In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and an explosion of data, the leaders of tomorrow must be equipped with the skills and mindset to thrive in a complex, interconnected global market.

A recent Microsoft and LinkedIn study found that artificial intelligence fundamentally transforms the workplace. The use of generative AI has nearly doubled in the first half of 2024, prompting a significant rise in the number of professionals who are adding AI skills to their profiles. This underscores the urgent need for leaders who can harness these tools to create tangible business impact, especially since many employees will independently adopt AI tools regardless of their employer's strategy.

While technical proficiency is crucial, employers increasingly value human-centric skills, such as strategic thinking and leadership, to navigate the challenges posed by AI-driven changes.

To address these needs, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) - one of Asia's leading institutions - offers its Digital MBA Programme (DiMBA).

"Our HKUST Digital MBA Programme is tailored for forward-thinking individuals who appreciate a rigorous, high-standard and comprehensive curriculum," says Prof Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of HKUST MBA Programme.

He adds "The programme prepares you to lead at various organisational levels. Today, effective leadership extends beyond the CEO; successful companies cultivate leaders throughout their entire workforce."

With its highly flexible learning format and self-paced structure, the DiMBA programme is designed to accommodate working professionals for location-independent study while still providing the same prestigious certification as its in-person equivalent.

The first week of the programme features a one-week immersion at HKUST, which provides students with the opportunity to connect with peers, professors and alumni.

After that, students will continue their learning journey by taking live virtual classes and online courses.

The eight core courses in the DiMBA programme are designed to build a strong foundation in business and leadership skills. Modules include Strategic Management, Managerial Microeconomics, Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting Foundation, Operations Management, IT Management, Marketing Strategy and Policy, and Responsible Leadership and Ethics.

Additionally, students can choose from a wide range of elective courses to customise their learning journey, including but not limited to Business Law, Deep Learning Business Application with Python, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in China and more.

Those located in Hong Kong also have the option to attend electives in person at the HKUST campus.

The first three cohorts of DiMBA brought together students from more than 20 nationalities from various industries such as banking and finance, technology, pharmaceuticals, real estate and aviation across different job functions such as marketing, engineering, finance and human resources, facilitating a diverse environment for intellectual exchanges and the sharing of insights.

DiMBA students stand to benefit from this deep network, offering lifelong connections and opportunities to collaborate across industries as they continue to grow their careers.

Prof. Shih highlights that the DiMBA boasts a robust alumni network comprising 6,400 graduates from 70 nationalities worldwide.

"Our DiMBA students come from diverse nationalities, bringing a wealth of professional expertise to the table. This mix of backgrounds fosters insightful discussions and allows for a comprehensive exploration of various business domains," he explains.

The programme also includes opportunities to join global study tours with partner schools worldwide.

"The leaders of tomorrow will need to be adaptable and lifelong learners. You will need to be open-minded and appreciate differences. Leaders need to know the mission their organisation is pursuing," says Prof. Shih, adding that this allows leaders to be resilient and keep their teams headed in the right direction, even in the face of adversity.

Students have led major initiatives in global companies, drawing on the perspectives and networks they built during their time in the programme.

HKUST's MBA has garnered recognition in global academic rankings, highlighting its excellence and leadership in business education.

The HKUST MBA Full Time programme was ranked No 1 in Hong Kong, according to the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings for 2024, and it was also ranked No 1 in Asia-Pacific by Bloomberg Businessweek and Poets&Quants for the 2023/24 period.

As the business landscape continues to evolve, now is the time to invest in your future. The HKUST Digital MBA will not only equip you with vital skills but also connect you with a network of future leaders ready to make a global impact.

Discover HKUST Digital MBA: https://bit.ly/3M9SXSU