Christine Wong (DBA ‘25)

Christine Wong

DBA ‘25

Hong Kong, China

Onward, Upward, and Always Learning

For Dr. Christine Wong (DBA ’25), earning her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Management and Technology (UMT) was a deeply personal and family-centered achievement that reflected resilience and unwavering support. As a dedicated nurse tutor, a daughter, a wife, a mother of two sons, and now a doctoral graduate, Christine’s journey is an example of lifelong learning and shared perseverance.

After years of experience in nursing education, Christine had already built a strong professional foundation through advanced study and hands-on leadership. Yet, as the field of nursing education rapidly evolved through digital transformation, emerging pedagogical models, and increasingly complex institutional demands, she recognized the need to grow further. “I realized my existing knowledge needed to evolve,” Christine reflected. “I wanted deeper insight into leadership, strategic decision-making, and evidence-based practices that could truly improve educational environments.”

Her DBA journey became one of the most challenging and rewarding chapters of her life. Balancing rigorous coursework with a demanding professional role and family responsibilities required extraordinary resilience. However, Christine did not walk this path alone. One of the most meaningful aspects of her story is the shared academic journey with her husband, Howard, who was also completing his own DBA. Their experience became what Christine beautifully describes as a “relay race.” Howard was a steady support system guiding her through the final stretch of her dissertation.

Completing their DBAs in the same year was never part of Christine and Howard’s original plan, but it has become one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives together. Together, they built a rhythm of mutual support: reviewing drafts together, sharing study schedules, dividing family responsibilities, and encouraging one another through the most demanding moments. What could have been an isolating experience instead became a story of partnership and shared triumph. “When two people pursue ambitious goals together, the burden becomes lighter and the victory far sweeter,” Christine shared. Today, Christine and Howard proudly celebrate becoming a ‘two-doctor household’ — a phrase that carries not only pride but also a profound sense of shared accomplishment.

Alongside Howard’s steadfast support, Christine extends her heartfelt thanks to UMT for providing a rigorous yet supportive learning environment and credits her Dissertation Advisor, Dr. Carey Cheung, as a cornerstone of her success. Through thoughtful mentorship, guidance, and insightful feedback, Dr. Cheung helped transform complex theoretical challenges into moments of academic breakthrough. “Their mentorship turned moments of frustration into meaningful progress,” Christine noted with gratitude.

For Christine, however, the greatest impact of completing the DBA extends beyond the title. She now leads with greater confidence, bringing a stronger vision to curriculum development, institutional problem-solving, and team leadership within nursing education.

Yet perhaps the most meaningful outcome is the example she has set for her two sons. They have witnessed firsthand the perseverance, dedication, and determination it takes to pursue growth as an adult—through long nights, difficult decisions, and unwavering commitment. “I hope this journey inspires them to embrace lifelong learning and understand that age is never a barrier to achieving big goals,” Christine said. “This achievement belongs to all of us,” Christine reflected. “Onward, upward, and always learning—together.”

“My DBA journey was not just an academic milestone, but a shared family triumph that reflects the power of perseverance, partnership, and leading by example.”