Cheng Ma
Ph.D. Candidate, Cross-cultural Consultant, Curator
Berlin
Summary
PhD Candidate in Social and Cultural Anthropology specialising in Islamic finance and thought, digital transformation, and transnational networks. Experienced in qualitative research, strategic analysis, and policy consulting.
Proven ability to conduct multi-sited fieldwork, data-driven problem-solving, and interdisciplinary research.
Published writer and translator with a track record in global development, religious studies, and digital governance. Passionate about strategy consulting, innovation, and cross-cultural analysis.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
28
28
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Languages
Work History
PhD Researcher
Free University of Berlin, BGSMCS
2024.10 - Current
- Investigated digitalization, religious entrepreneurship, and cross-border Islamic finance
- Applied quantitative and qualitative data analysis to assess governance models in transnational networks
- Studied Chinese Muslim entrepreneurs and their strategies for expanding businesses into Muslim societies, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Dubai, etc.
- Collaborated with community leaders, policymakers, and international scholars
Field Researcher
The University of Manchester
2021.09 - 2022.09
- Conducted multi-sited ethnographic research on urban resistance strategies and alternative economies
- Analysed the impact of platform capitalism on labour and political activism
- Applied data-driven insights to assess structural inequalities and policy responses
Field Researcher
Xiamen University
2017.07 - 2017.09
- Led an investigation into an art-based place-making initiative, analysing its socio-cultural impact on community economy and cultures
- Developed insights into community engagement, project outcomes, and socio-cultural dynamics, contributing to a deeper understanding of place-based transformation
Consultant
Gansu Provincial Chamber of Ethnic Enterprises
2023.01 - Current
- Advised on business expansion strategies for Chinese Muslim entrepreneurs targeting markets in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Malaysia, etc.
- Conducted market research and policy analysis to support cross-border trade initiatives
- Assisted in network-building between ethnic enterprises and international partners
- Conducted thorough market research and analysis, providing valuable insights for client decision-making.
Independent Researcher & Consultant
2018.01 - Current
- Conducted policy analysis and strategic recommendations for rural and urban development projects in China
- Provided cultural intelligence reports and risk assessments for organizations operating in global markets
- Led interdisciplinary research projects on Islamic economic integration, global trade, and digital governance
Education
PhD - Social and Cultural Anthropology
Free University of Berlin
Berlin, Germany 2024.10 - Current
M.A. - Anthropology and English Studies (Literature)
Heidelberg University
Heidelberg, Germany 2019.10 - 2024.09
Anthropology and Arabic Studies
University of Manchester
Manchester, U.K. 2021.09 - 2022.09
Eastern Asian Studies
National Taiwan Normal University & National Taiwan University
Taiwan 2001.04 - 2017.07
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology and Philosophy
Xiamen University
Xiamen, China 2014.05 - 2019.07
Skills
- Policy research
- Market analysis
- Strategic Business Planning
- Qualitative methodologies
- Quantitative methodologies
- Stakeholder engagement
- Islamic digital spaces
- AI-driven censorship
- Cybersecurity policy
- Halal markets
- Customer service
Publications And Projects
Thinking Europe(s) from Asia – Decolonizing Epistemologies and Future Knowledge Production, Leipzig University, 2025
Contributing writer for literary magazines such as Meng Ya, since 2016
Confessions of a Serial Kisser, Wendelin Van Draanen, English to Chinese Translation, 2022
Ör/Hotel Silence, Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, English to Chinese (Co-), Translation, 2020
Leadership And Initiatives
- Dongxiang Project, 2018, Present, Community-driven initiative promoting cultural engagement, art, and intellectual discourse
- Curatorial & Public Engagement, Organized talks, exhibitions, and interdisciplinary workshops on social change
- Policy & Digital Transformation Research, Investigated state regulation, algorithmic governance, and digital economies
Timeline
PhD Researcher
Free University of Berlin, BGSMCS
2024.10 - Current
PhD - Social and Cultural Anthropology
Free University of Berlin
2024.10 - Current
Consultant
Gansu Provincial Chamber of Ethnic Enterprises
2023.01 - Current
Field Researcher
The University of Manchester
2021.09 - 2022.09
Anthropology and Arabic Studies
University of Manchester
2021.09 - 2022.09
M.A. - Anthropology and English Studies (Literature)
Heidelberg University
2019.10 - 2024.09
Independent Researcher & Consultant
2018.01 - Current
Field Researcher
Xiamen University
2017.07 - 2017.09
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology and Philosophy
Xiamen University
2014.05 - 2019.07
Eastern Asian Studies
National Taiwan Normal University & National Taiwan University
2001.04 - 2017.07