Dr Melissa Liow, an Assistant Director at PSB Academy, combines her industry expertise with innovative teaching to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Dr Melissa Liow’s career as an educator is nothing short of inspiring. Balancing her managerial role in the Academic Office (Business) and University Partnership with Coventry University at PSB Academy with teaching a range of business and management classes from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, she exemplifies dedication. Even after office hours, she continues to support students through emails and personal guidance – a commitment born from her own experiences as a student.
Now in her 40s, Dr Liow began her teaching journey in 2012 with a focus on hospitality at PSB Academy. Following the launch of the partnership with Coventry University in 2014, she broadened her expertise to include business courses. Before entering academia, she honed her skills as a front office manager in the hospitality sector at several upscale hotels in Malaysia and Singapore. Her extensive hands-on experience in areas such as human resource management, marketing, and customer service has greatly influenced her teaching style and approach.
Dr Liow explains that while she once dreamt of building her own enterprise – perhaps a bakery or boutique venture – the rewards of mentoring students and enabling them to forge their own paths ultimately outweigh the benefits of personal entrepreneurship. “If I chose to start my own business, I’d be limited to just one venture,” she observes. “By nurturing the next generation’s entrepreneurial spirit, I can leave a far greater impact.”
Her classrooms are characterised by lively discussions and interactive tutorials. With her warm and approachable demeanour, she ensures every student receives personal attention, confidently breaking down complex marketing strategies and fostering a practical understanding of business theory. Dr Liow also stresses the importance of bridging academic theory with corporate practice. This is reflected in the comprehensive curriculum at PSB Academy and Coventry University, where initiatives such as summer camps, study tours in Korea, and partnerships with industry are key elements.
Moreover, Dr Liow recognises that success in the business world extends beyond textbook knowledge. For her, true leadership involves resilience, humility, and the willingness to learn from every setback. “Being an entrepreneur isn’t only about profit; it’s about realising the broader impact of what you do, building genuine relationships, and having the courage to ask for help,” she explains.
Her commitment extends beyond her teaching responsibilities. Dr Liow actively supports her students on a personal level, encouraging them to share their challenges—be it balancing studies with day jobs, battling homesickness, or overcoming personal obstacles. When necessary, she refers them to counselling services and suggests they join international student clubs to foster a sense of belonging.
Looking back, Dr Liow finds her career change to education immensely fulfilling. “Watching my students graduate, start their own businesses or progress in their careers, confirms that every moment spent in the classroom was worthwhile,” she beams. “Their achievements underscore the idea that innovation and leadership are built on both knowledge and heart.”
Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the profound difference a dedicated teacher can make. Dr Liow’s journey, blending rich industry experience with a passion for teaching, continues to shape the futures of countless young entrepreneurs and professionals, proving that sometimes the biggest ventures are not started in boardrooms – but in classrooms.
