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Deborah Koh, Singapore

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Centre Director, Chicago office

Singapore Economic Development Board

Public Policy Program (’08)

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Ms. Deborah Koh is Centre Director (based in Chicago, Illinois) for the Singapore Economic Development Board, and is responsible for working with Midwest-based multinationals and fast-growing companies to explore opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to this position, she was part of the Consumer Businesses division, where she promoted and developed the Household and Personal Care industry in Singapore.
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She holds a Bachelor of Science (graduated with Distinction) in Biology and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Master of Public Policy – graduated with Distinguished Academic Performance – from GRIPS.

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Please tell us about your career path so far, and what is your area of specialization?

With GRIPS friends at Hakone

I have been working for the Singapore Economic Development Board (“EDB”) for a number of years. We are the lead government agency for planning and executing strategies to enhance Singapore’s position as a global business centre, and our mission is to create sustainable economic growth with vibrant business and good job opportunities for Singapore.

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How did you come to work in this area, and what have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?

I was privileged to be awarded a scholarship by the EDB, which kindly supported my college education in the US and Master’s programme at GRIPS. I applied for the scholarship as I wanted to contribute towards the creation of good jobs for my fellow countrymen, and it has been a very meaningful and intellectually stimulating job thus far.

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You are currently Director at the Chicago Centre of the Singapore Economic Development Board. How do you like living in Chicago? What is your favourite thing to do when you are not working?

Performing with TIEC friends at TIEC Dance Festival

Chicago is a great city to live in – it

has the vibrancy of a big city, but the people are laid-back and it is easy to travel around by both car and public transport. I swing dance in my leisu

re time, which is something that I picked up while going to college in the US.

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I try to work efficiently, and be as concise as possible. I make use of down-time to work (e.g. while waiting at the airport to board the plane), and mobile technology has been a great enabler

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What led you to GRIPS? What is the most important thing you got out of your studies here, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavours?

With TIEC friends at Bon-Odori festival

I have always been interested in Japanese culture and history. Before applying to GRIPS, I studied Japanese for 2 years in college and did a couple of homestays with Japanese families, which I greatly enjoyed. I found the GRIPS classes very interesting and relevant, as it gave me a solid appreciation of economics, political science and international relations.

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What is your fondest memory of your time spent at GRIPS? And what do you miss about Japan?

I will always fondly remember the time spent with friends, eating together, travelling together, and performing together. I also miss the culture and history in Japan – I had a great time celebrating the Bon-Odori festival at TIEC (Tokyo International Exchange Center).

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If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS what would it be?

Visiting Kohno-sensei, outside the UNDP HQ in New York City

Make connections with the students and professors in GRIPS. Regardless of whether or not you cross paths with them in a future work context, the diversity of nationalities and cultures will broaden your perspective in life. If possible, make friends outside of school too – the TIEC community and Japanese swing dancing community were all very welcoming.

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How would you like to maintain involved with the School? What do you expect from GRIPS as an alumnus? Do you have any suggestions on how to further utilize the GRIPS alumni network?

GRIPS staff do not travel to Singapore very often, but I will certainly be glad to meet up with the delegation whenever there is a visit.

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