Dr. Sonam Tobgye
Dr Sonam Tobgye obtained his PhD from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia on the thesis Digital Transformation in Bhutan: Culture, Workforce and Training. His research investigates the changes and challenges for Bhutanese society of information and communication technologies for which there is little scholarly research. The GNH framework used by him is particularly relevant in current communication scholarships as it provides a valuable case study for scholars of globalisation and media systems. He was nominated for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award in recognition of the originality, significance and intellectual relevance of his study on Gross National Happiness, an area of huge significance to Bhutan that demononstrated the knowledge and capacity to stand out in the international arena.
Dr Tobgye began his career as lecturer of Commerce at Sherubtse College, Kanglung where he was known to be an outstanding lecturer, reputed for his innovative, pragmatic and outstanding ways of teaching. He taught wide-ranging subjects such as Financial Accounting, Mercantile Law, Company Accounts, Company Law, Auditing, Income Tax, Costing and Business Statistics. His contribution as he went on to work in several State-owned Corporations in executive positions were equally impressive and inspiring.
As an accomplished academic and teaching professional, Dr Tobgye taught in a number of colleges in Australia, namely, American College, King’s Institute of Management & Technology, Griffin College, Spencer College and Gamma Education & Training Pty. Ltd. He also worked as GNH Consultant for Data Scientists Pty. Ltd and Janna Australia. In Bhutan, he is the local promoter/investor for the FDI Company, Bhutan Data Scientists Pvt. Ltd. He taught a number of courses such as Vocational Graduate Certificate in Management(VGCM), Vocational Graduate Diploma in Management (VGDM), Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Leadership & Management, Diploma of Business, Diploma of Marketing & Communication, Diploma in International Business and Certificate II in Business.
He possesses a wealth of academic and industry experiences. Currently, he is engaged in research activities at the International Centre for Education, University of Massachusetts, USA. His passion is to engage in extensive research in the field of GNH and develop expertise in the subject matter.