Bridging Academia and Industry: Professor Ooi Keng Boon’s Journey of Innovation and Impact

1. Greetings Professor, to start, could you share with us a little bit about your background and what initially drew you to the field of industrial management and information systems?

I grew up in a modest background in Ipoh, Malaysia. As my family was not affluent, I worked hard in my studies, believing that excelling in education would improve my life chances and create better opportunities. My interest in information technology (IT) saw me embarking on a career as an IT engineer at a multinational semiconductor manufacturing firm. This early experience equipped me with firsthand insights on the practical challenges of technology integration and business operations. And it ultimately sparked my interest in industrial management and information systems.

After seven (7) years in the industry, my affinities saw me gravitating towards research and academia. To prepare for a career switch, I pursued advanced studies in applied statistics and engineering business management. The rest, as they say, is history. I explored into the deep end of research, and I have focused on critical areas like information systems, mobile technologies industrial management and supply chain management over the years. I strive to bridge the gap between industry and academia, generating insights that are both theoretically robust and relevant.

My research currently focuses on how digital technology and data can help improve industrial and supply chain operations. I am passionate about helping organisations adapt to new technology without compromising their operational efficiency and sustainability.

2. Professor Ooi, I understand you have been a professor at UCSI University for some time now and remain actively involved to this day. Do tell us about your current role, such as your key responsibilities, areas of specialisation and notable contributions at the university.

Currently, I serve as the Distinguished Chair Professor of Industrial Management and Information Systems, and the Director of the Centre for Business Informatics and Industrial Management (CBIIM) at UCSI University. Additionally, I am also the Distinguished Professor at UCSI’s Graduate Business School. My key responsibilities involve mentoring PhD students, leading cutting-edge research initiatives, as well as collaborating with international researchers and industry partners worldwide. With these roles, I strive to bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications.

My contributions to UCSI University have seen a significant elevation in the university’s academic reputation, research impact and global standing. Notably, one of my most recent milestone was achieved in 2023 when both my research team and UCSI became the first in Malaysia to publish the Harvard Data Science Review (HDSR), a groundbreaking achievement officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2024. Not only has this accomplishment reinforced UCSI’s position as a center for high-quality, impactful research, it has also highlighted UCSI’s growing influence in the global academic community. 

Furthermore, I have published numerous high-impact publications in reputable journals on my extensive work in information systems, industrial management, supply chain management and technology adoption. These publications have further strengthened UCSI’s academic standing, thus attracting greater recognition from both the academia and industry realms.  

Beyond research, my work has also earned international recognition. In the recent years, I was honoured as one of the World’s Highly Cited Researchers (Clarivate™ Analytics, 2003) and was also ranked among the World’s Top 2% Most Cited Scientists (Stanford University List, 2000-2024), reflecting the global impact of UCSI University research community. National accolades such as the Malaysia Scopus Research Excellence Award (2024) and the Malaysia Research Star Award (2018) have further reinforced UCSI’s dedication and commitment to fostering research excellence and innovation. 

Despite these achievements, my primary focus remains on mentoring PhD and postdoctoral students. I am committed to supporting and guiding early-career researchers, as well as building a strong research culture. With my roles at UCSI, I strive to work closely with colleagues and students in enhancing UCSI’s global reputation as a hub for high-impact research, attract top talent from around the world and drive meaningful research that makes a real impact in both academia and industry.  

3. Building on that, you have also held prestigious visiting professorships in multiple countries and taken on leadership roles in academic and cooperative organisations. How have these international experiences influenced your approach to education and research collaboration on a global scale?

My experience as a visiting professor across multiple countries has significantly influenced my view on education and research collaboration. Engaging with academic institutions in China, India, Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia has provided me with valuable insights into global research priorities, diverse teaching methods, international publication standards and institutional expectations. These experiences and opportunities have also enabled me to collaborate with renowned scholars, fostering meaningful knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary research that bridges academic and industry needs.

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the transformative power of cross-border collaboration in tackling complex global challenges. Engaging with researchers from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds has strengthened my belief that knowledge should transcend geographical boundaries. Instead, interdisciplinary research, joint impactful publications and promoting student mobility programs, are necessary in fostering innovation and generating meaningful and impactful outcomes.

Collaborating with institutions such as the FORE School of Management (India), Chang Jung Christian University (Taiwan), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak (Malaysia) and the University of Nottingham Ningbo (China) has provided invaluable opportunities to integrate global perspectives into my research while sharing best practices in education and academic publishing. 

These collaborations have also reinforced the value of international networks in driving impactful research, particularly in the areas of information systems, technology adoption and industrial management. Beyond advancing research, these collaborations foster cross-cultural learning and improve industry-academic linkages. I strive to contribute to industry innovation, knowledge exchange, strengthen academic discourse and the development of future scholars and practitioners, who will shape the future of these fields.

4. Before entering academia, you spent seven years as a senior IT engineer in a multinational semiconductor manufacturing firm. Transitioning from industry to academia can be a significant shift—what was the most surprising aspect of the academic world when you first started? How has your perspective on academia evolved over the years?

Transitioning from industry to academia was a significant shift, with one of the most striking differences being the contrast in pace and objectives. In the corporate world, especially in the semiconductor industry, decision-making is fast paced, driven by efficiency and immediate problem-solving. Academia, on the other hand, requires a more long-term, reflective approach, particularly in research, where generating impactful insights can take years of rigorous study, collaboration and refinement.

Over time, I have come to appreciate the significance of bridging research with real-world applications. I have come to realise that academic work should not only be about advancing knowledge, but it should also have the ability to create  real value for different stakeholders such as businesses, policymakers and the local communities. This belief has profoundly shaped my approach to research, as I continue to seamlessly integrate industry insights with academic rigor. 

Being in academia now has given me the immense privilege of mentoring future leaders, engaging in international collaborations and even driving advancements in information systems and industrial management. Inspiring the next generation of researchers has been especially rewarding to me. 

Overall, my transition from industry to academia has provided me with a unique perspective, one that balances practical application with scholarly contribution. This acquired synergy has been helpful in ensuring that my research addresses real-world relevance, and at the same time, remain impactful. 

5. Professor Ooi, you have achieved so much in your career. Could you share with us how you stay on top of everything, juggling research, teaching and personal time? Do you perhaps have a specific routine or mindset that helps you stay productive?

Juggling research, teaching and personal time is undoubtedly challenging. I find that having a structured approach is useful in enabling me to maximise productivity and focus on the task at hand. Personally, I prioritise tasks based on their impact and alignment with long-term goals. I also follow a well-organised schedule to manage my workload efficiently. By dedicating specific time slots to research, teaching, meetings and manuscript reviews, I ensure each task gets the focus it deserves. I find that striking this balance is essential for maintaining academic excellence and personal wellbeing.

I believe collaboration is also a key contributor to meaningful research and professional growth. By working closely with students, colleagues and international collaborators, I find that I am able to enhance efficiency in my work, as well as foster a dynamic and supportive professional network which keeps me motivated in what I do. At the same time, I believe that these collaborations help me stay at the forefront of my field. By participating in international conferences, I am able to keep up with emerging trends within my field. With this knowledge, I then pass it down to young scholars who I mentor, thus equipping them with the skills and insights needed to drive future advancements in these fields. 

Moreover, I am a firm believer that a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall wellbeing. I make it a priority to dedicate a good amount of time to spending time with my family, engaging in regular exercise, as well as pursuing my personal interests, all the while leveraging technology and relying on a robust support system to stay productive. At the end of the day, it is crucial we understand that success isn’t about working harder, rather, it is about working strategically and making every action impactful. 

6. To be recognised as a top researcher globally is an incredible feat! Personally, how has this recognition influenced your approach to your work and your perspective on research impact in international dialogues?

Being recognised as a top researcher is both a great honor and a significant responsibility to me. It strengthens my commitment to conducting impactful research that both advances knowledge and addresses real-world challenges. Personally, this recognition has opened doors for global collaboration, thus allowing me to work with renowned scholars, top universities and industry leaders in industrial management and information systems. It has enabled meaningful research collaborations, specifically in key areas such as digital transformation, supply chain management and emerging technologies. Not forgetting my students, I am also deeply dedicated to mentoring young scholars and fostering a culture of innovation, integrity and lifelong learning. I am also committed to ensuring my research is translated into meaningful real-world impact by collaborating with stakeholders. While this recognition is an honour, it is also a reminder for me to remain adaptable, to keep learning and to continue driving meaningful changes through transformative research. 

7. Lastly, what advice would you give to students or young professionals who aspire to make significant contributions to the fields of information technology and industrial management?

I would tell them that to succeed in the fast-paced fields of information technology and industrial management, students and young professionals must first develop a solid foundation in both theory and practical skills. I would advise them to master key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), business analytics and data science in industrial management as it is crucial for staying relevant and for tackling real-world challenges. At the same time, it is equally as important to adopt a proactive problem-solving mindset, to keep up with industry trends and to gain hands-on experience through internships and collaborations. Building a strong professional network through conferences and mentorship programmes can also be helpful in providing valuable career opportunities, thus setting the stage for long-term success in both academia and industry. 

In today’s fast-changing technological landscape, I would advise students or young professionals to engage in ethical and responsible innovation. With growing concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity and sustainability growth, professionals must understand the societal impact of their work. It is only by making ethical choices that they can ensure that technological advancements benefit businesses, communities and the environment. 

Success in these fields also requires resilience, commitment, being adaptable, as well as to learn from setbacks. Those who blend technical expertise with critical thinking, a strong ethical foundation and problem-solving skills will not only excel in their careers but also drive meaningful progress.