Ming Yuen (John) Ng, DBA ‘25

Dr. John Ng

DBA ‘25

Hong Kong, China

Perseverance Without Limits

For Dr. John Ng (DBA ’25), the pursuit of knowledge has been guided by the belief that learning has no boundaries. A Chinese proverb he has carried with him for decades continues to shape his outlook on life and education. As he often reflects, “There is no edge to learning,” a reminder that the human capacity to grow and achieve is limitless. 

Already an accomplished professional with both a CPA credential and an MBA, Dr. Ng had built a successful career as a business consultant. Yet he felt a strong desire to continue learning. At age 63, he decided to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration degree, supported by a client who recognized the value of his expertise and sponsored his studies for a specialized project. 

Choosing the University of Management and Technology (UMT) was a practical and thoughtful decision. “UMT’s flexibility and affordability made it the right fit for my situation,” he shared. “I needed a program that would allow me to continue working while pursuing a meaningful research goal.” 

What began as an academic journey soon became a profound test of resilience. Shortly after enrolling in the program, Dr. Ng faced a sudden and serious health challenge that required urgent heart surgery. Despite the physical and emotional toll, he remained committed to his studies. Determined, he continued studying and successfully completed fifteen doctoral courses, reaching the dissertation phase of his program. 

Yet the path ahead brought even greater challenges. After dedicating two and a half years to writing his dissertation, Dr. Ng received discouraging news: his first draft would not pass the review panel. In the same month, he received a devastating blow when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer. That moment tested his strength in ways he had never imagined. “Facing a terminal diagnosis and academic disappointment at the same time was overwhelming,” he reflected. “My heart sank, and I didn’t know how much time I had left.” 

Dr. Ng refused to let despair define his journey. Guided by faith, determination, and the support of his family, he chose to continue. During his radiation treatments, hormone injections, and targeted therapy, he returned to his research with renewed purpose. While everyone was celebrating Christmas and the New Year, Dr. Ng brought his notebook to the hospital to keep working on his dissertation. 

Thanks to UMT’s online, flexible structure, he was able to progress through his studies even during major health challenges. “I learned to begin with the end in mind,” he explained. “With the guidance of my supervisor, the encouragement of my family, and my faith in the Lord, I kept moving forward.” 

After seven years of dedication, at 70 years old, he successfully completed his Doctor of Business Administration degree with high marks. For Dr. Ng, the achievement symbolizes the triumph of resilience, faith, and lifelong learning in the face of extraordinary adversity. Looking ahead, he hopes to share his experience and knowledge with others through teaching and research at the university level. He believes education is one of the most powerful ways to inspire future generations and create meaningful impact. 

"Achieving the DBA is only a milestone, a vehicle to achieve greater things. One should look beyond the present horizons and plan for a bigger goal in life. Always ask the questions: what are the purpose and value of my existence on earth? What and how can I contribute to make this world a better place to live for our children and their children?”