Howard Ku (DBA ‘25) and Christine Wong (DBA ‘25)

Dr. Howard Ku
Dr. Christine
Wong

DBA ‘25
DBA ‘25

Hong Kong, China

Sharing the Finish Line: A Journey of Partnership and Perseverance

For Dr. Howard Ku (DBA ’25) and Dr. Christine Wong (DBA ’25), the journey to earning their Doctor of Business Administration degrees was a shared experience defined by partnership and unwavering support. What began as two parallel academic paths ultimately became a powerful story of teamwork, trust, and mutual growth.  

Their journey unfolded like a relay race. “When one of us finished, the other immediately picked up the baton,” they reflected. When Howard crossed the finish line in January, Christine was entering the most demanding phase of her dissertation. The momentum shifted seamlessly with one partner completing a milestone just as the other surged forward. 

Howard’s recent experience became a steady source of strength for Christine during her final stretch. He understood the weight of deadlines, mental fatigue, and quiet moments of doubt. At the same time, Christine’s determination reignited Howard’s appreciation for the discipline and perseverance required to reach the finish line. “We reminded each other constantly that you’re not alone in this,” they shared. “That made all the difference.” 

Their support for one another was rooted in small, consistent acts of care. They shared study schedules, reviewed each other’s drafts, and stepped in for one another at home when the pressure intensified. In those demanding months, they learned how to balance ambition with empathy, creating a rhythm that allowed them both to keep moving forward. “Sometimes support looked like reviewing a chapter,” they said. “Other times, it was simply taking over responsibilities so the other could focus. It was teamwork in its purest form.” 

Completing their doctorates within the same year transformed their household in meaningful ways. While the titles of “Dr. Ku” and “Dr. Wong” are worn with quiet humility, the sense of accomplishment is deeply felt. “It’s surreal in the best way,” they reflected. “Not because of the title, but because of what it represents—years of discipline, growth, and shared effort.” 

Beyond the achievement itself, the experience reshaped how they approach both life and leadership. “The biggest change is our mindset,” they explained. “We now approach challenges – whether at work or in life – with more structure, more critical thinking, and more confidence. The DBA journey reshaped how we analyze problems, make decisions, and support each other’s ambitions.” 

For couples considering pursuing advanced degrees together, their advice is grounded in lived experience. “Be each other’s strength, not each other’s pressure,” they emphasized. “There will be stressful nights, but when you remember you’re on the same team, the journey becomes lighter. Celebrate the small wins, communicate openly, and divide responsibilities in a way that feels fair. Encourage each other, don’t compare. You’re growing together, not competing.” 

Looking back, completing their DBAs in the same year was never part of a grand plan, but it became one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives. Through long nights, shared sacrifices, and moments of triumph, Howard and Christine demonstrated that success is even more powerful when it is shared. UMT’s program challenged them to think deeper, lead wiser, and embrace learning as a lifelong companion. 

“Studying together wasn’t just about earning degrees; it was about growing together. We carried each other across the finish line, proving that with shared strength, trust, and perseverance, even the most demanding journeys can become meaningful victories together.”