Oday Abu-Smair

My name is Oday, and I am a PhD student at Swansea University, within the business management field, supervised by Professor Nick Rich, Professor Yaw Debrah, and Dr Jia Li.

Swansea was one of the most fantastic decisions I have ever made in my life. As a seasoned banker from Jordan, Swansea, the picturesque city nestled in natural beauty, was an unexpected yet delightful destination for me. The warmth of its people, the vibrant community, and the charm of the town itself exceeded my expectations. Having such a friendly and sociable atmosphere is crucial for PhD students navigating the challenges of higher education.

Choosing Swansea University's School of Management marked a pivotal chapter in my academic life, and I consider it a success story to share with future generations. Despite not having visited Swansea before, I was super confident in making my decision! Thanks goes to the University's international office for providing comprehensive information about both the University and the city. Adding to this, Swansea University is one of the highly prestigious universities in the UK, ranked 25, and it is also highly recognized in terms of student satisfaction and academic research.

My research focuses on FinTech ecosystems, and particularly aims to understand the dynamics of capabilities, business relations, and interdependencies within these ecosystems. My research interest draws from my modest background in the banking industry, particularly digital payments, and because I believed that the digitalization of financial services will take the lead and reshape financial industries. Adding to this, the Covid-19 pandemic served as another catalyst for this research interest, especially as the pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of financial sectors globally, particularly in Jordan. Understanding the dynamics of these ecosystems would contribute to the understanding of their success, and this in turn would lead us to a successful business model that countries/industries may wish to benchmark.

Swansea University's School of Management has always been an ideal environment for my academic pursuits. The positive feedback and engaging discussions with my supervisory team and other colleagues have positively contributed to my skills and knowledge enrichment. Training courses, access to information, and suitable facilities have also contributed to making the journey less tough and smoother.

Looking ahead, I look forward to joining the academia and contributing to FinTech research and related fields. I also aim to contribute to bridging the gap between industry and academia, fostering collaboration among local startups, national associations, and research centers for national development, sustainability, and economic growth purposes, both in Wales and Jordan. My journey at Swansea University exemplifies the transformative power of education and the potential for research to drive positive change. As I continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of FinTech, I remain committed to contributing to a future where academia and industry work hand in hand for the benefit of society.