Joined CLSA: 2009
Studied: Business Administration, University of Michigan, U.S., followed by an MBA from Duke University, U.S.
Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin and English
While I was going through university my goal was to work in public policy for the Hong Kong government. After business school, I discovered my real interest was resolving business challenges so I went to work as a management consultant in New York.
CLSA’s Feng Shui Index is always widely promoted in Hong Kong every Chinese New Year and that’s how I first heard about the company.
I wanted to work at CLSA because it was a well-respected brand in the Asia Private Equity sector and it was also a Pan-Asian platform targeting growth and opportunities. Our people are CLSA’s most valuable asset and professionalism and integrity are part of our DNA.
CLSA certainly stands apart from other places where I have worked because of its strong and supportive team spirit. You feel there’s a lot of trust placed in you and that’s empowering, allowing you maximise your effectiveness and enhance your personal development.
My role is an important part of CLSA’s overall business as our exposure to numerous fast-growing SMEs across the region provides another perspective on economic developments here that assist in creating CLSA’s investment insights for our brokerage and corporate finance clients.
The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity I have to work alongside fast-growing companies as a partner and fellow shareholder; to set strategic directions, to execute development plans together with management teams, and to witness portfolio companies reaching the next stage of their developments.
The biggest learning curve in my career has been to learn how to handle stress and challenges while maintaining a calm and optimistic attitude when dealing with critical challenges of portfolio companies.
I’d definitely advise graduates seeking a career in finance to develop a foundation of strong technical skills, to focus on their analytical thinking so that they are able to assess issues from many perspectives, and of course, to remember to be commercial in outlook.
It is possible to have work/life balance in this industry but we need to respect the fact that our work cycle is less predictable. It is important to leverage those times when we have less intense work commitments to enjoy life and be prepared to dedicate time when necessary. I appreciate the opportunity to work on life-rewarding projects.
In my down time I watch TV, catch a movie or play soccer. When it comes to unwinding after work, my wife and I go in search of new restaurants to try out.