The APU DBA programme is designed to help experienced professionals become strategic leaders in the digital economy.

Key Benefits

• Professional doctorate designed specifically for executives and senior managers.
• Strong emphasis on digital transformation, innovation, and business strategy.
• Research focuses on solving real organisational and industry challenges.
• Integrates Design Thinking principles into business problem-solving.
• Personalised supervision by experienced academic researchers and industry experts.
• Interactive learning through executive seminars, research workshops, and thought leadership sessions.
• Flexible study options suitable for working professionals.
• Opportunity to publish applied business research.
• International learning environment with students from over 130 countries.
• Strong industry networking opportunities through APU's corporate partnerships.

Programme Structure / Research Areas

Students undertake applied research in business and management disciplines such as:

• Strategic Management
• Business Innovation
• Digital Transformation
• Leadership
• Organisational Behaviour
• Human Resource Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Marketing Strategy
• Business Analytics
• Corporate Governance
• International Business
• Supply Chain Management
• Sustainability
• Technology Management
• Financial Management
• Consumer Behaviour
• Operations Management

Disciplines / Areas of Specialisation

The DBA supports research across a broad range of business disciplines, including:

• Strategic Management
• Leadership & Executive Development
• Digital Business
• Innovation Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing
• International Business
• Business Analytics
• Corporate Strategy
• Operations & Supply Chain Management
• Technology & Innovation Management
• Corporate Governance
• Organisational Change
• Sustainability and ESG

Programme Highlights

• Professional doctorate designed for experienced executives and managers.
• Strong emphasis on digital transformation and organisational innovation.
• Research focused on solving real business problems.
• Application of Design Thinking principles in executive decision-making.
• Flexible study schedule suitable for working professionals.
• Industry-focused supervision and executive learning environment.
• Access to APU's international research network.
• Ranked university among the Top 2% worldwide.
• Modern campus with advanced learning and research facilities.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are well prepared for senior executive and academic roles, including:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Chief Operating Officer (COO)
• Chief Strategy Officer
• Managing Director
• Business Consultant
• Management Consultant
• Corporate Strategy Director
• Business Transformation Leader
• Innovation Director
• Organisational Development Consultant
• University Lecturer
• Adjunct Professor
• Research Consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Senior Government Policy Advisor

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students enrolled in the on-campus DBA programme must obtain a Malaysia Student Pass before commencing studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Valid passport
• APU Offer Letter
• Acceptance of the offer
• Tuition fee payment (where applicable)
• Master's degree certificate and academic transcripts
• English language qualification
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical examination
• Student Pass application processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The DBA curriculum is designed to prepare executives for digital transformation and innovation-led leadership.
• The programme incorporates Design Thinking as a framework for business problem-solving and organisational change.
• 2026 intakes are available in August and November for full-time students, and August and October for part-time students.
• Applicants from non-related disciplines may be required to complete prerequisite courses before progressing into the doctoral programme.
• Programme entry requirements are aligned with the latest MQA standards.