with a B.Sc Division One Degree in Mechanical Engineering, he was awarded the Lieutenant Governor General Silver Medal.

His career took off upon his return to Singapore, where he worked with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), eventually becoming its Deputy Director. His education continued at Harvard Business School's Program for Management Development, further honing his leadership skills. He served two terms as Political Secretary with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, and worked closely with him as his government transformed Singapore into the economic powerhouse it is today.

Dr. Ng's career spans significant roles in both government and private sectors. After his tenure with the Singapore government, he served as President of Hamilton Sundstrand’s operations in Asia and then founded his consulting company, New Board Technology Pte Ltd. His expertise has been sought by major corporations, including Kikkoman Singapore and Del Monte Asia, and he has played a pivotal role on the Advisory Board of Huisman Equipment BV.

UNB recognized Dr. Ng's contributions to Singapore's economic development with an Honourary Doctor of Law in 1993. His passion for UNB and its students is evident in his repeated visits as Executive-in-Residence.

From March 17-21 this year, he met with business students, sharing invaluable insights drawn from his extensive experience. In the competitive strategy classes, he discussed diverse management styles across cultures, and navigating mergers and acquisitions, as well as crisis management, reflecting on his tenure as CEO of Sembawang Engineering during Operation Desert Storm.

His session with the Student Investment Fund class delved into the 2008 Debt Driven Financial Crisis in the US and the latest US financial report as of December 2024. Additionally, he participated in a leadership conversation with MBA students, facilitated by Dr. Devashis Mitra, Dean of the Faculty of Management.

Students deeply appreciate Dr. Ng's straightforward and engaging speaking style, which resonates with them on a personal level. His advice on distinguishing themselves in the workplace by embracing honesty and fearlessness is particularly impactful. He emphasized the importance of integrity and courage in professional settings, encouraging students to be authentic and bold in their actions and decisions.

Reflecting on Dr. Ng's recent visit, Dean Dr. Devashis Mitra remarked, "Within minutes of speaking with Pock Too, students quickly grasp the significance of his experiences and the immense value of this opportunity to learn from his insights."

Bringing Executives-in-Residence like Dr. Ng into the faculty of management is a cornerstone of experiential learning at UNB. These visits expose students to real-world business practices and financial activities from different parts of the globe, enriching their academic experience and preparing them for future careers.

Dr. Ng's contributions underscore the importance of bridging academic knowledge with practical insights, fostering a dynamic learning environment that equips students to thrive in the global business landscape.

Learn more about UNB’s faculty of management.

Media contact: Liz Lemon-Mitchell
Lizabeth.Lemonmitchell@unb.ca