According to the decision of the Executive Committee of Lumbini Buddhist University held on 23 February 2025, the revised fee structure for Ph.D. program applicable up to the 2024 batch- will take effect from the date of the decision.
According to the decision of the Executive Committee of Lumbini Buddhist University held on 23 February 2025, the revised fee structure for Ph.D. program applicable up to the 2024 batch- will take effect from the date of the decision.
Subject: Expression of Interest in the Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies Programme
Dear Professor/Admissions Committee,
Warm greetings from Malaysia.
My name is Prof. Dr. Kenneth Quah, and I am writing to express my sincere interest in applying for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Buddhist Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University.
I have devoted nearly 30 years to the field of international higher education. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively in university development, international collaborations, transnational education, and educational innovation. My expertise has been particularly focused on China, Japan, Mongolia, and Korea, where I have developed academic partnerships and promoted international higher education initiatives.
Currently, I serve as the Founder and President of Phoenix Asia Academy and Metaverse Universal College (MVUC), Malaysia, where I continue to promote global educational cooperation and innovative learning models.
Academically, I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom, and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from European International University, Paris. While my formal education has been in business, management, and higher education, my lifelong personal interest has been devoted to the study and practice of Buddhist philosophy.
My intention in pursuing a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies is not simply to obtain another academic qualification. Rather, it represents a personal commitment to deepening my understanding of the Buddha’s teachings through rigorous academic research while exploring how Buddhist wisdom can be meaningfully communicated to contemporary society.
For many years, I have maintained a personal Buddhist practice and have spent considerable time reflecting on the nature of human suffering, attachment, decision-making, and the cultivation of wisdom. These reflections have gradually evolved into several research ideas that I now hope to examine through formal academic study.
One of my long-term research interests is the relationship between greed and fear as two fundamental psychological forces that shape human emotions, decisions, relationships, and social behaviour. I have been developing a conceptual framework that explores how these two forces influence both individual and collective human experiences. I believe this perspective may offer a meaningful dialogue with Buddhist teachings on craving (taṇhā), attachment (upādāna), suffering (dukkha), and liberation.
Another important aspect of my research vision is to develop an interdisciplinary framework for interpreting and communicating Buddhist wisdom in ways that are meaningful and accessible to modern society, particularly younger generations living in the age of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and globalization. My aspiration is not to change the essence of Buddhism, but rather to contribute new scholarly perspectives and educational approaches that help bridge the timeless wisdom of the Buddha with the realities and challenges of the twenty-first century.
I believe that Buddhist philosophy possesses profound insights that remain highly relevant for addressing issues such as mental well-being, ethical leadership, education, sustainable development, and responsible technological advancement. Through my doctoral research, I hope to contribute to the continuing development of Buddhist Practitioners while encouraging greater appreciation of Buddhist wisdom among future generations.
I believe that Lumbini Buddhist University, situated in the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, provides the ideal academic environment for this intellectual and spiritual journey. It would be a tremendous honour to study under your distinguished faculty members, engage with the international Buddhist scholarly community, and contribute to the University’s research mission.
I would be grateful if you could kindly advise me regarding the admission process, potential supervisors whose research interests align with my proposed work, and any guidance for international applicants.
Thank you very much for your time and kind consideration. I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to become part of the Lumbini Buddhist University family and dedicate my future research to advancing Buddhist scholarship for the benefit of humanity.
I look forward to your kind response.
Yours faithfully,
Prof. Dr. Kenneth Quah
[email protected]