For many established professionals, reaching the two-decade mark signals a time to consolidate success. For Christopher Liddard (HKUST MBA Part-Time Weekly, Intake 2025), it marked something different—a moment to challenge himself anew. Currently working as Senior Manager, Global Customer Experience Transformation at HSBC, he is witnessing how emerging technologies are reshaping the business landscape and has come to recognize that experience alone is no longer enough. To stay ahead of the curve and lead with real impact, Chris chose to refresh his perspective, sharpen his skills, and invest in an MBA journey built for the future.

Why HKUST? A Culture of Collaboration and "Can-Do" Attitude

When deciding where to begin this next chapter, Chris knew he needed a program that prioritized teamwork over cutthroat competition. When researching top MBA programs in Hong Kong, he didn't have to look far for recommendations. HKUST boasts a strong alumni presence at banking industry, giving him direct access to advocates of the program. However, it wasn't just the prestige that won him over; it was the people.

After meeting with prior cohorts, professors, and the admissions team, Chris found exactly what he was looking for. He recalls being drawn in mainly by the collaborative culture and the 'can-do' attitude.

Once in the classroom, that collaborative spirit became the cornerstone of his experience. The diversity of the part-time weekly cohort, bringing together professionals from legal, operations, marketing, engineering, and beyond, created a rich environment for peer-to-peer learning.

I learn as much from the cohort as I do from the classes and the professors, and that's mainly because I think we challenge one another to better ourselves every day. You really learn what it means to work collectively as a team. Nobody feels excluded, and nobody feels as though they can't raise their hand and ask a peer any questions.

Mastering the MBA Balancing Act

That collaborative "can-do" culture wasn't just a networking benefit—it was the exact survival mechanism Chris needed to manage the intense workload of a part-time MBA. Pursuing a rigorous program while holding down a demanding, full-time banking role is no small feat. For prospective students worried about the workload, Chris offers a realistic but deeply encouraging perspective.

It is a challenge. If you're going into an MBA, you would expect it to be challenging, and balancing is a constant. But we say in the MBA program: you just keep breathing, keep trying. Rest assured, your peers and your cohort won't let you fall. Even if you make mistakes, you are surrounded by a very diverse and equally qualified group that are going to help carry you through.

So, how does a senior executive make it work? It comes down to ruthless prioritization, discipline, and a strong support system. Chris’s typical week involves locking down one afternoon a week for classwork, tackling pre-reading, and maximizing his time on campus every Saturday.

Immediate ROI: Becoming a "Calm and Calculated" Leader

One of the most significant benefits of a Part-Time MBA is the ability to apply what you learn in class directly to your work. For Chris, the Strategic Leadership coursework provided immediate, tangible value. Through intensive, real-world scenario analysis, the program forced him to reflect on his two decades of management experience.

The ultimate return on investment for Chris has been a profound shift in his executive mindset.

You have to train yourself to be more calm in your thinking, more calculated in your decision-making. That's one of the biggest takeaways for the MBA for me. I make much better decisions today of how I use my time, how I use my resources, and where I put my energy and focus.

The class helped me understand what I could have done better as well as what I did well. It also helped me relate to peers in my group who had experienced similar challenges. It really provokes your thinking into looking at not just the way that the business operates, but about how individuals operate in the workplace.

Future-Proofing in the Age of AI

Having witnessed the digitization of global banking from the front to the back office, he recognized that AI was the next major frontier—one he needed to understand to survive.

I think like most who come into the MBA, it is largely driven by a bit more curiosity as to where the world is going today and how I keep myself relevant in what is a very competitive world. Obviously, this is largely driven now by the changing landscape of AI.

While some view artificial intelligence as a threat to traditional corporate structures, Chris sees it as a compelling reason to elevate his strategic thinking. He recognized that while AI can optimize processes, it cannot replace the nuanced human elements of executive leadership.

My view on AI is that yes, it will replace certain aspects of the world and working processes, but it can't replace people. The MBA teaches you how to be analytical in specific areas. If you are talking to your CFO or your Head of Strategy, you understand their point. AI will not take you down a path where you understand organizational structure, the roles and responsibilities of different people, and how to lead. That is what I take from the MBA at HKUST.

Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch

As he moves into the second year of his 24-month program, Chris is looking forward to the Enhancing Professional Skills (EPS) course—a weekly intensive course where students leverage everything they’ve learned to build and present a comprehensive business plan in a five-person team. He is also eager to welcome the incoming class, remembering his own transformative Immersion Week that bonded his cohort instantly.

By the end of those five days, you won't have any concerns about fitting in because you get so close... working hard together, playing hard together.

For seasoned professionals standing on the fence, wondering if they have the time or energy to commit to an MBA, Chris has a simple, powerful piece of advice:

If not now, then when?

Are you ready to stay relevant, expand your network, and elevate your leadership skills? Learn more about the HKUST Part-Time Weekly MBA Program and take the next step in your career today.