Dr Jimmy Jim graduated from our DBA programme in 2016, winning the Best Thesis Award. He now serves as an Adjunct Professor at PBS’s School of Accounting and Finance in addition to his demanding role as the Managing Executive Officer and Head of Global Markets at ICBC (Asia) Limited. Dr Jim’s wealth of professional expertise in the banking and investment industry has seen him hold senior positions with leading international banks – working in trading, sales, asset-liability management, and portfolio management in Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia. As a seasoned financial expert and academic, Dr Jim explained to FB Magazine how a DBA from PolyU has equipped him with the tools to lead and innovate in the fast-changing landscape of global finance.
What inspired you to pursue a DBA at PolyU?
I decided to pursue a DBA at PolyU because I wanted to combine my professional experience with academic rigour, and the part-time study mode was perfect for balancing my study with my full-time work. One of the DBA programme's greatest strengths is that it enables people like me to contribute both academically and practically. By applying my research findings to solving real-world challenges, I’ve been able to offer new insights that enrich the academic community, provide innovative solutions in my industry, and ultimately contribute to society in meaningful ways. This unique combination of benefits is a hallmark of the DBA programme.
How did the knowledge and experience that you gained from the DBA programme help you establish yourself as an effective industry leader and help you navigate strategic challenges?
I was able to develop myself professionally by combining my extensive work experience and knowledge of the financial industry with academic research on topics that interested me as a finance practitioner. My research for my thesis, which explored stock repurchases, gave me new insights into complex issues. To be effective, leaders need this depth of understanding. It helps them develop the strategic foresight to navigate the complexities of today’s global financial markets, and innovate appropriately.
In response to the rapid development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), PBS has designed postgraduate and doctoral programmes that are taught in Chinese, or a combination of Chinese and English. In your view, how do these graduate programmes cater to the needs of senior business executives in the GBA and elsewhere in the Chinese mainland?
I think they’re an asset for Chinese-speaking executives – they offer access to learning materials and research data that may have previously been inaccessible in English-taught programmes. They’re tailored to the unique demands of the students’ work environment, and they provide insights into the nuances and trends of the Chinese market in the GBA and beyond. They also enhance the learning experience for Chinese-speaking students by making it easier to grasp new concepts and interact with each other.
Do you foresee any challenges in launching such programmes?
One possible challenge is that we can’t rely solely on Chinese learning materials. To ensure that students comprehensively understand all subject areas, we need to ensure that any translated content is accurate, even if the programme itself is taught partly or entirely in Chinese.
(Remark: PBS promotes the best practice of incorporating a diverse range of reading materials in both Chinese and English for programmes taught partly or entirely in Chinese.)
Subject to the University’s approval, PBS also plans to launch a brand-new doctoral programme, Doctor of Business Artificial Intelligence. What differences do you anticipate between this proposed new programme and the existing DBA programme?
The market is evolving rapidly and it’s crucial for academic programmes to incorporate cutting-edge developments such as AI, fintech, and blockchain. AI in particular is a game-changer: it’s in the process of fundamentally shifting how we approach problem-solving and decision-making. To stay competitive, the new Doctor of Business Artificial Intelligence programme must anticipate and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of AI, despite the uncertainty of its future developments. That means the curriculum must be agile. It needs to respond quickly to and integrate the latest global trends, such as GenAI, to prepare students for the rapid technological shifts that are going on around us.
Given the rapidly evolving financial sector and the need for academic programmes to stay ahead, what in your view should be the focus of new graduate programmes or revamped existing programmes?
The focus should be on virtual assets and ESG. Hong Kong has established itself as a leading hub for virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and blockchain-based securities. At the same time, we’re witnessing the proliferation of ESG financial instruments such as green bonds, blue bonds, carbon-neutral bonds, and carbon trading due to increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events that are affecting global markets as well as the environment. These cutting-edge financial tools are going to have a big impact in the financial industry. That demands a deep understanding of how they work and their market applications.
Considering the significant impact of these financial tools, how important is it to integrate knowledge of regulatory and ethical considerations into the curriculum of graduate programmes?
It’s absolutely critical. It’s not just about understanding the financial implications; it’s also about comprehending the regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations to ensure that these new tools are properly governed and used responsibly. This goes beyond the straightforward objective to maximise profits. Graduate programmes need to delve into the regulatory and ethical aspects of these new technologies. For instance, exploring the role of ethics in virtual reality can offer rich insights into the moral implications of immersive technologies due to their real-world psychological and behavioural effects.
If you were to pursue another graduate programme at PBS, what would you want to focus on?
AI, virtual assets, and ESG. Digging deeper into these areas would not only be academically rewarding; they’re also essential for navigating today’s digital and interconnected world.
What advice do you have for aspiring doctoral candidates at PBS? How can they make the most of their programme?
To make the most of your doctoral programme, my advice is to integrate your professional experience with academic learning to create a synergy that enhances both. Apply knowledge from your daily work to inform your research, and engage with your academic and professional network to gain fresh insights and new perspectives. Also, make the most of the resources at your disposal, such as research articles, and practical business cases. And seek depth over breadth. Focus on enhancing your understanding of something discrete and specific.
What about time management?
Time management is crucial. You need to know how to balance your professional responsibilities with your academic goals. I was fortunate to have a supportive supervisor at PBS who accommodated my demanding work schedule by putting aside time to discuss my progress with me late at night. But not everyone may have such accommodating circumstances. It’s vital to establish a clear schedule and set boundaries to ensure you can meet both your professional and academic commitments effectively.
Finally, looking back on your DBA journey, what is an important lesson that you’ve learned?
I’ve learned the importance of reciprocity. As an Adjunct Professor at PolyU, I regularly share my industry insights and expertise with students. This in turn has led to discoveries that have direct impacted my work in the financial industry and enriched my professional practice. I think this cycle of knowledge exchange is what truly embodies the spirit of the DBA programme: academic inquiry and professional excellence enriching each other, creating leaders who are as much learners as they are innovators.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
