Namsay Norbu: From revitalising Bhutan’s largest e-commerce platform to the MBA

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA?

While my prior professional experiences focused on technical aspects of business management such as risk mitigation and identifying operational deficiencies, I see the Cambridge MBA as an opportunity to develop a well-rounded skillset through its targeted offerings. Situated at the heart of Silicon Fen, Cambridge Judge offers a variety of entrepreneurship-driven programmes that will equip me with the necessary skills to identify vehicles of growth for businesses, particularly within a start-up ecosystem. 

Furthermore, the shared learning experience facilitated by the diversity of the cohort is also another huge factor that contributed to my decision to pursue the Cambridge MBA. 

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

Although I have had the privilege to work on many projects with experts and professionals across multiple disciplines, my biggest accomplishment to date was revitalising Zala.bt, Bhutan’s largest e-commerce platform. Towards the end of 2021, the company was close to shutting down and desperately searching for investors. Having always been interested in exploring the e-commerce industry in Bhutan, I took this opportunity to join the management team at Zala. 

After a year of tackling operational deficiencies such as inefficient delivery systems and low-margin product sourcing, I managed to contribute towards the company’s revival. Now, the company is fully self-sufficient and boasts one of the largest user bases in the entire e-commerce industry in Bhutan. 

How do you feel about being awarded your scholarship?

Diversity has always been at the forefront of my education. Having attended schools in Bhutan, India, South Korea, and the USA, I have had the privilege to connect with and live among international students from around the globe. To be awarded the regional diversity scholarship, therefore, is not only a huge honour but also a validation of my belief that diversity is a pillar of effective education. 

The regional diversity scholarship is a testament to Cambridge Judge’ commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and I look forward to playing my part in enriching the shared learning experience among the cohort. 

What do you want to get out of the MBA most of all in the next year?

I believe that Cambridge’s Judge Business School will instil in me the management acumen and multidisciplinary expertise required to effectively and efficiently achieve my short-term goal of working in the business incubation industry and, ultimately, position me to achieve my long-term goal of starting my own consulting firm in Bhutan. 

Where do you see your MBA journey taking you in your future career?

To me, Cambridge is not only the amalgamation of all my educational and professional experiences but also the reward of all the hard work and impetus that I have invested towards becoming a better version of myself, on a daily basis. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

Music has always been one of my greatest passions. As a result, I have always been intrigued by how music is made and how individual instruments contribute to the overall harmony of a song. 

Through the years, I have explored music production through multiple mediums, and I am now a producer for one of Bhutan’s biggest artists.