Nicholas Khoo Zhan-Hua

Nicholas's Story

Having set his sights on a career in retail, Khoo Zhan-Hua, Nicholas chose to study with the University of Stirling in Singapore thanks to its strong reputation in the subject.

The 26-year-old, from Singapore, first heard about the course while studying at Nanyang Polytechnic and felt the diverse range of modules would provide him with the ideal platform to embark upon a career in the retail industry.

“My heart has long been set on pursuing a degree in retail,” Nicholas explained. “As well as the University of Stirling’s reputation in retail studies, the modules within the course enabled me to have a better understanding of different jobs across the retail sector.”

Nicholas spent most of his two-year course – developed and delivered by Stirling’s Institute for Retail Studies - in Singapore. However, he spent his third semester on the campus in Scotland – and it delivered an experience he will never forget.

He continued: “Learning to work with the local students in a brand new environment definitely built up my self-efficacy to work outside my comfort zone.

“More importantly, I made some great friendships which I will hold dear throughout the rest of my life.”
Nicholas held down a job while studying in Singapore and the demand of both commitments proved to be his “greatest challenge” during his course.

“I had to juggle my day job and school,” he said. “It was only because of my friends and classmates that I was able to overcome this. Most of them were really helpful and supportive whenever I faced any difficulties with my work.”

In addition to his degree, Nicholas was also bestowed the Best Overall Student award in Retail Marketing. Now working as a specialist in High Complications and High Jewellery, he describes his time studying with Stirling as “tough but fulfilling”.