My career has been a dynamic evolution across industries, geographies, and roles. I started as a developer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in India, where I honed my technical expertise. A short-term relocation to Hong Kong with TCS introduced me to the city’s fast-paced business environment, inspiring me to embrace new challenges. This led me to transition into the start-up space, where I gained invaluable experience as a Quality Assurance Manager and Business Analyst.
Eager to deepen my expertise in data-driven decision-making, I moved into the global insurance sector as a Functional Architect, leading data transformation initiatives. This role provided me with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to enhance an organization’s performance from a data perspective—bridging technology, governance, and business strategy to drive efficiency and regulatory compliance.
This pivotal experience set the stage for my tenure at Deloitte Consulting, where I spent two years as a Data Architect, advising leading insurance firms on complex finance and data transformation projects. My deep exposure to data strategy, governance, and transformation over four years at Deloitte and my previous roles positioned me for my current leadership role at J.P. Morgan Chase.
Today, I serve as the Strategic Execution Lead – Data Governance & Risk Management for the APAC Chief Data Office, overseeing the execution of critical data governance and risk initiatives across 16 APAC locations. In this role, I lead a strategic execution team responsible for program oversight, project management of high-value initiatives, and business management support to senior leadership. My focus is on driving data integrity, compliance, and operational efficiency while ensuring the firm meets evolving regulatory and governance challenges with resilience.
During my time at Deloitte, I noticed a distinct edge among colleagues with MBA degrees—their ability to articulate ideas, structure complex problems, and drive impactful conversations set them apart. Their strategic mindset and polished execution inspired me to explore what an MBA could offer.
Reflecting on my own journey, I realized my technology-driven approach often prioritized quick solutions over deep problem analysis. While experience is a great teacher, I sought a structured way to broaden my perspective, refine my decision-making, and accelerate my growth.
I chose HKU for its top-ranked reputation in Asia, balanced curriculum, and strong alumni network. The program offered the right mix of depth and flexibility, ensuring I gained strategic business acumen without unnecessary complexity.
As Chris Williamson says,
“You can’t shortcut wisdom, but you can accelerate your learning.”
For me, an MBA isn’t just about credentials—it’s about transforming the way I think, lead, and solve problems.
Initially, balancing work and MBA studies was challenging, especially after a 12-year break from formal education. However, the weekend classes allowed me to stay focused and present. The experience was rewarding, not just in terms of business knowledge but also in improving my communication skills. Interacting with classmates from diverse backgrounds, industry speakers and experts brought to the classroom broadened my perspective and exposed me to different industry insights.
“MBA is not just gaining the insights into business terminologies, but also how you interact with people. Since you have classmates from all walks of life and different companies, you get to understand broader perspectives of industry happenings in Hong Kong, beyond the exposure from existing network that you are working with.”
Mindset shift is another game changer, leading to improved quality of work and better stakeholder management. Every single discussion that I was participating in during class, I was trying to understand the problem statement more and more, before jumping to what solution to deliver. Applying this learning to daily work helped me understand problems better and coming up with the solutions became easier, and the quality of deliverables improved drastically.
I also took opportunities that came my way in terms of presenting to my seniors. Then all the presentations during MBA paid off. Public speaking and presentations were integral parts of the MBA programme. By actively participating in presentations, I overcame my stage fear and enhanced my ability to communicate ideas effectively. Being able to create and present value-add makes you become more visible. And then people recognize and acknowledge your effort, leading to more interactions. These skills proved invaluable in my professional life in the long run.
“…by delivering good quality outcomes as well as managing all the stakeholders, I was able to achieve my promotion within one and a half years of my journey with J.P. Morgan Chase.”
When selecting an MBA programme, consider the strength of the alumni network. A rich alumni network can provide immense support and opportunities. Additionally, be clear about your goals and what you want to achieve from the MBA. Research thoroughly to ensure the programme aligns with your expectations. Lastly, seek a balanced curriculum that provides the necessary knowledge without overwhelming you.
Active participation in class is crucial. Staying attentive and asking questions not only helps in grasping the material but also makes you visible to professors and peers. Building a network of like-minded individuals is essential for emotional and professional support. Investing time in quality interactions, even outside class hours, can lead to valuable connections and learning opportunities.
