The UTM Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is designed for senior executives, emphasising cross‑sectoral perspectives and academic rigour. It helps participants transform their hands‑on experience into theoretically grounded management wisdom. The programme attracts leaders from diverse industries, sparking new thinking through exchange.
Carmen Lou Nga Man, a Macao native, is one of these students. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UTM and accumulated 20 years of human resources experience in the integrated resort industry and luxury retail field. She now works in the Learning and Development function of an international luxury brand. At a mature stage of her career, she chose to return to her alma mater to pursue a DBA, embarking on a learning journey of self‑actualisation.
How the Programme Inspires Her and Her Management Practice
Carmen says that at a certain point in her career, she began to reflect on her purpose and wanted to deepen her understanding of business and service industries through further study, looking for a programme that could provide practical insights. In 2024, UTM’s newly launched DBA programme captured her attention, and she applied without hesitation.
“I viewed this pursuit as a meaningful journey of self‑actualisation.” She particularly appreciates that the programme brings together classmates from different industries, covering topics such as business development, technology advancement, digital marketing, destination management and employee upskilling. These diverse topics have given her fresh perspectives to address today’s business challenges.
Since joining the DBA, Carmen has learnt to approach challenges from multiple angles. Her critical thinking and problem‑solving process are now grounded in diverse viewpoints, theory, structured analysis and research‑based evidence. “This has enabled me to develop greater clarity and a stronger strategic vision.”
Her greatest gains come from developing research proposals and systematic literature reviews under the guidance of faculty staff. More importantly, she learns from her fellow classmates, their explorations of business development, digital transformation, employee upskilling and wellbeing are all highly relevant to the management challenges she faces daily. These cross‑sectoral exchanges allow her to apply fresh perspectives directly to talent development work in the luxury brand. She hopes the DBA programme will continue to stay current with emerging trends and incorporate best practices to remain pragmatic for industry‑leading students.
Advice for Fellow Executives and the Value of Executive Education
For business leaders considering a DBA, Carmen advises: “Wholehearted commitment. The devotion and effort involved can be immense. Yet this commitment symbolises a leader’s dedication to growth and continuous learning.” She believes that executive education broadens horizons, bridges theory and practice, expands networks, and strengthens one’s profile as top talent. “That is why DBA programmes are in high demand across the GBA region.”
She stresses that the investment of time and energy is significant, but the rewards are equally profound. “Prepare yourself with a clear ultimate goal, take the journey seriously, and at the same time embrace and enjoy the process.”
Carmen, who is a mother of two, notes that balancing work, family and study has tested her limits, yet she sees this challenge as a positive transformation. “It allows me to act as a role model for my children and people around me – demonstrating that learning never stops. By pursuing further education and striving for academic achievement, we continuously update and upgrade ourselves, inspiring others to do the same.”