Daredevil follows his dreams
Tell us about your career
I was exposed to business at a very young age. We were accustomed to helping out my father in our watch manufacturing businesses, be it working in the shipping department or on the factory floor. After completing high school in Hong Kong, I moved to the Marshall School of Business at USC [University of Southern California], where I graduated within two years. Upon completing that, I dived right back into my family business, creating brands from Japan to America.
Could you briefly outline your career history?
I was exposed to business at a very young age. Hailing from a family business, we were accustomed to helping out my father in our watch manufacturing businesses, whether it be working in the shipping department or working on the factory floor. However, after completing high school in Hong Kong, I moved to the Marshall School of Business at USC, where I graduated within 2 years. Upon completing that, I dived right back into my family business creating various brands that spanned from Japan to America.
How did you get started in the serviced apartment and hotel industry?
In 2002, I chanced upon this building at No2 Arbuthnot Road, an area where I lived for the first 18 years of my life. One thing led to another. I sold [my family's] watch business after eight months. I always thought watch manufacturing was a sunset industry; you can't increase the capacity of the business, you can't make watches go faster. They are mere accessories. I have no regrets leaving the watch business behind. I can't count my lucky stars enough.
What does your day-to-day work involve?
Overseeing the entire group itself, as well as to strategise for future growth.
What is the most exciting part of your work?
Seeing the end result. After working tirelessly on a project and seeing it finally complete in all its glory; it's a very proud feeling. Additionally, seeing how much we have grown from humble beginnings when we entered this industry back in 2002, it gives me great excitement to look towards the future.
What are the challenges at work?
The availability of good assets to purchase in the market. The current pricing of assets in Hong Kong