A proud new chapter begins at Amazing Borneo Tours as the company celebrates the academic achievement of Dr. Lesley Hiew, who has officially earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Management (Management) from Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
Dr. Hiew’s PhD thesis, “Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark: Empowering Mountain Guide Professional Development,” highlights a deep commitment not only to academic growth, but also to the people and places that have defined his professional journey. His research focuses on capacity building for the mountain guides of Mount Kinabalu, the unsung heroes who help thousands safely reach the summit each year.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
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Dr. Hiew, PhD, joined Amazing Borneo in 2012 as a young, soft-spoken executive. Even in his early days, he showed signs of the grit and quiet determination that would carry him far. Over time, he embraced roles well beyond his initial responsibilities, volunteering across departments, supporting expeditions, and gradually taking on more operational and leadership functions.
His steady growth through the company saw him rise from executive to operations supervisor, then to manager, and eventually to director. Today, he is not only the company’s Operations Director, but also a trusted business partner and respected leader within Sabah’s tourism industry.
Research with Heart and Purpose
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Dr. Hiew’s doctoral work reflects the same values that have shaped his leadership: humility, service, and a deep respect for those working behind the scenes. By focusing his thesis on empowering the professional development of mountain guides within the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark, he sheds light on a critical segment of the tourism ecosystem.
His academic journey reinforces a broader mission, one that aligns with Amazing Borneo’s belief in uplifting local communities, fostering professional growth, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the region’s ecotourism efforts.
A Summit, Not a Finish Line
Dr. Hiew’s story exemplifies what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity, and when big dreams are backed by the courage to keep climbing. His path from junior executive to PhD holder embodies the kind of growth Amazing Borneo is proud to nurture, one rooted in commitment, perseverance, and community impact.
This PhD isn’t a finish line. It’s a basecamp for what comes next.
Congratulations, Dr. Hiew – a leader, a scholar, and a continuing source of inspiration to the team and the industry!