How studying HKUST Digital MBA for Global Leaders (DiMBA) is changing the landscape of MBA studies for the better
While traditional classroom teaching has been interrupted during the global pandemic, increasing demand for online MBAs over the past couple of years has not been affected. Indeed, a recent annual survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council shows that global applications for such programmes increased 43.5 percent in 2020 alone. The key question, as ever, is how to select the best school to help global and regional leaders across industries navigate through rapidly changing business scenarios.
This focus on technology and sustainability coupled with digital flexibility is at the forefront of an innovative academic product provided by one of the world’s fastest-growing universities, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The school’s novel programme, dubbed “Digital MBA for Global Leaders (DiMBA)”, is the first of its kind to be offered by a top-ranked institute in Asia. A two-year part-time programme, it is specifically designed to transform global executives into digital leaders with sustainability vision.
DiMBA combines the strengths of long-established HKUST’s forward-looking, highly regarded MBA courses with the freedom to customise courses to individuals’ schedules from the school ranked 1st in Asia among the world’s Top 25* MBA programmes by the Financial Times. (*For the School's Full-Time MBA Program in Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2021)
HKUST MBA also features Asia's first virtual classroom platform that dedicates to DiMBA students for a learning experience comparable to that of physical classrooms. The indispensable facilities provide virtual learning technologies that enable professors and students to interact with each other in settings comparable to physical classrooms.
The virtual classroom features a curved high-definition video wall with synchronous settings where teachers can see each student clearly. A directional audio system is installed inside the classroom which allows students to be located from the video wall immediately when they speak. Combined with an individual camera for each student display, the system enables direct eye contact and a natural conversation as in a physical classroom. The classroom is also equipped with intuitive tools such as live polls, MCs, quizzes, and the interactive whiteboard. Instant student engagement statistics like frequency of participants’ raising hands and responding to questions allow teachers to get a full situational awareness of the class. These teaching features encourage a higher level of class participation even better than a physical classroom.
Good communication in such a forum, including opportunity for discussion of key issues with faculty members and classmates, are of paramount importance for MBA students’ intent on becoming effective leaders in the digital workplace.
The blended learning mode is designed to meet evolving needs amid constantly changing times and also enables them to keep up with classes while travelling for business or relocating to another city. It enables executive students to acquire knowledge without boundaries. Core courses, which are more lecture-based, are delivered in a blended learning mode, with 50 percent run as live virtual classes and the balance covered by self-paced online study.
“The DiMBA format gives participants greater flexibility to study at their own pace because they can work through course content at times that best suit them,” explains Professor Tai Yuan Chen, Associate Dean of the HKUST Business School and Director of the MBA Programme.
Moreover, HKUST is ideal for Asia-based students, including Thailand which is located in a similar time zone to Hong Kong, so there’s no hassle joining the live virtual classes or participating in team projects, group discussions, and presentations. Alternatively, students still have the option of attending classes in person with other MBA cohorts (subject to availability).
Unlike most international online degrees, admission to the DiMBA is highly selective. The aim is to attract a small but elite class of senior executives from diverse fields who are keen to upgrade their skills and expand their professional networks.
Academically, DiMBA’s courses are carefully designed with pioneering technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence), big data, blockchain, and Pyton programming. This goes hand-in-hand with sustainability-oriented classes such as green finance and art appreciation as well world-class courses in business fundamentals. It equips learners with a wide range of interdisciplinary knowledge and all-round leadership skills needed to run a successful business in “tomorrow’s workplace”. DiMBA graduates receive the same MBA degree certificate as HKUST’s full-time and part-time MBA students. They can also give access to a unique alumni virtual hub that connects to the school’s network of 5000+ MBA alumni in over 60 countries.
All in all, DiMBA offers the opportunity to keep learning without quitting your job or interrupting your family time while still studying to top-ranking academic standards with a school that has a similar reputation to the most prestigious business schools in North America and Europe.
For the initial intake, starting in February 2022, students will be expected to spend the first “immersion” week on campus at HKUST. This will be a chance to get to know classmates, gain a sense of what happens within the wider MBA community, and hear more about the general outline of the overseas study trip that comprises one of the programme’s final elements.
HKUST DiMBA Intake 2021 Application Opens. The candidate-friendly application will allow you to complete the application in just 20-30 minutes. Visit our program website for the details at https://www.mba.ust.hk/dimba . Or talk to our MBA advisor for a 1-on-1 consultation to learn more about our program at https://bit.ly/3CzkyXA.
