Our Graduates

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT - CEO OFFICE
UOB Malaysia

While we are hungry to learn about emerging trends within our fields, we are often not blessed with the luxury of time. Similarly, banks today are evolving to adapt to the changing demands of consumers and corporations.

In my current role, I strategise and identify banking solutions to better meet and exceed clients' expectations while staying ahead of the competition. I help to break down complex issues with my varied skill set (having been a corporate banking relationship manager and now equipped with research skills), contextualise situational demands, as well as provide quick and reliable feedback under tight deadlines. I can confidently say that my time as a research student with Monash Business prepared me to synthesise issues and produce quality output -- efficiently.

As my research topic was rather niche having deep connections to the banking industry, I was fortunate to have two supervisors cum mentors (a seasoned researcher and retired bank deputy CEO) who trusted me with my work and hopped in whenever I sought guidance, even after working hours. I depended on their combined expertise as we explored the unknown together.

I also had the opportunity to attend academic conferences in Australia and Italy, and treasure the exposure to external researchers I obtained there. I was further blessed with the campus' comprehensive electronic databases (key to banking research!) and a structured build-up of skill sets for junior researchers, attending various statistics and research skill workshops as well as philosophy classes.

Having a supportive community of family, friends and supervisors made a critical difference as the research journey can be lonely. The extra push from others, a shoulder pat, or even a long lunch or snacks really helped to keep us going. I must also mention our Postgrad Association (MUPA) for a job well done in keeping us sane with activities and engagements beyond our desks.

Upon reflection, the biggest takeaways from my research journey are: to stay curious and delve deep into the unknown, and stay resilient even in the toughest environment.

Dr Alex Lee Kae Lun completed his PhD with the School of Business in 2019. His research topic was ‘Basel III Capital Accord Implementation: Impacts and Implications on Banking System Stability’.