Dr. Teck Lim (William) Chia

Hong Kong, China

Leading Maritime Innovation Through Scholarship and Sustainability

Dr Teck Lim (William) Chia (DBA '25, MPA '12) has leveraged his degrees to become a pioneer in sustainable business practices within the energy sector. As a seasoned executive, Dr. Chia's journey with UMT showcases the powerful impact of combining advanced academic rigor with real-world corporate leadership.

Dr. Chia's initial experience with UMT began in 2009 when he started his Master's degree in Public Administration. "My MPA from UMT was a transformative experience," he reflected. "I particularly valued the program's flexible distance learning format, which was highly effective in balancing my professional commitments with my academic pursuits." This positive viewpoint and his full awareness of the DBA program from UMT prompted his return for the DBA program. Dr. Chia believed that the DBA program from UMT "would allow me to engage in advanced studies while maintaining my current responsibilities." This continuity enabled him to apply the knowledge he gained directly to his professional context, enhancing both his learning experience and contributions to his field.

Since completing his DBA program, Dr. Chia reflects, "I have gained a new perspective," admitting, "I was previously unaware of the potential impacts of implementing ESG principles within my company." His dissertation, titled 'Relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Management and Corporate Performance: A study of Energy listed Companies in the United States, Malaysia, and Hong Kong,' directly informed his leadership approach, allowing him to integrate ESG principles into corporate governance and development strategies. This academic rigor sharpened his ability to align complex business decisions with global sustainability mandates, including International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and European Union standards. Beyond technical skills, he notes, "the program instilled a mindset of lifelong learning, which is critical in an industry undergoing rapid decarbonization." Furthermore, his studies enhanced his credibility as a thought leader, enabling him to contribute to industry publications and participate in interviews, such as Nasdaq’s Issuer Spotlight.

When reflecting on his UMT experience, Dr. Chia highlighted several key aspects. He appreciated the "Practical, Industry-Aligned Curriculum,” noting, "UMT's focus on real-world applications allowed me to immediately apply concepts like ESG auditing and ethical supply chain design to my work." For instance, his coursework on sustainability frameworks directly influenced the enhancement of cross-functional ESG committees at CBL International. Dr. Chia also found UMT's "Flexibility for Executives" invaluable as CEO. Its structured yet adaptable format allowed him to "seamlessly integrate academic research into my daily leadership responsibilities, facilitating on-demand learning and informed decision-making regardless of my location." Lastly, he valued the "Global Peer Network," stating, "collaborating with fellow professionals from diverse sectors enriched my perspective." Engaging discussions "sparked innovative ideas, such as leveraging ISCC certifications to enhance our compliance narrative."

While pursuing his DBA, Dr. Chia led two landmark projects at his company that bridged academia and practice. One was the Nasdaq IPO Execution, while his dissertation research topic served as a foundation for their IPO strategy when the company was listed on Nasdaq in 2023. This involved revamping governance disclosures to meet the more stringent customer ESG requirements. Additionally, he participated in industry roundtables, sharing insights on maritime decarbonization with regulators and the shipping industry. The second was the Sustainable Fuels Rollout, where he "spearheaded the introduction of biofuel bunker deliveries to Asian ports," a pioneering initiative that significantly reduced client carbon footprints and aligned with his academic focus on ESG-driven growth. Looking ahead, he plans to expand sustainable fuel offerings to include green methanol and liquefied natural gas, while simultaneously strengthening company ESG practices.

His education wasn't without its challenges. Juggling a demanding CEO role with doctoral studies required meticulous prioritization. "I faced sleepless nights balancing investor roadshows with dissertation deadlines," Dr. Chia reflected. "I overcame this by integrating my research into real-time business decisions. Delegating operational tasks to my leadership team and setting strict time blocks for academic work were crucial." He also thanks UMT's faculty for providing mentorship, which helped him refine his research methodology to align with corporate objectives. Dr. Chia specifically gave credit and thanks to his dissertation supervisor, Dr. Carey Cheung, for "incisive guidance and relentless pursuit of precision throughout the journey," noting, "Dr. Cheung’s mastery of bridging academic rigor with real-world business acumen challenged me to elevate both the research and strategic applicability."

"UMT taught me that education is not a destination, but a catalyst for innovation," he said. "Today, as a I collaborate with local suppliers and shipping giants to share the future of green fuels, I carry forward UMT's ethos of marrying theory with action." To future students, Dr. Chia offers this advice: "Embrace discomfort. The late nights and the complex problems are investments in your ability to lead in uncertain times."

"UMT didn't just give me a degree—it gave me the vision, tools, and confidence to drive sustainable innovation in a rapidly changing world. Education, when truly embraced, becomes the engine of leadership, purpose, and impact."


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