For budding academic Dr Tommy Chan, an HKBU PhD graduate, the University’s research focus, acclaimed researchers and comprehensive training proved the ideal springboard. This propelled him into an associate professorship at a leading global institution, The University of Manchester, ranked 34th globally and 6th in the UK*.

*According to the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Ranking of World Universities

HKBU – The Perfect Fit for Tommy’s PhD Journey

“The HKBU School of Business’ pioneering focus on social responsibility in business research aligned perfectly with my research aspirations and interests,” remarked Tommy, who had already developed a strong rapport with the School and his peers during his undergraduate studies. “Pursuing my PhD at HKBU is like a natural progression.”

HKBU’s Role in Tommy’s International Academic Career

“The PhD programme at HKBU provided numerous opportunities to engage with senior scholars and visit affiliated overseas universities, which were crucial in preparing me for the international academic market,” Tommy stated, “My experiences at HKBU helped me develop an inclusive global mindset.” The blend of academic rigour and cultural diversity at HKBU prepared him to thrive in various international settings, ultimately paving the way for his current position as an Associate Professor at Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester.

In addition to Tommy’s academic position in the renowned research-intensive university, Tommy is still engaging in a variety of services in the information systems discipline. While serving as Associate Editor for Information Systems Journal and Internet Research, Tommy is also Track Co-chair and Associate Editor for tracks related to social and ethical implications of information technologies use in conferences affiliated with the Association for Information Systems (AIS).

Beyond Tommy’s significant recognition as the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University, his service and leadership have been well recognised by AIS, with his AIS Early Career Award* received in 2022 and AIS Doctoral Student College Faculty Mentor Award in the latest 2024 exercise, plus his honours of the Outstanding Track Chair for the European Conference on Information Systems in 2021 and the Best Associate Editor for the International Conference on Information Systems in 2022. He is also the recipient of the Literati Awards for Excellence as one of the Best Reviewers for Internet Research 2020 and Industrial Management & Data Systems 2017.

*This award recognises individuals who have already made outstanding research, teaching, and/or service contributions in their early stages of careers to the field of information systems.

Tommy found HKBU’s comprehensive and robust training in research, teaching, and leadership skills substantially contributed to his rapid progression in academia. A crucial component was the mentorship he received from Professor Christy Cheung, Chair Professor in Information Systems and Digital Innovation Management from the HKBU School of Business, who is among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University.

“Professor Cheung’s expertise in digital well-being and her insightful guidance were instrumental in helping me think critically and approach problems like a researcher,” Tommy said. Professor Cheung’s expansive network and the collaborative environment at HKBU allowed Tommy to connect with esteemed researchers during his PhD studies. “Networking with editors from premier journals and visiting universities in North America, Europe, and Pacific Asia during my studies were indispensable in building a global academic perspective,” he added. These experiences set a strong foundation for his later successes in the international academic arena.

A Defining Academic Achievement

One of Tommy’s defining milestones was his paper “Bystanders join in cyberbullying on social networking sites: the deindividuation and moral disengagement perspectives” published in the premier journal Information Systems Research. As the lead author, Tommy collaborated with Professor Cheung, international scholars from the University of British Columbia and the University of Hawaii, as well as Professor Cheung’s other former PhD student Professor Zach Lee from the University of Leicester. “The guidance and support from my esteemed co-authors were invaluable in elevating the quality of the paper to meet the high standards of the review team,” Tommy expressed.

Tommy’s key research works with his close international collaborators have been published in the Senior Scholars’ List of Premier Journals, comprising Information Systems Research (UTD24, FT50, AJG4*), Journal of Association for Information Systems (AJG4*), Journal of Management Information Systems (FT50, AJG4), Information Systems Journal (AJG4), and Information & Management (AJG3).

Enduring Collaborations and Fostering Camaraderie

Tommy’s relationships with international scholars have endured, and he continues to receive guidance and support from senior advisors. Moreover, he cherished the camaraderie with his peers during his PhD studies at HKBU. “We frequently discussed and debated research ideas in the office, and often continued our conversations over afternoon tea. These interactions made every day on campus intellectually stimulating and enjoyable, creating a productive and supportive research environment,” Tommy said.

Tommy’s success story underscores HKBU’s commitment to nurturing future academic leaders. The combination of a research-focused environment, mentorship from leading scholars, and a supportive peer network geared him up with the resources and experiences necessary to thrive in the international academic arena.

About the Researcher

Dr Chan Kam Ho, Tommy is an Associate Professor of Management Science and the Programme Director of MSc Business Analytics at Alliance Manchester Business School at The University of Manchester. He holds a PhD in Information Systems and e-Business Management from Hong Kong Baptist University and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He received a number of prestigious awards and honours from the Association for Information Systems (AIS), including the AIS Doctoral Student College Faculty Mentor Award, Early Career Award, Outstanding Track Chair, and Best Associate Editor.

His research focuses on responsible technology use, digital self and well-being, and online consumer behaviors. Adopting the sociotechnical paradigm to understand complex human-technology interactions, Tommy’s works have shed light on how technology influences individuals, groups, and organisations.

Explore more exciting opportunitiesfrom HKBU Graduate School’s website: https://gs.hkbu.edu.hk/admission