At the Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva, we take pride in empowering professionals to elevate their careers through research-driven education. Daniel Koh Kian Wei, a distinguished alumnus of our Online DBA Dissertation Track Program, exemplifies this commitment to academic excellence and leadership. As the Managing Director of Data Chord and Koh & Associates, Daniel seamlessly integrated his DBA studies with his professional responsibilities, leveraging the flexibility of the program to enhance his expertise in data-driven decision-making and strategic leadership. In this testimonial, he shares his journey, insights, and the impact of his DBA experience on his career.
Can you tell us about your background before enrolling in the Online DBA Dissertation Track Program? What initially attracted you to the Online DBA Dissertation Track at SSBM Geneva?
Before enrolling to the DBA program, I was the Head of Department (Lead) for Data Science and Data Management at a software company in Singapore. I was attracted to the online DBA program for its flexibility in allowing me to pursue my research that is related to my studies for my Masters program at Nanyang Business School.
How did the DBA program at SSBM Geneva align with your professional goals as a Managing Director at two companies?
The DBA program at SSBM Geneva allows me to showcase my research capability as the top manager in both of the companies. Being the Managing Director, I believe in leading not just business operation and administration, but also advancement in business and management globally.
What was the most valuable takeaway from your experience in the DBA program?
The most valuable takeaway was the timely interaction with my dissertation supervisor which was critical to the success of my education.
How did the flexibility of the online format support your role as a leader managing multiple businesses?
Being in multiple businesses with multiple stakeholders to answer to, I appreciated the flexibility offered at SSBM, which allowed me to balance my work-life commitments. Without this flexibility, I would probably have to make more sacrifices from my work and family.
How did earning your DBA from SSBM Geneva enhance your leadership capabilities as a Managing Director?
A DBA degree is the terminal degree, and research is a core component for it. Leadership with gut feeling can bring us far, but with proper research methodology and insights can bring us even further. Hence, as a Managing Director, I am able to support my leadership capabilities with data-driven research grounded by scientific outputs.
What advice would you give to professionals considering the Online DBA program at SSBM Geneva?
I would advise professionals to pursue their passion in their area of research. Most importantly, it should be related to either what they do now, or what they have pursued in their academic education. For me, I pursued Marketing for my undergraduate and post-graduate studies, so the DBA solidifies my Marketing research to the best outcome I can ask for. I would also advise professionals to take a different perspective toward the DBA program. For example, take the DBA program as an opportunity to hone their research skills that can be applied both in personal and professional life. Eventually, the rewards can be seen, just as how the DBA degree has allowed me to be an associate lecturer for the Management Development Institute of Singapore in Singapore and Dushanbe.
Daniel’s journey through the DBA program at SSBM Geneva highlights the transformative power of research and academic rigor in leadership. His ability to balance multiple business ventures while deepening his expertise underscores the value of our flexible and research-oriented approach. As he continues to make an impact in his industry and academia, his story serves as an inspiration to professionals seeking to advance their careers through higher education.
We are proud to have Daniel as part of our alumni network and look forward to seeing his continued success.