Edited by Rivermore Academy
"Regardless of age, we should always maintain a mindset of pursuing dreams and going after unfulfilled aspirations. Even if we don't succeed, we should consider it a form of learning."
At the age of 64, Taiwanese singer Huang Wen Zhang alias Sugianto Djingga （also known as John Huang）has chosen to return to the world of academia. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Rivermore Academy, which operates in collaboration with UTM | SPACE under the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Remain Incognito while Embarking on an MBA
During the pandemic, when most countries were under lockdown, John Huang contemplated how he could make the most of his time.
"I just stumbled upon an MBA program from UTM that happened to be available online. I often read investment and finance books, and magazines. As I have experience in real estate and stock market investments in various countries, I figured this course would help me expand my knowledge."
With this in mind, John Huang joined Rivermore Academy, which collaborates with UTM to offer the MBA program. Every weekend, he attends classes in Johor, and two months later, he travels to UTM's branch in Kuala Lumpur for physical classes.
When his lecturer asked him about his profession, John Huang simply mentioned that he had previously operated a Culture Communication Co., Ltd. in Beijing, without revealing his identity as a singer. His classmates are unaware of his true profession, allowing them to interact with him as normal students, free from any preconceptions.
"Even though my classmates may be from the generation of my children, there is no generation gap when we communicate and share ideas. I feel like I'm their peer," John Huang noted. He added that the classmates come from diverse backgrounds, some are just starting their entrepreneurial journeys, while others have accomplished careers. "We learn from each other."
A Connection with Malaysia
In fact, John Huang’s connection with Malaysia goes beyond pursuing a master's degree or hosting concerts. When he finished his standard 3 in primary school, his father took him to various countries to find a suitable place for further education, as his elementary school was closing. They ultimately chose to stay in Penang.
John Huang continued his education and attended Han Chiang Independent High School in Penang until the end of his sophomore year. It was during this time that he honed his skills in the Chinese language. Even though he later moved to Canada for further studies, he always cherished the time he spent in Malaysia.
"I may not be Malaysian, but the most formative years of my life were spent in Penang."
Now, at the age of 64, John Huang has returned to Malaysia's educational institutions. He humorously remarks that he feels as if he's in his thirties again. Setting aside his identity as a singer, he enters the academic world with a pure heart, immersing himself in the MBA program along with his fellow students.
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