Message from the Director

Welcome to the SMU–PHBS Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Programme!

This unique collaboration between Singapore Management University and Peking University HSBC Business School is designed for senior professionals who seek to integrate their extensive leadership experience with rigorous, practice-driven research. Whether your goal is to influence industry practices, inform policy, or contribute to management education, our DBA provides a structured path to turn professional insight into impactful scholarship.

Unlike traditional doctoral programmes, our DBA focuses on applied research grounded in real-world relevance. You will engage deeply with strategic issues—rooted in your own industries or organizations—through a rigorous academic lens. The curriculum spans economics, management, strategy, and innovation, supported by systematic training in research methods and guided by experienced faculty from both institutions.

Equally important is the community you will join. Our diverse cohort background promotes peer learning, critical dialogue, and professional networking. Through interactive coursework, research workshops, and curated learning experiences—including study trips and seminars—you will broaden your intellectual horizons while remaining anchored in the realities of business practice.

We look forward to supporting your journey as you challenge assumptions, refine ideas, and develop insights that will shape the future of management and leadership. Welcome to a transformative chapter in your professional and academic life.