Student Spotlight

Dr. Ho Wa (Howard) Ku

Hong Kong, China

A Journey of Growth, Grit, and Lifelong Learning

Earning a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Management and Technology (UMT) was a transformative chapter that redefined Dr Howard Ku's (DBA '25) perspective on leadership, innovation, and resilience. Before enrolling at UMT, Dr. Ku was already thriving in the corporate world as an industry sales leader at Greater China. Despite holding an MBA, he felt there was a gap between his academic foundation and the evolving complexities of modern business. "My MBA had served me well," he reflected, "but I needed deeper insights to lead strategically in a rapidly changing world. That’s when I turned to UMT's DBA program."

He chose UMT for its hands-on, real-world approach. "UMT is known for blending academic rigor with real-life applicability. It was the ideal school for someone like me; I have a demanding career, but I was eager to grow."

The journey wasn't always easy. Balancing his studies with a formidable career and family life tested Dr. Ku's limits. "There were nights I was overwhelmed, staring at research papers, doubting if I could actually do it," he shared. "The pressure of original research and looming deadlines made me question, 'Is this worth it?'" In those moments of doubt, Dr. Ku found strength in his two greatest sources of support: his wife and his dissertation advisor at UMT. "My wife was my anchor. She believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. The mentorship I created with my dissertation advisor turned obstacles into breakthroughs. They saw potential in me when I was running on fumes."

After completing his DBA, Dr. Ku has stepped into a new realm of leadership as a general manager at an AI-focused healthcare company. "My DBA studies reshaped how I think," he said. "The program emphasized data-driven decisions and innovative leadership. I use these skills daily to navigate the intersection of technology and healthcare." From optimizing AI algorithms for patient care to charting competitive market strategies, Dr. Ku credits his doctoral experience with giving him the clarity and confidence to lead in one of the world's most rapidly evolving sectors.

His learning hasn't stopped. Inspired by the intellectual rigor of the DBA, Dr. Ku is now pursuing a Master's in Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. "The DBA reignited my passion for learning," he said. "Age is not a limitation. Growth is a mindset."

Dr. Ku offers heartfelt advice to future students considering the DBA path: "Yes, it's hard. You'll be stressed. You'll be tired. But it's worth it. Every late night and every challenge builds you into the kind of leader the world needs. Lean into the discomfort, trust the process, and never stop learning."

"This journey reminded me that growth begins where comfort ends. UMT's DBA program challenged me to think deeper, lead wiser, and embrace learning as a lifelong companion—not just a milestone."


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