Kelvin Lai, a dedicated engineer, and MBA student, shares his journey toward global leadership. He balances work and study, adapting his knowledge to real-world challenges. Learn from his valuable takeaways for aspiring global leaders.
In an era of expanding globalism, boundaries become blurred and give rise to new emerging global enterprises. Within this intricate landscape, traditional leadership models fall short of effectively navigating global shifts and generating value for all stakeholders. New leaders must adapt to diverse situations, resources, and market offerings. Many of these future leaders are emerging from renowned business schools.
Kelvin Lai is one such global leader thanks to the diverse perspective developed through his unique journey.
Born and raised in Canton, China, Kelvin lived in the United States for two decades, where he studied to be an engineer. As a professional engineer with a decade of experience, Kelvin has overseen energy projects across North America and helped them secure an average of 50-70% contribution margin upon completion.
Kelvin, like many engineering professionals, found himself thrust into leadership roles throughout his career. While technical skills were crucial in his field, they weren’t sufficient to effectively manage and lead projects and teams. This realization led him to join the Digital MBA (DiMBA) program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
The DiMBA has equipped Kelvin with a multifaceted education that enhanced his overall professional capabilities. This includes foundational business practices, cutting-edge business technology, as well as progressive courses focused on sustainability and innovation. With newfound knowledge in diverse areas Kelvin emphasizes that he has become not just a more effective leader, but also a more proficient engineer. (01:22)
What stood out about DiMBA program for Kelvin was its flexible learning format. The program accommodated his professional commitments, allowing him to continue working while studying. After the pandemic, the hybrid learning approach provided a blended experience, allowing him to interact with peers and professors both face-to-face and virtually. (02:40)
Kelvin further noted the global perspective of HKUST’s DiMBA program. The international student body, hailing from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds, enhanced his learning experience by providing diverse perspectives and promoting a global mindset. As Kelvin puts it, “[DiMBA provided] opportunities for students like myself to collaborate with classrooms and faculties from around the world.” (03:44)
The MBA curriculum at HKUST encourages group assignments, fostering collaboration and relationship building. Importantly, it also allows cross-enrollment between MBA formats, enhancing the diversity of perspectives within the classroom.
Key to Lai’s MBA experience was the robust career service and alumni network at HKUST. In the beginning, he was paired with a mentor living just 30 minutes away from him in North America. This relationship fostered an enriching connection, helping him understand more about the program and its possibilities. (05:13)
HKUST’s extensive corporate network also offered significant value, arranging study tours, networking events, and company career fairs. Through these, students are exposed to various business communities and potential career opportunities.
Recently, thanks to the alumni network of entrepreneurs, Kelvin expanded his project portfolio with international ventures in the Philippines and China.
At the HKUST MBA, an atmosphere of innovation and vitality catalyzes students’ evolution into tomorrow’s global leaders. One surprising leadership experience was Kelvin’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Business School Desert Challenge.
The Desert Challenge was attended by over 4000 current students and alumni in teams representing Asia’s top MBA programs. Kelvin was invited by HKUST alumni who knew he enjoyed physical as well as mental challenges. It provided a unique chance for self-discovery, leadership experience, and networking. The intense experience pushes students to confront their limitations and discover their strengths.
The experience was intense but rewarding.
“You have to run between 30-75 kilometers, with a group of students all coming up from Hong Kong UST, and we have three days to finish the entire desert marathon,” Kelvin explains. (10:50)
He also draws parallels between his MBA studies and the Desert Challenge. There the leadership skills he learned in the classroom were put into practice.
Kelvin emphasizes that “the MBA program… can give you the opportunity to go out to meet other people and then join different teamwork and leadership events that also help you to prepare for the challenge that the real world can give you in your career.” (13:09)
Navigating through the rigors of an online MBA and balancing professional commitments, Kelvin has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience. As he steps into the shoes of a global leader, let’s delve into Kelvin’s key insights from his DiMBA journey and his aspirations for the future.
At the core of HKUST’s MBA program is a digital business mindset. Kelvin explains, “The program is built around [providing] students with a stronger understanding of digital business concepts and strategies… I gained insight into the impact of digital transformations on various industries.” (14:46)
The program emphasizes strategic thinking in the digital era, equipping students with the skills to analyze complex business problems and evaluate opportunities. Kelvin reflects that these lessons are some of his key takeaways from Digital MBA. He is poised to leverage these newly honed skills and insights to foster business innovations and growth in his future career.
With all these takeaways, the future looks bright for Kelvin.
Driven by his passion for engineering and strategic project management, Kelvin aspires to make valuable contributions toward developing sustainable solutions on a global scale. It’s thanks to his MBA that he feels confident moving forward. He shares, “I learned a proper way to open up to new ideas and new possibilities and address that challenge, and even contribute to the transformation of my industry into a more efficient, secure, and sustainable future.” (17:58)
Kelvin’s MBA journey exemplifies the DiMBA program’s commitment to cultivating global leaders. Through its flexibility, rigorous curriculum, and robust alumni network, the DiMBA empowers individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. As Kelvin continues to harness his skills and expand his horizons, he’s proud to be an alum of HKUST.
Do you want to learn how to be a global leader by earning a Digital MBA at HKUST? Contact an ambassador to learn about their experiences.
