24 March 2025
Professor Muammer Ozer and Dr. Eugene Lau, our DBA graduate, were featured in SCMP
In today’s fast-paced business world, senior executives are grappling with increasingly complex challenges that call for innovative solutions and sharp analytical insights. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) is designed to prepare leaders for this dynamic environment through a robust framework of applied research focused on real-world problems.
“We focus on the research process so that senior executives can study a business problem they are facing and generate solutions,” explained Professor Muammer Ozer, Programme Director for the CityUHK DBA program. “In the process, we emphasize problem identification, literature review, model building, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation.”
At the core of the DBA program is a commitment to addressing real-world issues that resonate with students’ professional experiences. This ensures that findings are not merely theoretical but can be practically applied in various business contexts.
Students in CityUHK's DBA program are tasked with tackling significant business problems, selecting methodologies that best suit their specific research questions. For this reason, to ensure quality and personalized attention, yearly intake is limited to the rigorous research-based DBA program. The first 1.5 to 2 years is focused on coursework that builds a solid foundation in research skills. Following this, students receive training in research methodology to prepare for an impactful independent research.
For example, one student delved into digital health solutions, merging insights from innovation management, information systems, and health management. “This flexibility enables students to effectively address their unique challenges,” Professor Ozer noted, underscoring the program's interdisciplinary nature.
Citing yet another example, Professor Ozer said: “I also had another student studying management of private equity firms, integrating knowledge from the disciplines of finance, corporate governance, strategic management, and leadership.”
Described as a practical program, the DBA program encourages students to choose research topics closely tied to their own careers and organizations. From day one, they're prompted to engage in independent and critical thinking, embarking on unique research projects while collaborating with peers and professors for feedback.
“Our professors are active researchers in their areas,” Professor Ozer said. “Not only do they publish their latest research in leading academic journals, they also participate in international research forums. Their broad and up-to-date knowledge in business is essential in helping our students approach emerging business challenges in a more appropriate manner.”
This hands-on approach has proven hugely beneficial for many students, particularly for Dr. Eugene Lau, who graduated from the program in 2024. With a robust career spanning three decades in the banking industry, Dr. Lau sought the DBA program to align with his career aspirations. “The CityUHK DBA program provided the ideal platform to explore business challenges academically for a possible industry-wide solution,” he said.
After a long career with a mathematics background, Dr. Lau recognized key challenges in syndicated lending and the potential for technology to address these issues. Focusing his research on digitization and blockchain technology in syndicated loans, he found that his experience in the program significantly impacted both his personal and professional development.
“One of the most valuable takeaways is research methodology—I have gained skills to analyze and solve complex problems,” he said.
This newfound knowledge not only sharpened his strategic thinking but also honed his time management skills. “Discipline and consistent effort can lead to significant achievements,” he said.
As Head of Banking and Syndicated Finance at China Construction Bank London, Dr. Lau highlights the program’s emphasis on aligning research topics with students’ careers as a major benefit to the industry.
“The most significant advantage is the opportunity to make meaningful contributions—whether academically, practically, or professionally—while earning a doctorate degree,” he said.
His research also highlighted the importance of networking, as gathering data required proactive outreach and building strong personal connections.
“Holding a doctorate degree has enhanced my credibility, facilitating meaningful conversations and opening up new professional opportunities,” Dr. Lau explained. “The experience has also boosted my confidence in planning the next stage of my career after more than 30 years in the same industry, empowering me to explore new opportunities and contribute at a new or higher level.”
For alumni like Dr. Lau, embarking on their DBA journeys meant that they were able to contribute to a growing community of business leaders who are not only academically accomplished, but also poised to face the challenges of an ever-evolving corporate landscape, said Professor Ozer. The CityUHK DBA program stands out as a transformative educational experience, equipping senior executives with the tools they need to address real-world challenges and foster innovative solutions—making a lasting impact on their careers and the industries they serve.
For those considering the program, Dr. Lau offers some practical advice: “Strong motivation is essential. It requires a willingness to adjust your lifestyle, especially when working independently on your thesis.”
