From working in the forestry industry to leading electronics manufacturer OPPO's global tech community, CEIBS MBA 2019 alum Daniel D.'s journey is one of ambition, adaptability, and strategic growth.
Originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, his path has spanned multiple continents and industries across Singapore, Seattle, and Shanghai, before settling in Shenzhen, China's tech capital. As an Indonesian of Chinese heritage, he seamlessly navigates diverse cultures, a skill that has proven invaluable in his career.
Most recently, Daniel led a high-profile OPPO campaign in Bali, Indonesia, as the company's Senior Community Growth Manager, bringing together industry leaders, top executives, and affluent innovators to experience the then newly released OPPO Find X8 Series in an immersive and dynamic setting.
To learn more, we sat down with Daniel to ask him about his transition from the US to China, his post-MBA experience, the lessons he has learned so far, and his vision for the future.
01
Destiny calling - From Indonesia to the US to China
After graduating from the University of Washington at just 20 years old, Daniel spent time between Jakarta and his new home of Seattle. But he didn't stay still for long. Throughout his young career, Daniel had spent time on business trips to China and, after taking note of the country's booming tech sector, quickly realised that neither Jakarta nor Seattle was ideal for fulfilling his specific lofty ambitions. His instincts and curiosity about a rapidly growing China eventually led him to pursue an MBA at CEIBS in Shanghai.
"With titans like Tencent and Alibaba emerging in China in 2013-2017, I envisioned an exciting career in tech. Pursuing my MBA at CEIBS felt like the perfect leap. I wanted to immerse myself in a dynamic environment where I could learn firsthand about the intersection of technology, innovation, and business strategy," he says, adding that CEIBS offered a perfect platform with its unique positioning of "China Depth, Global Breadth".
02
A pivotal experience at CEIBS
His time at CEIBS proved pivotal for Daniel's career trajectory. As the youngest in his cohort, nicknamed "DD" (or 弟弟, younger brother), he embraced the rigorous learning environment at CEIBS and the vast networking opportunities Shanghai offered.
"Picking an MBA is about the institution's reputation, its body of professionals, and the group of students that are a part of the course, but the location also plays a huge role in future opportunities. CEIBS was pivotal for a lot of friendships and networking opportunities that continue to help me in my career," Daniel reflects.
His MBA equipped him with strategic insights and a global perspective, setting the foundation for his next career leap. After graduation, he joined OnePlus, a Chinese smartphone brand under the OPPO Group, as a Community Growth Manager in 2021, fostering connections between partners and users across North America, Europe, and India. By 2024, he had transitioned into the OPPO brand, assuming a leadership role in Community growth and user engagement.
"My journey to this role was a combination of strategic career moves, continuous learning, and leveraging the global network I built during my MBA," Daniel says.
03
The OPPO Finders Club: Elite minds, extraordinary experiences
Leveraging his MBA from CEIBS and an expansive international network, Daniel's role at OPPO came to life when he organised the OPPO Finders Club in Bali for the global launch of the OPPO Find X8 Series - an event that followed the success of a previous Finders Club in London during the 2024 UEFA Champions League Finals.
Tasked with balancing product education, immersive experiences, and high-profile networking, Daniel meticulously curated an itinerary that showcased Bali's beauty while highlighting OPPO's latest flagship device.
"I focused a lot on ensuring our bespoke itinerary maximised participants' experience throughout each day and added value to our key objective. From a thrilling experience up in the sky to test our camera capabilities during a helicopter ride or catching the Bali horizons and sunsets out in a yacht, it was a carefully orchestrated blend of immersive product experience, curated luxury experiences, and meaningful networking moments, designed to inspire our guests," he reflects.
With each new challenge, Daniel continues to push boundaries. His latest edition of the Finders Club, in Singapore, brought fresh opportunities to use premium foldable smartphone products to bring tangible benefits to businesses. Working alongside his mentor Diego Heinz, Daniel explored innovative ways to merge technology with real-world applications, a challenge that fuels his passion for strategic innovation.
"Pairing product requirements with the Finders Club's main purpose of sharing, enriching experiences, and network, is the perfect challenge I love to tackle," Daniel says.
04
Navigating cultures across borders
Daniel's ability to navigate cultural nuances has been a cornerstone of his success. From understanding China's "guanxi" (connection)-driven business culture to leveraging Indonesia's rich cultural and geographic diversity, he has mastered the art of building connections that transcend borders.
"I've learned to navigate cultural nuances by being adaptable, empathetic, and open-minded. Working across China, Indonesia, and global markets has taught me the importance of understanding local contexts while maintaining a global perspective," he explains.
This cultural awareness has been vital to his success abroad. "For example, in China, I've learned to appreciate the emphasis on relationships and long-term planning, while in Indonesia, learning to navigate and respect a multitude of different cultures and different backgrounds is an essential part of who we are," he says, emphasising that a deep understanding of local consumer behaviour is key to driving business strategies during his time in Jakarta.
05
The lasting value of an MBA
Reflecting on his journey, Daniel takes immense pride in his successful transition from his pre-MBA career in the forestry products industry to leading a global Community for a major Chinese smartphone company.
"This experience not only transformed my career trajectory but also reshaped my understanding of the industry, region, and professional role. It is a testament to the power of persistence and the drive to carve out a niche where I can make an impact," he says.
For Daniel, an MBA is more than just a degree - it's a continuous journey of personal growth, fuelled by experiences, connections, and the ability to navigate complex global markets.
"The value of an MBA has never been more pronounced in today's complex business climate, offering dual advantages: a comprehensive understanding of business principles and access to a global network of diverse talents."
He firmly believes that the true value of an MBA unfolds over time, as experiences accumulate and strategic frameworks become second nature.
"In the initial three to five years post-graduation, the benefits may not always seem apparent, especially when stepping into junior roles. However, as you progress in your career and accumulate experiences and resources, the strategic framework and network developed during your MBA become invaluable. The cumulative effect of this knowledge and connectivity allows you to navigate complex challenges more adeptly and to leverage opportunities that further propel your career. This journey is about incremental growth, and I am optimistic about the continuous returns on this investment as I advance in my professional path."
06
Looking ahead: Finding niches in a global market
With a career spanning multiple countries, Daniel sees himself as more than just a professional bound to one single origin, but as a global citizen who embraces the richness of diverse cultures.
Looking ahead, he envisions deeper involvement in tech product marketing, with a focus on carving out niches in saturated markets. Inspired by the mantra "the riches are in the niches," he is determined to find unique value propositions in a highly competitive market.
"In today's world, which resembles a vast open canvas of possibilities, it's easy to feel like we can be everywhere at once. However, I believe that identifying and concentrating on a specific niche where I can grow and make a meaningful contribution is essential to my plans," he explains.
As he moves forward, Daniel remains committed to fostering meaningful relationships and empowering Chinese brands in global markets. "I am committed to continuously driving strategic innovation that resonates globally while empowering Chinese brands to enhance their competitiveness in overseas markets."
07
Lessons for aspiring global professionals
For aspiring global professionals, Daniel's advice is clear: immerse yourself in hands-on projects, build a strong network, and embrace the unknown.
"Maintain an open mind, nurture your curiosity, and dare to ask questions - our world is replete with opportunities just waiting to be seized."
Writer | Effy HE
Editor | Michael Russam
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