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From doctoral research to real-world transformation, Sylvia Hii’s journey reflects how purpose-driven leadership and academics can reshape the future of healthcare. After completing her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at SSBM Geneva, Dr. Sylvia Hii transformed her thesis — “Customer-Centric Healthcare System: By Integrating Intelligence into Healthcare System, To Positively Influence The Treatment Journey for Ageing Population In Malaysia” — into a national and regional movement.
As the Founder & CEO of DGA Healthcare Group, Dr. Sylvia has spent over 13 years building a legacy of innovation in medico-digital marketing, pharma engagement, and AI-driven healthcare transformation. DGA has evolved from Digital A Plus into a next-generation Healthcare 4.0 orchestrator, with three strategic pillars — DeliverXcel, OmniXcel, and AI-HealthXcel — integrating technology, strategy, and social innovation across ASEAN and India. Her work extends beyond business impact.
Right after completing my MBA thesis in December 2020, my supervisor and mentor were deeply impressed with my research and encouraged me to further my academic journey by pursuing a doctorate. As I explored various programs, SSBM Geneva stood out for its strong global reputation, practical syllabus, and flexible learning structure — perfectly suited for working professionals like me. I wanted a program that would not only deepen my strategic and research capabilities but also align with my mission to drive healthcare transformation across Asia. I realized that true transformation requires both strategic insight and academic rigor. The SSBM DBA provided that a global lens — allowing me to integrate real-world challenges in healthcare with frameworks in business strategy, innovation, and sustainability. It was not just a degree, but a journey of reflection, validation, and purpose.
The DBA at SSBM Geneva gave me the platform and confidence to turn evidence into action and ideas into real-world policy impact.
My research began as an exploration of how to design integrated care systems for Malaysia’s aging population, but it quickly gained momentum as I engaged with policymakers, universities, and healthcare partners. What started as a model, the Integrated Healthcare Network for Aging (INTA), has now evolved into collaborative pilots under Malaysia’s Health White Paper, with public-private-academic partnerships driving innovation in primary care, AI readiness, and preventive health. The DBA gave me the platform and confidence to turn evidence into action and ideas into real-world policy impact.
The DBA journey at SSBM Geneva gave me the academic discipline and global perspective to turn research into real impact. It reminded me that education isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about creating solutions that matter.
Start by seeing healthcare not just as a profession, but as a purpose. The future of health depends on innovators who can blend compassion with technology, data with empathy, and leadership with collaboration. Whether you’re a student, clinician, or entrepreneur, you can contribute by being curious, interdisciplinary, and action-oriented. Small projects, community initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations all add up. The key is to start — because sustainability begins with those willing to reimagine how care is delivered and who it empowers. The DBA journey at SSBM Geneva gave me the academic discipline and global perspective to turn research into real impact. It reminded me that education isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about creating solutions that matter.
Through Asia Innovative Healthcare Network (AIHN), a non-profit platform she founded, Dr. Sylvia champions youth mental health, ageing care innovation, and social entrepreneurship — creating pathways for students, corporates, and healthcare professionals to collaborate for the public good.
Dr. Sylvia’s story stands as an example of how SSBM Geneva graduates are not just business leaders, but system builders and changemakers — turning ideas into action, and purpose into legacy.