A Decade of Experience Sparks the Next Step
Alice Wong (Asia-Pacific Part-Time MBA, Digital MBA Intake 2024) has spent ten years in the workforce focusing on marketing & communication, steadily advancing into middle management. Like many professionals at this stage, she began reflecting on the path ahead. “I asked myself what kind of leader I want to be at 50,” she says. While the answer remains open, Alice concluded that continuous learning is essential for reaching senior leadership roles. This realization prompted her to pursue an MBA while maintaining her full-time career.
Why HKUST and the Digital MBA Format
Several factors led Alice to choose HKUST. The university established one of Hong Kong’s first online MBA programs, earning strong recognition in the region. More importantly, the Digital MBA offers the flexibility she needs. Students can attend classes fully online, hybrid or in person, making it feasible to balance demanding work schedules with rigorous study. A personal connection sealed the decision—Alice’s father is an HKUST alumnus, giving her a longstanding affinity for the institution.
Leadership and Responsibility: A Standout Course
Among the courses completed so far, the Responsible Leadership course has left the deepest impression. It explores balancing organizational wins with societal duties, especially in grey areas, pushing decisions that honor all stakeholders, not just the bottom line. The professor brought it alive with real-world cases and free-flowing debates, where students tested ideas and absorbed fresh perspectives. For Alice, it boiled down responsible leadership to clear choices and owning them, pressure or not.
The professor fostered an engaging environment through real-world case studies and open dialogue. Students freely challenged ideas and learned from diverse viewpoints. For Alice, the course clarified what responsible leadership entails: making thoughtful choices and accepting accountability, even under pressure.
The Unexpected Strength of Community
Alice initially expected the digital format to feel remote. The mandatory Immersion week proved otherwise. Intensive days of classes, group work, and shared meals built genuine friendships that have endured. Classmates now meet regularly in Hong Kong and visit each other across cities.
The broader HKUST alumni network also exceeded expectations. Events introduced Alice to accomplished graduates who openly shared experiences and advice. This ongoing support has strengthened her sense of belonging and provided practical guidance for the road ahead.
Looking Forward
Alice views the Digital MBA as a practical investment in long-term professional growth. The program’s flexibility, rigorous content, and supportive community align perfectly with the realities of a busy career. For professionals seeking to deepen business knowledge without pausing work, her experience demonstrates that meaningful advancement is achievable alongside daily responsibilities.