Head, Digital Channels & PMO at Hong Leong Bank

Yes, I have been able to apply several key learnings from my Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at International American University (IAU) to my professional role at Hong Leong Bank, where I currently serve as the Head of Digital Channels & PMO.

The program’s emphasis on strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and leadership in complex business environments directly supports my responsibilities in driving digital transformation and managing high-impact projects. For example:

Strategic Management Frameworks: The coursework sharpened my ability to assess competitive landscapes, design digital strategies, and align them with overall business goals. This has been crucial in shaping the digital roadmap for the bank and prioritizing initiatives that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Project Management and Change Leadership: IAU’s focus on research-based practices in organizational change and project governance has strengthened how I structure and oversee large-scale transformation projects. It has helped me implement best practices in PMO governance, ensuring better risk mitigation, stakeholder alignment, and delivery outcomes.

Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: The academic training in analyzing complex data has supported my ability to drive insights-led decision-making, which is essential in digital channel optimization and customer engagement strategies.

Leadership and Organizational Behavior: The program provided valuable perspectives on leading cross-functional teams and fostering a culture of innovation, which I have applied in building agile, forward-thinking teams within the bank.

Overall, the DBA program has been instrumental in enhancing my strategic and operational effectiveness as a digital and transformation leader in the banking sector.

Through distance learning, I found the structured research methodology and strategic management lessons especially useful, and with the consistent support and guidance from the Education Coordinator, I was able to successfully complete the program.

I am a mature student, and I am 58 years old. I still have the passion to study.

I have been in the banking industry for over 30 years, evolving from a traditional banker into an innovative leader in digital transformation. My career has spanned various roles across global and regional banks, and I have always embraced continuous learning to stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. In recent years, I have upskilled in areas such as digital banking, fintech, and most recently, artificial intelligence. This ongoing journey of professional development enables me to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of banking services and to lead teams in building future-ready solutions. I believe in staying ahead of the curve to remain effective, adaptable, and valuable in serving the evolving needs of the banking industry.