Kyra Poh is no stranger to taking bold leaps. She approaches every challenge with enthusiasm, determination, and purpose, whether it’s soaring through the air in her indoor skydiving competitions or stepping into the business world. The sky isn’t the limit for her—it’s just the beginning.

Currently in her third year of the Global Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme at ESSEC Business School, Kyra is excited to share how the rigorous academic environment empowers her to blend her love for sports with her business aspirations. Through the school’s unique opportunities in France, Singapore, and beyond, she’s able to channel her competitive edge in sports while gaining a comprehensive understanding of global business strategies—setting herself up for success in both fields.

Let’s talk about your passion for indoor skydiving. What has been your proudest achievement?

I have been practicing indoor skydiving for over 14 years and am proud of my many accomplishments. I am the only person in the world to have won all possible titles in the World Championships and World Cup solo categories across both the junior and open categories. This reflects my overall journey—eight years of consistency and hard work since my first world title. It embodies the determination and work ethic I apply in skydiving and other areas of my life.

That’s amazing! How has your experience in the Global BBA programme at ESSEC been?

I’m pursuing a four-year degree in the Global Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme at ESSEC Business School. Over the past two years at the Singapore campus, I’ve had the chance to explore various aspects of business, including marketing, finance, and accounting.

I’m spending a semester at the Cergy Pontoise campus in France as part of my intermobility experience. One of the things that I love about ESSEC is the amazing network of exchange partners, and I’m excited about my upcoming exchange at King’s College London. The opportunity to travel the world and connect with like-minded international students is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

As part of our curriculum, we’re required to volunteer with not-for-profit organisations. I recently completed a two-month social field experience with the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). It was a fantastic opportunity to combine my passion for sports with meaningful work.

How do you balance your skydiving career with your studies?

The intercampus mobility programme at ESSEC allows me to study across France, Singapore, and Morocco campuses. As an active athlete, this flexibility is invaluable, as it lets me align my academic schedule with my training commitments, balancing both my professional and personal life.

I’ve also learned the importance of balancing hard work with personal time. Each aspect of my life offers a welcome break from the other—flying provides a break from studying, and studying offers a break from flying. I find satisfaction in pushing myself to my limits while ensuring I allocate time for rest. This journey has taught me a lot about hard work, time management, and perseverance.

With a packed schedule, how do you make time for your other interests and hobbies?

I have struck a great balance between my studies, social life, and external commitments. I’m in the top 3% of my cohort, ranking 13th out of over 600 students, and I have a strong circle of friends who push each other to excel.

Beyond my studies and professional career, I was part of the ESSEC Climbing Club, where we explored various climbing spots around Singapore. Additionally, I have a strong interest in the arts, having spent six years at a visual arts school.

I also love cooking and currently work as a Pinterest specialist for a food brand on a freelance basis. Furthermore, I continuously collaborate with Red Bull on drawing and illustrating project ideas. The sky’s the limit for exploring my passions!

How has ESSEC prepared you for your future career?

I plan to leverage the business knowledge I’ve gained from the Global BBA programme by integrating my diverse passions for sports, adventure, business, arts, and fashion.

ESSEC’s strong emphasis on a learning-by-doing approach requires students to begin internships as early as Year 1, allowing them to accumulate up to 16 months of professional experience before graduation.

Last year, I completed a three-month Sports Marketing internship at Red Bull International Headquarters. The experience provided exciting opportunities to merge my love for sports with marketing. I aim to balance my athletic career and business aspirations as I continue pursuing my sport professionally.

In the upcoming semester, I will be doing an internship at Deloitte Singapore! It’s a new industry that is quite different from my previous experiences. I look forward to exploring consulting and learning about new markets and clients. This opportunity will help me develop many new skills, especially as I adapt to a new environment and build my portfolio for my future career.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering ESSEC Business School?

One of the things that attracted me to ESSEC is its network of over 188 exchange and double-degree partners. This allows me to experience diverse cultures and environments, enriching my personal and academic growth.

The intercampus mobility programme also allowed me to start my undergraduate journey at the Singapore campus. I love studying in Singapore, my home country, before venturing to exciting places like France and the United Kingdom for my upcoming exchange. This flexibility enhances my academic experience and helps me adapt to new environments while creating lifelong memories.

ESSEC offers so much to explore, and its global network is extensive—both among students and alumni. Whether you want to collaborate on projects, seek mentorship, or make new friends, ESSEC offers a welcoming community ready to support you. So, if you’re looking to gain extensive international exposure and meet like-minded individuals from around the world, ESSEC is the right place for you!