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A New Paradigm of Family Business Succession and Growth: Launch of the "Postgraduate Diploma in Next-Gen Entrepreneurship & Succession (Mandarin)”

SINGAPORE, 8 November 2024 – Nanyang Institute of Management officially launched the “Postgraduate Diploma in Next-Gen Entrepreneurship & Succession (Mandarin)” today, marking a significant milestone in family business education across Asia. This programme, delivered in Mandarin, aims to equip a new generation of family business leaders with the insights, strategies, and skills necessary to secure the future of family enterprises throughout the region.

President, Dr. Zhang Xuwei, of Nanyang Institute of Management shared a compelling outlook on the future of wealth transfer in Asia. “Between 2023 and 2030, Asia will witness an unprecedented transfer of US$5.8 trillion in wealth. However, only a small percentage of family businesses succeed in transitioning to subsequent generations: 30% to the second generation, 13% to the third, and just 3% beyond that,” President Zhang stated, underscoring the critical need for a structured approach to succession planning.

Speaking at the launch ceremony held at Nanyang Institute of Management’s Singapore Campus, initiative co-founder & Programme Director, Melvyn Goh, emphasised the programme’s mission to bridge this gap. “As President Zhang highlighted, a very small percentage of family businesses succeed in transitioning across generations. Our mission is to address this risk by equipping future family business leaders with practical knowledge and strategies. Through applied learning, real-life case studies, peer-to-peer collaboration, one-on-one mentoring and insights from seasoned business family leaders and academics, we are committed to preparing the next generation for sustainable success and legacy preservation.”

Designed to address the specific needs of next-generation family business leaders, the Postgraduate Diploma in Next-Gen Entrepreneurship & Succession (Mandarin) is the first Chinese-language postgraduate programme focused on family enterprise and succession, held across five locations. Developed by leading family business experts and academics, the programme offers participants a unique opportunity to deepen their strategic management skills and strengthen core family values while adapting to digital transformation.

President Zhang also unveiled the strategic vision behind the curriculum, outlining how the programme aims to support family businesses in navigating today’s complex economic landscape and in preparing for a technology-driven future.

The launch event also included testimonials from new-generation family business leaders, who shared their experiences in adapting to contemporary management practices. An interactive Q&A session followed, where participants engaged with programme leaders on topics such as the admissions process, career development pathways, and partnership initiatives.

“This programme is more than knowledge transfer; it’s about building a peer-to-peer network and providing resources for family business leaders to guide their enterprises towards a sustainable future and social good,” added Melvyn Goh.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Next-Gen Entrepreneurship & Succession (Mandarin) marks a bold step forward for family businesses in Asia. By cultivating capable, visionary leaders, this programme aims to contribute to the continuity, resilience, and prosperity of family enterprises across generations.