After 17 years at IBM, Marylyn found that what she enjoyed most was not just working with AI and data, but helping others understand them. At NUS-ISS, she now brings that passion into the classroom, making complex concepts practical, relevant, and easier to grasp. For her, the best part is still that moment when something clicks for a learner.
Read on to find out what keeps her excited about teaching, and her secret to better learning.
1. Hi Marylyn, please share with us your professional background.
I spent 17 years at IBM before joining NUS-ISS, based mostly between IBM China and IBM Singapore, with other work assignments across different countries. That turned out to be a blessing. When you work with people from different cultural backgrounds and markets, you learn to adapt quickly to different ways of working and communicating to get your job done. Being attentive to cultural nuances and developing a global perspective have helped me become more adaptable,
My career took me across supply chain, systems analysis, and eventually IBM's Data and AI Expert Lab, where I worked with organisations on AI and data solutions and trained corporate clients. When Singapore launched its Smart Nation initiative, IBM came on board as one of the first organisations to partner with SkillsFuture. I was part of the first batch of trainers to teach digital transformation, AI, data analytics, and blockchain to Singaporeans and local enterprises. It was the era when everyone was still trying to understand what Artificial Intelligence really meant. That experience gave me valuable exposure to formal facilitation and helped strengthen my ability to make complex technology concepts accessible to different audiences.
2. What courses or modules do you teach at NUS-ISS?
I teach a range of courses including Data Science Storytelling with AI, AI-Powered Analytics and Insights, Statistics for Business Analytics, Data Management for Analytics, Consumer Analytics and Predictive Analytics. I’m also the Course Manager for the Graduate Certificate in Analytics for Business Decisions, where I oversee the planning and ongoing development of the curriculum. This includes ensuring that the content remains relevant to evolving industry needs and creating a holistic learning experience for our learners and students.
3. What made you decide to teach at NUS-ISS
When I was working at IBM, I attended several courses at NUS-ISS. What struck me then was how relevant the courses were to real-world scenarios. The lecturers brought deep industry knowledge into the classroom, drawing on their own experiences rather than relying solely on theory.
Then, after five years of training and consulting in AI and data, I realised how much I genuinely enjoyed sharing knowledge and helping others learn. Seeing people apply the skills I taught them, and knowing that the learning had made a difference, gave me a real sense of fulfilment. That experience inspired me to move into education on a larger platform, which eventually led me to NUS-ISS.
4. What’s the best part of your work?
I like those moments when I can immerse myself in research topics for days and weeks, and shape them into a course that holds together meaningfully. I like those moments of interaction with participants, when ideas are exchanged back and forth.
I like those moments when students come up to me and share their appreciation for how I have helped them with new skills.
I like those moments when I can offer my help when participants need it.
And I like those moments when I look out from the front of the room and see a sea of curious, eager-to-learn faces. That never gets old.
5. How do you stay updated with the latest in the industry?
I keep my radar on. I stay in touch with mentors and mentees around the world, read constantly, and selectively attend reputable conferences related to industry innovation and trends. A lot of my learning happens online during my own free time, mostly to keep my own thinking sharp.
6. The Burning Question - Got any studying tips to help students excel in their academic performance?
Internalise it. That's the whole secret. After every course, sit with the material and question yourself: What was this topic about? How would I explain it to someone in my own words? Why does it matter? Where would I use it? And which parts am I still unsure about?
Use AI as your study buddy and use it wisely. Have it unpack concepts you are unfamiliar with, then flip it around and get it to quiz you, challenge your assumptions, and poke holes in your understanding. It's an excellent evaluator, and best of all, it will never sigh when you ask the same question for the fourth time.
7. What are your favorite activities outside of work?
Reading and spending quiet time by myself, and using those moments to help me recharge and reflect.
Marylyn’s favourite activity? Getting lost in a good book - or several.
8. What's something about you that not many people know - like a hobby or hidden talent?
I can read fast and am pretty good at remembering people’s names and matching them to their faces. But I have no photos to prove it, so you will just have to test me.