Shiu (Alex) Wong

Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business

“Proud son, husband, and father to two wonderful boys, while living to serve others.”

Age: 44

Hometown: Hong Kong, China

Fun fact about yourself: I have completed 5K, 10K, half and full marathons, half Ironman, and have my sights set on a full Ironman after completing my MBA.

Undergraduate school and degree: University of California, San Diego – Communications

Where are you currently working? Chief of staff – Office of the Chief Scientific Officer – City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Throughout my years in research administration, my greatest achievement has been my ability to advise and assist faculty during their proposal submission process. There’s a special feeling and reason to celebrate when a proposal is funded, particularly for those just starting their journey as early-stage investigators. Think about all the medical and technological advancements we rely on; each one began with a simple idea, nurtured through countless hours of research, turning a concept into reality. My work in research administration is my way of contributing to solving major challenges such as cancer and other diseases. It’s a rewarding experience that keeps me passionate about what I do.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Besides ranking in the top 10 among OMBA programs, ASU’s proximity to California and the courses and concentrations offered align with my intention and motivation to pursue my MBA. One of the faculty members I supported, Dr. Brooke Hjelm, is an alum and spoke very highly of ASU and encouraged me to apply.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? Being able to join the ASU Global Immersion Program was easily my favorite part. Often, online programs are 100% virtual, but ASU’s Online MBA program allows full-time, part-time, and evening MBA students to join on a trip abroad, which was very special and fostered great peer-to-peer engagement. Dr. John Fowler, the associate dean of the ASU MBA program, led the trip, and I really enjoyed the many enlightening conversations we had. I wish I could have taken more of his classes, and I certainly plan to keep in touch after graduation.

How did your online MBA experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? I am very fortunate to have had such enjoyable experiences with both my OMBA journey and my in-person undergraduate studies at UC San Diego. One key thing I would credit ASU with is the formation of groups and how group participation is woven into the entire MBA journey. I consider myself lucky to be part of a group that is nothing short of amazing; everyone comes prepared and ready to contribute.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Being accountable and, in the age of AI, doing the actual coursework. The more you invest in the course material and assignments, the more you’ll gain from them. It’s easy to take the easy way out, just aiming for a passing grade and moving on. In the end, you only cheat yourself.

How has your online MBA education helped you in your current job? The accounting and finance classes really deepened my  understanding of our organization’s finances, especially the calculation and reporting methods involved. The leadership concentration, especially the organizational behavior class, gave me valuable tools to communicate effectively with our faculty and staff and to confidently advise leadership on shaping our organization’s design and structure.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Not yet. However, with my degree complete and ongoing on-the-job learning and experience, I am confident it will happen soon.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? Juggling a demanding job and a family with school-aged children made a full-time program not possible. After being accepted into the online program, I received an invitation to join the executive MBA program. However, I ultimately declined the invitation because my mother, after an 8-year battle with breast cancer, had just passed away. I wanted to stay close to home and minimize travel so I could be there for my dad and my family during that difficult time.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into its programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? The ASU OMBA program offers a wide range of AI-focused classes to help us get ready for the technological changes that will shape the future of business. In the AI in Business course I took, led by Dr. Julian Lehmann, we gained valuable insights into the power of AI in a business setting. We also learned elements we need to consider to ensure a smooth adoption and effective change management.

Number of hours per week spent on an online MBA: Anywhere between 20-25 hours, sometimes more, depending on content and course requirements (reading, papers, quizzes, exams).

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term professional goal is to serve in either a CAO or COO position with a higher education institution or a non-profit agency. It is not about role or title, but about living to serve and leaving a positive impact.

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