Darrin Woo: On road trips, collectible cars and managing the Woo Hon Fai group

From vintage cars to blockchain technology, Woo Hon Fai Group investment mastermind Darrin Woo steers smartly into the future

Woo Factor Gafencu interviews Darrin Woo four generations of family money — Darrin Woo wearing Chinese jacket by G.O.D.

You helm the Woo Hon Fai Group. What’s the background of this company and how do you see its role today?
Woo Hon Fai Group is a single-family office named after my grandfather, who was the founding chairman of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and a former president of the Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange Society. Today, our office manages capital on behalf of more than 30 family members across four generations. As the eldest grandson, I am accountable to a big family, and I am currently the third-generation family member leading the office. Our core business, Lee Cheong Gold Dealers, started in 1950 and remains active today.

As managing director of WHF Group, what comes under your purview?
My areas of responsibility are wide-ranging and divide broadly into two categories: managing financial and human capital. The former involves overseeing legacy investments (some of which date back over half a century), real-estate investments and core businesses, as well as sourcing, allocating and monitoring new and existing investment opportunities, including hedge funds, private equity and venture capital. Managing human capital encompasses developing and implementing succession planning strategies; identifying and retaining talent both inside and outside the family; managing our family businesses; and continuing our family legacy. Our office also provides concierge services to meet our family members’ daily needs. I lead a team whose roles include such responsibilities as corporate administration, accounting and finance, tax and estate planning, property management, investment management and domestic staff management.

Woo Factor Gafencu interviews Darrin Woo four generations of family money (4) — Darrin Woo wearing Jacket, top and pants by Hugo Boss; Shoes by Mr P., courtesy of Mr Porter

What are the benefits of being raised in a prominent family, and the drawbacks?
Growing up in a prominent family meant we enjoyed great privileges. My grandfather entertained a lot and we got to meet other prominent families and develop multi-generational friendships. Hong Kong was, and to a certain extent still is, a city where who you know is just as important as what you know, I’m grateful for the exposure and my childhood experiences.
I was born in San Francisco, did my schooling in Hong Kong, and went to university in the United Kingdom [studying town and country planning at University College London]. The message that with privilege comes responsibility and the paramount importance of giving back to society were inculcated throughout my formative years. Both my family and I have an active philanthropic programme that supports causes across the globe.

Can you elaborate on some of these?
Our family’s philanthropy programme began with the founding of TIACC Woo Hon Fai Secondary School in 1987 in Tsuen Wan. One of the more notable – and meaningful – gifts in recent years was a US$15 million pledge by my late father [David Woo] to the University of California at Berkeley, which ensured the preservation of the old Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive building. This was renamed Woo Hon Fai Hall and today houses the Bakar BioEnginuity Hub, an incubator with 40,000 square feet of labs and office space for life-science research, innovation projects and start-ups. My father graduated from UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design in 1967, and was a resident architect for the firm that constructed the building. It is with great regret that he passed away last year, and he never got the chance to see Woo Hon Fai Hall in its present glory.

On a personal level, I recently supported a joint research studio between the University of Hong Kong and UC Berkeley, an innovative collaboration with an interesting comparative model to deliver design strategies for urban resilience and climate change in both Hong Kong and the San Francisco region.

Woo Factor Gafencu interviews Darrin Woo four generations of family money (3) — Darrin Woo wearing top, pants and shoes by Mr P., courtesy of Mr Porter

Aside from your work with the family business, you’re also involved in a new fintech startup. Tell us about this.
Blockchain technology and digital assets have seen tremendous growth with the promise of reinventing the finance industry. While physical gold bullion trading has been around for thousands of years, professional investors today are becoming interested in digital assets like cryptocurrencies, and I believe this trend will continueto grow. A big part of my job is investing into and for the future. One recent investment I made is in Volmart, a pioneering hybrid risk manager using TradeFi, AI and blockchain technologies to offer investment solutions for private banks, asset managers and prime brokers.

If you had a spare million to invest right now, where would put that money?
Capital preservation is my number-one priority. Real assets, financials, real estate and commodities offer superior risk-adjusted returns under the current inflationary environment and cycle of rising interest rates. I would buy gold bullion bars, not only because we are in the business, but I believe they are an important hedge against risks associated with financial systems and fiat currencies. The recent surge in gold prices amid the tension between Ukraine and Russia is proof that gold continues to be an effective hedge against geopolitical risks. The vintage-car market continues to perform well, too, and shows little correlation to the stock market. Even if your vintage-car investment isn’t financially profitable in the end, the joy you derive from driving one on the open road on a sunny afternoon is priceless.

Even if your vintage-car investment isn’t financially profitable in the end, the joy you derive from driving one on the open road on a sunny afternoon is priceless

How did you passion for collectible cars begin?
It goes back as far as I can remember. As a child, I lived and breathed toy cars, from pushing Matchbox die-cast versions to assembling static models and building petrol-powered remote-controlled buggies. I was desperate to start driving during my teens, so I arranged lessons in advance and took my driving test on my 17th birthday, the first day I could legally drive in the UK. It was a first-time pass, of course! Vintage cars are my true passion – I admire their aesthetic beauty, quality craftmanship and pure driving experience. I am a member of the Classic Car Club of Hong Kong as well as the Royal Automobile Club in the UK. I like to share my experiences on my personal blog, Motor & Co.

What are the standouts in your collection and your most cherished car memory?
My collection includes a 1927 Bugatti Type 35B pre-war race car, 1957 Fiat-Abarth 750 GT Zagato, 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT, 1983 BMW Alpina B9 and 1992 Lancia Hyena Zagato. I am fortunate to be the custodian of these highly collectible cars – many are limited editions and rarely available for sale.
Just before Covid, I took an intercontinental road trip with my son, Marc – this is one of my most memorable car journeys. We started in a small town called Arese in Italy, and passed through Switzerland, Germany and France, crossing the Channel on a car ferry to the UK. The 1,500km drive took us through some of Europe’s most beautiful and most rugged countryside. We visited historic towns off the beaten track like Baden-Baden, Colmar, Reims, Rouen and Caen.

We met some great people along the way, and the highlight was a visit to Champagne house Taittinger, where we were greeted by Clovis Taittinger, a family friend who is at the helm of this legendary family business.
Your wife, Bonnie Chan Woo, is a successful entrepreneur.

Woo Factor Gafencu interviews Darrin Woo four generations of family money (2) — Jacket, top and pants by Mr P., courtesy of Mr Porter

How did the two of you meet?
As clichéd as it sounds, we met on the plane when we were teenagers. Those were the days before email and WhatsApp, so we communicated the old-fashioned way through writing letters – we still have many of the original letters at home. Our relationship developed over 14 years before we officially got married in 2005.

How has Covid impacted your family’s jet-setting lifestyle?
Last year, I spent nine months in the UK and the rest of it in Hong Kong, 42 days of which were in hotel quarantine. Bonnie, Marc and I were hardly ever in the same place due to our various travel engagements, but we are still very grateful for the time we had together and can’t complain.

Can you pass on a few tricks on how to cope with isolating and quarantining?
That’s a difficult question to answer; different people have different tricks. Living in a confined space over long periods is both mentally and physically straining. I find having a room with a view and direct sunlight helpful. The ability to see activities in the outside world helps combat loneliness and exposure to sunlight elevates my mood. I keep busy with Zoom meetings during the day and relax in the evening watching Netflix and listening to podcasts and audio books.

Living in a confined space over long periods is both mentally and physically straining. I find having a room with a view and direct sunlight helpful

What are your top-three quarantine must-haves (apart from basic necessities).
JIA Everywhere – delicious meals from the JIA group restaurants delivered right to your hotel; Muo Wireless Bluetooth Speaker by KEF – amazing sound in a sleek design; and Amazon Audible – A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is a great quarantine companion.

Thank you.

(Interview by: Nikita Mishra Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jackie Chan Venue: Hutong Hong Kong Cover look: Suit by Ring Jacket and button-up shirt by Pye)

Power Player: Stephan Pudwill on taking over the reigns of his family business

As Vice Chairman of TTI, Stephan Pudwill aspires to deliver revolutionary technology for a more positive world. As a father, he hopes to instil that same passion in the next generation…

In the decade since Gafencu last interviewed you, you’ve become Vice Chairman of Techtronic Industries (TTI). Can you summarise what your company does?
TTI was founded in 1985 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1990. When we began, we were an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), developing products for large retailers around the globe. But we realised early on that if we wanted control over our destiny, we needed to acquire our own brands, so that’s what we did. Today, the majority of revenue is generated by our own companies. We’ve evolved into a technology company with a portfolio of globally recognised brands developing and producing cordless power equipment and labour-saving devices. Building up our brand portfolio allowed us to generate enormous goodwill and recognition in the brands themselves, as well as cementing relationships with customers and better serving their needs. Importantly, from a sustainability standpoint, we are achieving levels unheard of in the industry through our proprietary lithium-ion battery technology, brushless motors and sophisticated electronics.

What comes under your purview as TTI’s vice-chairman?
Everything in relation to running the company, which I do together with our CEO, Joseph Galli. Joe’s based in the United States and I’m here at our Hong Kong headquarters. When you look at our organisation and how it’s run, it’s very complementary, because even though we are listed here, a big portion of our revenue is generated in the US, and a significant portion in Europe as well. We spend a lot of time on organisational development, constantly striving to strengthen our global management team and focusing on our long-term strategy. We cover the entire globe, so are constantly on the phone or in Zoom meetings. Pre-Covid, we would also travel frequently, visiting the operations, discussing product strategy and spending time with the project managers. My father, Horst Julius Pudwill [Chairman of TTI], is deeply involved in driving the long-term strategy and spending time with customers.

What are some of the benefits and challenges of working in a family-owned business?
One of the unique benefits of working together with my father is that our interests are 100-percent aligned. He’s the major shareholder; I’m also a shareholder. Our focus is to drive the business as best we can and create shareholder value. Are there challenges in terms of running the organisation? Absolutely, that’s very common when running a large business, but overall, TTI has delivered outstanding results. When you look at how the company is structured and the executive management team that is in place, I couldn’t imagine it operating any better than it does today. We set extremely high goals and we strive to achieve them.
Of course, my father and I sometimes have different points of view on certain matters, but our close relationship means that we can discuss them and various approaches to doing something. We have spirited debates and dynamic exchanges, but in the end, we walk out of the room 100-percent in agreement.

“From a sustainability standpoint, we are delivering levels that are unheard of in the industry today”

Can you tell us about some exciting upcoming projects you’re working on right now?
How much time do we have to talk about this, because we have so many projects in the pipeline! We are expanding our manufacturing and distribution footprints; we’re also focused on new product development. We have such a prolific range of new and exciting products launching in the coming months and years.

One area that is really exciting for me is our lithium-powered lawn and garden products. Traditionally in the industry, outdoor power equipment has been gasoline-powered, so from an environmental standpoint emissions are high, and there’s also a lot of noise. What we’ve achieved are sustainability levels that are substantially better and reduce both emissions and noise significantly. Certain states in the US are considering restricting the use of gas-powered equipment, so this, for us, is quite game-changing. This is just one example among countless others of what we’re now developing. We are looking forward to transforming the world in the industries we serve with environmentally sustainable products that are more efficient and safer to use.

How has TTI weathered the ongoing pandemic?
I always like to remind people that we were already doing an amazing job before Covid. The company was outperforming the market and any of our competitors. What has Covid done? Well, we’ve mastered the process of running TTI over Zoom, and that is a testament to the strong managerial processes in place. Another big area of growth is our online business, which was already growing rapidly pre-pandemic, but it’s picked up further, whether that’s through the digital strategies of our retail partners or our internal ones.
There’s certainly more complexity of physically being at meetings, but we’ve learned the effectiveness of holding them via Zoom. Back in the day, we’d have a few major meetings a year in person, but now, we’ve learned that you can hold them more frequently with more people. In some instances, we even get opinions and ideas that we otherwise wouldn’t receive. I’m not saying that Zoom will replace physical meetings – it’s so important to meet face-to-face with your team and your clients – but I think this digital element will roll over after Covid passes.

Since you last spoke to Gafencu, you’ve also become a dad. How has this changed your life?
Well, I’m now married to a fabulous woman and we have two amazing sons. I’ve always been very focused on work and running the business, but now family plays an extremely important role in my life as well. My kids, especially my elder son, is highly interested in what I do. He loves coming to the office and playing with the tools in our showroom. I love engaging with them, whether that’s through playing sports or having them watch me work. I think instilling the importance of this ethos of hard work, and an understanding of how life works in general, is critical.

My parents inculcated great values in me when I was growing up. They made sure to create an environment where you could maximise your potential and have as many opportunities to excel as possible, and I’ve tried to do the same with my sons, while at the same time ensuring they have an international upbringing.

“Instilling [in my sons] the importance of this ethos of hard work and an understanding of how life works is critical”

As the only child of one of Asia’s most prominent families, what kind of legacy do you hope to pass down to your children?
In terms of succession planning, obviously you want to structure things so that the company is organised and functioning well. That way, there’s a real legacy for them to get involved with in the future. Beyond that, as I mentioned, the most important thing is to instil great values in my kids. So, we’ve created an atmosphere where they understand the value of hard work, and tried to foster their interest so they want to be engaged and involved with the family business. It’s something that I think I’ve done pretty well. Of course, only time will tell, but my eldest son is already very keen, and loves talking with his grandfather and learning more about the business from him.

If you could speak with your younger self, what’s the one piece of advice you’d share?
I would say: think big, be bold, set impossibly hard targets and do absolutely everything to deliver on them.

If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?
Steve Jobs. As a business leader, he did what a lot of people aspire to do – he changed the world. He developed and made products that had such a positive impact on the lives of so many. In particular, I’d want to pick his brain about product development, his philosophy on innovation, market disruption, talent, and scaling from small to big. I would also be interested in his vision of where he sees technology 20 years from today.

Finally, tell us a secret about yourself.
I’m a huge aviation enthusiast. I have a flight simulator at home – and I’m not talking about a computer monitor, it’s actually a full-on cockpit of a Boeing 737. I love flying in it, and my eldest son also shares my passion, so we sit together, programme destinations and fly together, which is a great way to bond.

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup; Photos: Jack Ngai

Hong Kong socialite Helen Ma talks about life & her latest venture

For a girl discouraged by her father to work, she blazed a trail in fashion, beauty and catering. Now in her 40s, a mellower Ma focuses on quality content and personal contentment.

You are a beauty expert, philanthropist, fashion guru and mother – how do you make wearing so many hats look so effortless?
My daughter Shyme is eight years old; my mother is 88 years old; and in the midst of family and work commitments, I try and make life happen. It might look effortless or easy from the outside, but a lot of chutzpah, dedication, hard work and multi-tasking goes into doing all the things that I do. I have to be fluid and flexible on a regular basis, do things with gusto, plan my schedule to a tee and be accommodating to change. Learning to appear calm and maintaining your zen is very important, and stepping out of your comfort zone is critical.

gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong (7) — Dress by Bottega Veneta

When you were young, what was your ambition in life?
It’s funny as I always had an inherent sense of style and a passion for fashion and beauty, yet growing up, I didn’t aim to become anyone or anything. I grew up in a conservative family where my dad thought there was no need for girls to work – or even marry if the family can support them, because no guy would be good enough for his girl [laughs].
When I left university, I knew I wanted to do something in the fashion industry. I was lucky that the LVMH group offered me my first job. After two years of hard work and learning the realities on the ground, I realised that while I have a strong love for fashion, I didn’t necessarily want to be a part of the industry. I switched to Joyce Group and started their beauty wing in Hong Kong. I opened the first three stores – the flagship outlet in Russell Street, Times Square, followed by Pacific Place and New World Tower in Central. It was at this time that my dream of bringing a high-end skincare brand to Hong Kong took shape.

You have launched a magazine, Helen Ma Loves Muse, run a successful F&B venture, and introduced the French-influenced Japanese luxury skincare brand Evidens de Beauté to Hong Kong. Which of these venture is closest to your heart?
I do everything with passion and conviction, but being a Hong Kong girl I have a love for all things beauty and skincare. That’s the reason I started Evidens de Beauté in Hong Kong and China, and its associated spa, Le Spa Evidens. But to my own surprise, I enjoyed my stint in food and beverage the most. In 2003 I started out as a silent partner in catering company Manna Group International, but it wasn’t until 2017 when my business partner, Quentin Chiu, convinced me about its potential that I became more involved in the business. The idea of running the successful Manna Market pop-up at Lane Crawford had me intrigued and though I’m no culinary expert, I love how food touches everyone’s life and leaves an impression.

What’s next on the business front?
I’m very excited about stepping outside my comfort zone and going digital with my lifestyle e-commerce platform, One Plus One. The focus of the e-commerce venture will be wellness, creating healthy recipes, sustainable trends, home styling and engaging experiences. The aim is to produce quality content and sell niche products at affordable prices. Our website is still in the testing phase, and I’m taking it slow and making it right, but once we launch, I want our venture to become a one-stop destination for excellent lifestyle content and product curation.

Many creative collaborations to empower female talent, their products and stories are in the works. One of the entrepreneurs with whom we are partnering took candle-making classes with a HK$10,000 grant from the government. She’s a hardworking young woman in her 20s with a clear vision of who she wants to become. As an entrepreneur these are the kind of inspirational stories I want to support.

What’s your advice for the modern-day career woman juggling family and work life?
Hang in there; it’s not easy, but it gets better. Balancing a thriving career and a blissful family will take too much of your strength and resilience. Try to live guilt-free, happy and take out some ‘me time’ – whether it’s chilling with friends, a spa day, dinner and drinks or seeking solitude. You’ll need something just for yourself to recharge, refuel and stay on top of your game.

“Balancing a thriving career and a blissful family will take too much of your strength and resilience. Try to live guilt-free [and] happy”

You are known for your impeccable glamour. How has your personal style evolved over the years?
I’ve lived multiple fashion lives over the past two decades. My 20s were marked by maximalist dressing, exuberant makeup and strutting around town in high heels. I was somewhat calmer, though still edgy with fashion choices in my 30s. But now that I’m in my 40s, I don’t feel the need to dress to impress anymore. At this stage of my life, confidence, comfort and ease are far more important than following a rulebook. Neutral colours, pristine, clean lines and conscious, elegant choices define my everyday relaxed style.

When you’re not busy with work, where are you most likely to be found?
At the pool – lounging in the water, soaking up the rays, is my favourite way to unwind. And if I’m not by the pool, I’ll be relaxing at home in pyjamas!

As the autumn-winter weather descends upon us, please share some styling recommendations.
Keep your seasonal edit classy and clean. Oversized jackets, hoodies, sweaters and chunky loafers are always good to cosy up in. Bottega Veneta’s mini Jodie bag and the ‘25cm’ Hermès Birkin are chic choices for a fancy dinner or a laidback brunch. You can’t go wrong in neutrals – black, navy, khaki, army green; these shades blend seamlessly, are perfect for layering and give a classy vibe.

“I don’t feel the need to dress to impress anymore… confidence, comfort and ease are far more important than following a rulebook”

What’s your haircare and skincare philosophy for the change in season?
In the winter, skin tends to lose more moisture, so tweak your entire regimen to keep it protected. It’s very important to stay hydrated and apply masks. You can never over-mask; I try and apply one every day, selecting different types for toning, moisturising and restoration. Masks with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants are effective in countering anti-ageing and pigmentation. Your hair needs extra TLC in the changing season for that shiny, healthy look. A simple coconut oil massage or a deep-conditioning mask are both excellent to nourish and combat dry, brittle ends.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I look forward to life. Ten years from now, I will be in my 50s, my daughter will be in her teens and off to university, and if I’m lucky enough, then my mom will be close to her 100th birthday and I’ll be seeing her every day! It will be a stable, simple, slow life in which I’d still be working… but I’d also hopefully be half-retired [laughs].

Thank you.

Interview by: Nikita Mishra; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma

Jewel Purpose: Elegant entrepreneur and multi-tasking mum, Melinda Zeman does it all…

Aiming to spread joy through her jewellery designs, Melinda Zeman shares her inspirations behind Bouchier and what keeps her going as a strong career woman and loving mother…

Wardrobe: Earrings, necklaces, rings by Bouchier, available at On Pedder; Oversized blazer top by Magda Butrym, available at Joyce; Heels by YSL

As the founder, can you tell us what led you to launch the Bouchier jewellery brand?
As a jewellery lover myself, I was inspired to start the company because it was hard to find the kind of items that I felt conveyed my personality. I was looking for something that was a little contemporary and playful as I don’t really take myself too seriously. Ultimately, this led me to create fine jewellery pieces that reflected those values.
Before I started, some two-and-a-half years ago, I was designing pieces for myself as a hobby. Then, one thing led to another, and I started producing items for friends and then for their friends. Eventually, through word of mouth, Bouchier organically grew into the brand it is today.

What do you see as your brand’s unique qualities?
Well, we have a strong emphasis on happiness, playfulness and bright colours, which makes us quite distinct compared to a lot of other fine jewellery brands. With everything that’s going on in the world right now, everyone needs a little happiness and colour in their lives. With that in mind, we give our clients something they can look at that we hope will always bring them joy and automatically lift their spirits.

Wardrobe: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings by Bouchier available at On Pedder; Crop blazer by Christopher John Rogers, available at Joyce; Skirt by Molly Goddard; Heels by Amina Muaddi

Fruit Hoops is your best selling collection, where do you find the inspiration for your designs?
Fruit Hoops is our signature collection and, when I first came to devise it, I was aiming to create a very clean and classic line. As I love stacking different pieces, I try not to over-complicate designs and look to keep them timeless and elegant. I also knew I wanted to inject some fun into the collection, so I experimented with a number of different designs and came to love the symbolism of the knot. For me, it very much represents the bond between people, whether a partner, friend or child / parent.
Personally, it’s definitely my favourite collection as there are just so many variations to the look you can create. It can be worn with a casual T-shirt or with a suit to make a certain impression. You can also wear one piece on its own or play with few pieces together, making for a process that’s really quite fun.

What are the challenges of running a company like Bouchier now that it has a truly global footprint?
When it comes to being genuinely international, one of the core values I always try and adhere to with my brand experience is inclusivity. In many ways, I see it as similar to social media in how it allows like-minded women, irrespective of age, location, religion or race, to come together. I want people to feel that Bouchier is a brand that can speak to anyone wherever they may be.
Honestly, when running a business, though, every day is a challenge. I do, however, feel lucky that I live in a world and time where there are so many amazing female entrepreneurs and leaders, people who are really addressing women’s needs and concerns. I genuinely feel there is a sense of sisterhood like never before and that is something that inspires me every day.
In addition, as a mother of four, I find it’s a constant struggle to balance my home and work life. Despite that, I feel blessed that I have been able to turn my passion into a full-time job, something that makes me cherish my children all the more as I never take my time with them for granted.

Wardrobe: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings by Bouchier, available at On Pedder; Blazer by Alexander McQueen, available at Joyce; Bag by Alexander McQueen, available at On Pedder; Heels by Amina Muaddi

How did your own experience growing up impact you?
My mom was in finance and worked very long hours and that was something, as a child, that I didn’t really understand. Looking back now, though, I appreciate all the hard work she put into raising me and realise what an exceptional role model she was. Her dedication inspires me to this day and is a constant reminder to me that it is possible to balance your career and role as a mother. I have also come to believe that being a stay-at-home mum is truly one of the hardest jobs in the world – most men wouldn’t last a day! As with many things in life, quality is just as important as quantity so I try to make every moment with my children count.

What is the most important piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I think, without a doubt, the most important piece of advice I have ever been given is to remember that “No one knows everything”. I think it’s so important to bear in mind that no matter where you are in life or how successful you are, no one person truly knows everything. So, it’s important to keep an open mind and listen to the people around you. If ever you get to a point where you start to believe that you actually know everything, that’s when you’ll stop learning and you’ll miss out on so many opportunities to improve yourself. I am genuinely convinced that the key to ultimate success in life is to never stop learning and to try and be a better version of yourself everyday – not just for you as an individual, but also for the people around you.

Wardrobe: Earrings and rings by Bouchier, available at On Pedder; Turtle neck and blazer by Marine Serre, available at Joyce; Heels by Amina Muaddi

If you could meet any person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’d love to meet Michelle Obama. I feel like she redefined what it meant to be First Lady. She has been a truly great inspiration and a role model for so many young children across the world. She was the voice of a whole generation of young girls who had previously gone unheard. In this way, she gave many young people the motivation and confidence they lacked and no doubt changed the lives of many of them forever.

Wardrobe: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings by Bouchier, available at On Pedder; Dress by Molly Goddard, available at Joyce; Heels by Amina Muaddi

What item is at the top of your bucket list?
I did a safari with my husband a few years ago and would love to go back with my kids for an extended family jungle wilderness holiday. Not only was it an amazing bonding and learning experience, for me, personally the thing I loved the most was the incredible opportunity it gave me to see so many animals in their natural habitat. It really put things into perspective and reminded me how comparatively small we really are in this world… It’s something that humbles you and makes you question your purpose on Earth, while also prompting you to think how to give back – and that’s definitely a lesson I want to teach my children.

Finally, can you share with us a secret, something that most people don’t know about you?
I really enjoy Canto pop and Mando pop. While that’s not wholly a secret, it’s definitely something that surprises a lot of people!

Thank you.

Interview by: Roberliza Eugenio
Photographer: Jack Law
Videographer: Kes Lei
Hair and Make Up: Angel Arlen Pasco
Art director and styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma

2020 Power List 300: Gafencu showcases the most influential and entrepreneurial minds of our time

It’s no secret that Hong Kong is one of the most competitive cities on Earth. In a dog-eat-dog world, only the strong rise to the top. Gafencu’s 2020 Power 300 List showcases just that: a run-down of the most influential, dynamic and entrepreneurial minds of our time. You’d do well to stay on their good side…

Check out just who made our 2020 Power List 300 here.

Eco Warrior: EcoDrive co-founder Yolanda Choy is on a crusade against single-use plastics

Yolanda Choy, co-founder of EcoDrive, is on a crusade to fight the burgeoning rise of single-use plastics.

By educating the public on the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics, EcoDrive co-founder Yolanda Choy hopes to create a greener, more sustainable future…

Tell us a little about your childhood.
I was born in San Francisco and grew up with my three sisters just outside the city in Burlingame, California. I stayed there until my graduation from high school before heading off to Indiana for university.

Did you have any particular career ambitions growing up?
I was a bit of a tomboy and wanted to be a fighter pilot and study at the US Naval Academy, but I ended up going to Purdue University and majoring in Aeronautical Engineering instead.

That’s when you moved to Hong Kong…
Yes. After graduating, my first job was with TVB as a news broadcaster and I did that for three years. I produced hard news and documentaries. Then I decided to go back to fashion because that’s where my family’s business roots lay.

When exactly did fashion enter your life?
To be honest, I grew up with it because my parents were in that industry. They had their own brands and were licensees for Givenchy and other big brands in the US. People see the glamour of fashion, but behind the scenes, it’s a tough business. I remember working afterschool at my father’s warehouse, handling small chores like ironing clothes from recently arrived shipments before repackaging them to be sent to the stores in pristine condition.

What led you to start EcoDrive?
A girlfriend of mine invited me to a screening of A Plastic Ocean at her office. At the end of the film, I was shocked at what I saw. I never knew that every single piece of plastic we’ve ever used is still on this earth today. In particular, Hong Kong’s recycling is broken, it doesn’t work. Soon after, I ended up having lunch with Laura Derry, who owns Prime PR, a PR company, to promote my business, Central Weddings, and we ended up talking about the plastic problem in Hong Kong and what we can do about it instead the entire time. I talked about A Plastic Ocean with her, and she said let’s do a screening of it, let’s tell everyone we know about the plastic story.

I knew none of my friends were aware of the plastic problem, and I wanted to share my new-found knowledge with them, to make a change. That’s how EcoDrive was born. After the screening, many of my friends contacted me in concern and said: “We have to do something about this. If you start something, I’d love to join you.” I thought, wow, maybe together we can create some impact for the environment locally.

Can you tell us about EcoDrive’s mission statement?
The mission statement is really to build awareness and encourage the reduction of single-use plastics. To fulfil this objective, we’ve split our board members into three teams – one focused on education, one to come up with community campaigns and a third to partner with corporates on sustainability initiatives and education. We’ve developed our own materials, presentations and screenings. We have our own film about single-use plastics, what is it, what can we do about it, and so forth. We give people different ideas on how they can make a difference to create a better, more sustainable world for future generations.

In terms of education, we used to go into schools and give talks, but we found that it wasn’t so impactful. So, we decided to create textbook readers to be incorporated into schools’ curriculums under general studies, and we raised enough funds to give these book to local schools for free.

We give people different ideas on how they can make a difference to create a better, more sustainable world for future generations.

Ultimately, our main goal is to focus on raising awareness about single-use plastics through education. However, we also organise community outreach programmes as well. For example, last year, we created a campaign titled “Enough Plastic”, where we got 50 celebrities to say no to single-use plastics. It was a hugely successful campaign and one of the biggest of its kind, and we were floored by the response and the support that we received. I was also hugely grateful to the celebrities for donating time for this worthy cause.

“The government really needs to educate people on what can be recycled, and to subsidise the collection of recyclable materials”

How does Hong Kong’s environmental consciousness ranks in the world?
Honestly, I hate to say it, but it’s not great. The environment as a priority for Hongkongers is very low, but actually, before the Covid-19 crisis, that was improving. The more people learnt, the more shocked they were at how we were negatively impacting the world for the generations to come.

How can we improve the situation?
Realistically speaking, though, I think the government really needs to educate people on what can be recycled, to afford and to subsidise the collection of plastic bottles and other recyclable materials, and to give more incentives to do so. If you put a monetary value on every single plastic bottle – let’s say five or 10 cents each – people would not be throwing them away on the street. They just need a little push.

Most people don’t even know what kind of plastics can be recycled in Hong Kong, but the list includes PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles, HTPE (High Density Polyethylene) containers like shampoos or detergents, and depending on the collector and where it’s going, plastic bags. Other than that, nothing else is allowed. This is where education plays a big part, because, by and large, many people might be throwing away things like takeaway containers, bubble tea glasses and so forth, and these contaminate the entire load, making the whole collection bin unrecyclable and sent to a landfill instead.

Also, sadly, nobody is willing to come and collect the used bottles unless you pay for it. Recycling is not charity, it’s not done by NGOs, it’s actually run by businesses. Right now, virgin plastic is cheaper than used plastic because its collection is too expensive, which becomes a major issue when you consider that 7.5 million plastic bottles are used every day.
The good news is that even though there’s no governmental initiative on this front, it’s a different story on the corporate side. For example, I’m on the working committee for another NGO called Drinks without Waste, which was initiated by beverage companies like Swire Coca Cola and Watson’s Water because they want to come up with a means to collect used bottles. The aim is to encourage Hongkongers as well as drinks suppliers to form a sustainable recycling system, one that sees used bottles collected for reuse rather than sent to fill our already-at-capacity landfills.

Swire Coca Cola, Alba and Baguio Green Group have also banded together to create the city’s first PET and HTPE processing plant, New Life Plastics, which will open at the end of this year at the Eco Park. The problem, though, is that they need 30 tonnes per day in order for it to operate efficiently, which is a staggering amount. That’s why we need to encourage people to join the cause, to ensure its long-term success.

“Recycling is not charity work, it’s not done by NGOs, it’s actually run by profit-seeking businesses”

You’ve also co-founded Central Weddings. How did that come about?
I wanted to go into a lifestyle business such as furniture and decorative pieces to get away from fashion. I proposed different ideas to the landlord at the time, and they actually said point blank that if I started a prestigious luxury wedding boutique, I’d get the space. The bridal gown business is quite interesting, because there’s little to no waste. We have a set number of samples to try, and each dress is then tailor-made for the client. Unlike fast fashion, we don’t have much inventory to sell at the end of each season.

Did your prior experience in the fashion industry with brands like Fendi and Dior help with this venture?
It’s completely different because previously I had worked in marketing and PR, and none of that helped at all. Fashion marketing is about selling the latest season’s collections to the media and the public, and in the bridal industry, we don’t really have that fast-paced change. Another thing we did in marketing was to create brand loyalty, but again, this isn’t so for weddings. Once a bride buys a dress, she’s not likely to come back. Our way of handling this, then, is to market through word of mouth and with collaborations with hotels, wedding planners, photographers and more to keep our image fresh.

During your downtime, how do you like to relax?
I have too many hobbies and interests, I love classical music, the piano, the violin… I love being outdoors and enjoy skiing, wake surfing, hiking, coasteering and watching my son play baseball. My family has been to Austria every year for the past five years, too. I just love the adventure of it all.

Who has been your biggest source of inspiration?
There have been so many, but the biggest would be my mother. I think Chinese parents are very critical of their children, and words can hurt, but my mother was exactly the opposite. She encouraged us to be happy and to work hard and be motivated to get good results, which is the greatest gift.

Finally, tell us something people don’t know about you.
I love to play bridge. It’s a bit of an open secret, though, because I’ve gotten everyone to play with me now.

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Jack Law Art Direction & Styling:
Jhoshwa Ledesma Venue: Central Weddings
Wardrobe: black silk fringed dress worn over a wool skirt by Prada; outfits courtesy of second-hand designer store, The Hula

Stretch Master: PURE Group’s Almen Wong on yoga’s myriad benefits

Once a stalwart of Hong Kong’s film and fashion scenes, Almen Wong, co-founder of PURE Group, found a new calling as a yoga instructor and ambassador…

You’re a veteran of Hong Kong’s fashion and movie scene. How did that happen and was that always what you aspired to do?
Actually, I never had any plans to join either industry. I was already working in the garment industry and merchandising business when it all happened by chance. Growing up, I was an absolute tomboy, so I enrolled into a modelling course to learn to be more feminine. Once I finished that, I placed my CV with a few agencies, and I ended up being called for a casting with Elle Magazine. I landed the job, and after that very first fashion shoot, the fashion editor took a shine to me and I wound up signing several jobs with them.
I never thought I could make it a full career, but I continued for about seven or eight years. I also landed my first movie role then, and I went on to work with other amazing actors and directors after that.

Is there any shoot that remains close to your heart?
Honestly there are so many, but the one that made the biggest impression on me was that first shoot for ELLE Magazine. I didn’t know what was expected for me, it started at 6am in the middle of summer and we were shooting heavy fall and winter apparel for the upcoming season. It was such an effortless process, though, and an entirely new experience for me.

What drew you to yoga then?
I’ve always been a very active person. I love exercising and exploring new sports to spice up my fitness routine. Yoga was one of those things that I tried out for fun, and I just fell in love with it. The interesting thing is that although I was pretty proficient with other sports, I really struggled with this. I could only do about 60 percent of the poses, and it was quite a shock to me. I kept going back and trying it repeatedly because the challenge of mastering the stretches was very enticing.

“Yoga was one of those things that I tried out for fun, and I just fell in love with it”

What then led you to co-found PURE Group?
It was always in the back of my mind that after my modelling and movie career, I wanted to have my own gym or fitness centre. So, it was quite a coincidence when Colin, who is now the CEO of PURE Group, approached me to start a fitness and yoga studio in Hong Kong. This was actually what led me to start yoga teacher training, firstly because we struggled to find properly qualified teachers locally, and also because I wanted to better understand what was to become a core aspect of our business.

Can you share three ways that yoga can help a person’s wellbeing?
Yoga helps to improve our flexibility, strength and balance. Through the asana practice, which is the yoga posture practice, you stretch your bones and ligaments, while also stretching your internal organs. All this helps to keep the body healthy and generate blood flow to place where you normally wouldn’t reach. It’s really good for overall wellbeing.
Hong Kong is a particularly fast-paced, stressful city to live in, and it’s important to keep exercising to boost your immune system and mental wellness. Yoga is a great way to achieve all this.

How has Hong Kong’s perception of yoga evolved over time?
In the past, not that many people knew about yoga. But ever since PURE Group introduced it to Asian countries – and Hong Kong in particular – they have started coming to practice and experience the benefits of yoga through their own bodies. They’ve realised it’s not just a bunch of stretching exercises, but also a means of boosting muscle strength and mental health as well.
When we started our first yoga studio about 18 years ago, we probably had classes of just 20 people. That grew to 50 students, and then we branched out into different locations… Now, we’ve expanded to 40 branches across Asia, which is fantastic. We still want to continue to foster a better and broader awareness of yoga, though, and help people understand it’s a great fitness tool for everyone, no matter their background.

How does Hong Kong’s yoga scene compare to its international counterparts?
Hong Kong is such an international city. We actually react to many new trends extremely quickly, be it fashion, make-up or fitness. We were one of the first cities to accept yoga and locals here actually incorporated this practice into their daily lives quite early on, so we’re very similar to the developed markets in Western countries.

“Online yoga classes at PURE have surged in popularity with the onset of Covid-19”

What does an average day for you look like now versus pre-Covid times?
Before the coronavirus pandemic, I was pretty much wholly involved with studio classes, interspersed with occasional video shoots as online tutorials for our students. Covid-19’s arrival, though, heralded lockdowns and closures, but there’s a saying that when a door closes, a window opens, and that really applies to PURE and my work.
Nowadays, my daily routine is equally split between studio and online classes. We had already started setting up a digital platform to provide an additional means for our students to practice yoga, but now we’ve really ramped that up with multiple digital lessons each day. It really is the best way to reach students who prefer to practice at home, or cannot attend session in person due to various reasons. These online classes have become super popular, and we’re looking to expand our programmes in the near future!

Other than yoga, what other hobbies do you like to indulge in?
I love doing outdoor activities with my husband and kids, particularly hiking and water sports. I actually just did some stand-up paddle boarding yesterday with my husband. Mountain biking is also another hobby, though I tend to do that abroad as Hong Kong’s trails are slightly more advanced than my current capabilities…

Finally, if you could meet one person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’ve been spending more time with my mum recently since her house is currently being renovated, and where I live in the Mid-Levels is actually where my mother had her first job. She was born during the ’30s when Hong Kong was really experiencing difficult times, and at the tender age of 12, she was already working as a nanny. I want to travel back to meet her at that point, and to tell my mum to hang in there, and that she will eventually have a great life with four daughters who will spoil her rotten.

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Jack Law
Fashion Styling & Art Direction: Jhoshwa Ledesma
Venue: Marvellous Suite, W Hong Kong
Wardrobe: Versace, Giuseppe Zanotti, Dolce & Gabbana

Digital Maven: Mastermind behind Save HK, Adrian Ho has found a new calling

Adrian Ho, Executive Director of China Water & Energy Limited, on investing in clean energy in Xinjiang, and building a 185,000-strong following for his Facebook group, Save HK…

What was your childhood and upbringing like?
I grew up in the ’80s in Hong Kong, and my childhood, to this day, is one of the best periods of my life. I grew up in a very traditional family with strong family values. I have two siblings that I’m still close with to this day, and our parents were wonderful providers who ensured we never needed to worry about anything except school, which was truly a blessing.

Tell us about your parents and the impact they had on you.
My father is a businessman and my mother was a full-time homemaker, so she stayed home to take care of three kids. Everything they did was in the best interest of the family, and it still is to this day. I was raised in a very strict, traditional Chinese family and my parents had very high expectations for my siblings and myself, and that in turn made us expect more of ourselves as well. I am so grateful and I feel so lucky for their support.

What path did your education take?
Growing up, I was enrolled in a local school in Hong Kong. During that time, there was an immigration wave of people migrating to Canada, including many of my relatives, but my parents chose to stay and put us through the education system here. I went to La Salle Primary School, then to La Salle College.
At 13, I moved to become a boarding student at the Repton School in Darbyshire, UK for five years. After graduating, I wanted to see something new and make a change after five years in the UK, so I enrolled in a university in the US. I was admitted to the Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania, and I got my bachelor’s degree in finance there in 2000. Back then, I didn’t want to pursue a career in finance, but it was one of the most popular majors, and one that my parents encouraged.

How did you start your professional career?
After graduating, I returned to Hong Kong. I had been away from home for nine years, and despite the outbreak of the Asian Financial Crisis, I wanted to return to the city and my family. I started working for a local investment bank for three years, before moving onto a Taiwanese boutique investment firm with a much more Western work culture. In all, I was a banker for seven years.

Why did you give up banking?

It actually came about because my friend and I were having a conversation about a hot topic at the time, and because it was not related to finance, I had absolutely no idea. I realised that my world was completely immersed in the finance and banking sphere, and anything beyond that was foreign to me. I wanted to expand my horizons from that, so I quit banking and started my own business.

“I wanted to expand my horizons, so I quit banking and started my own business”

Tell us about your company, China Water & Energy Limited, and your wind energy projects in Xinjiang.
We started off importing high-quality foreign disinfectant products into Hong Kong. After two years, though, we were overrun by bigger businesses with better funding, so we knew we had to evolve into something else. Coincidentally, we were introduced into the energy sector. I’ve always been interested in the environmental business, conservation and protection, and I wanted to get into that. We were introduced to wind energy when we consulted on a wind energy project for some folks who had worked for GE Energy Finance, and we realised we should pursue this in China in an investor capacity. At the time, wind energy was already a mature industry there, so we wanted to find a less developed location with untapped potential. That’s why we chose Xinjiang and today we invest in wind farms there.

How has Covid-19 impacted your daily routine?
To be honest, even before the pandemic, the bulk of my work was done remotely over the phone or through emails, so the only real difference is the lack of travel. My schedule used to vary from flying weekly to once a month into China, and that has definitely been put on pause now.

What led you to start Save HK? When did you found it?
Our Facebook group Save HK actually just celebrated its first-year anniversary. It actually came about as a beautiful coincidence. My friend and I were talking about the situation in Hong Kong, how troublesome and chaotic it had become. He was the one who suggested opening a social media group to let close friends and family talk about the current situation and Hong Kong’s future safely without being judged or attacked, particularly because at that time, it wasn’t popular to voice certain opinion.
That very night, we started the group with five or six close friends. To tell you the truth, we never envisioned it would grow to become what it is today, it was just supposed to be for us. Then word started to get out that there is a closed Facebook group for people to voice their opinions and suddenly, it became very popular amongst rational Hong Kong people. The rest is history, and today we have 185,000 members.

Can you tell us what Save HK’s philosophy is all about?
Basically we are a closed Facebook group that encourages our members to voice their opinions and share their vision for Hong Kong’s future. In particular we want to maintain a safe space for people to be able to talk about the recent troubles without judgment and how we can help Hong Kong become better. We also want to leverage our presence into offline activities that can help Hongkongers, such as charity work to help people in need. In terms of future plans, we hope to expand our charitable activities to help even more people in Hong Kong, while also trying to unite more rational people to help each other during these hard times.

What is the secret to Save HK’s success?
I think it’s because we are able to accommodate a wider spectrum of opinions, even among the rational set. I think this is how we differentiate ourselves from similar groups, because they only allow a much narrower spectrum of opinions.
Also, when we started Save HK, there was a huge reliance on the founders to maintain the group with different posts and opinions and comments. So I believe one of the biggest reasons for our success is that the group’s founders all come from a very similar background with a similar point of view. From the beginning, I think people realised that we were rational, educated and civilised people, and I think other like-minded people were very drawn to finding this safe space.
As I mentioned, the original idea was never to have 185,000 members. Our growth was 100 percent driven by word of mouth, and today you see members from different parts of the world, different careers and education and an even broader purview than our original niche positioning.

What are Save HK’s biggest successes?
With the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, we at Save HK wanted to help the community so we started to brainstorm on some ideas. One of those was to distribute masks and disinfectant products to those in need. We’ve done a few trips around town to low-income areas to ensure they have enough supplies during this difficult time. We also recently held an online fundraising concert in June and we were able to raise over HK$500,000 for two local charities that primarily help single-parent families as well as children from a low-income background, so I’m very proud of that as well.

“Save HK’s growth was 100 percent driven by word of mouth… we now have 185,000 members”

Any upcoming projects or collaborations?
Actually, we just finished an exciting project. A new song was written and composed by a Save HK member, and I arranged it to be performed by several KOLs. It was just released this morning, and it pays tribute to front-line medical workers, especially the ones who came from China. It’s very meaningful and I’m very proud of it.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
A family elder once told me that success can only be determined in a 20-year timeframe. What you do now, be it failure or achievement, can only be deemed as such in hindsight. If you’ve stumbled, don’t give up, the race isn’t finished.

What’s a secret people don’t know about you.
I’ve never watched Titanic, nor do I want to.

RAPID-FIRE ROUND
Favourite movie: Die Hard
Favourite movie quote: “Sometimes you just got to say what the F, make your move” – Risky Business
Biggest item on your bucket list: To write a song
Favourite sport: Wrestling
The Rock or Stone Cold: Stone Cold by a hair. When I saw my first Wrestlemania in Boston, that’s when he won his first championship.

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Jack Law
Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma
Venue: Bertie’s Cigars

Management Star: As Director of Business Development for Keyestone Group, Edwin Pun occupies many roles

Sitting in the plush Cotton Tree Drive Suite of The Murray, Hong Kong, Keyestone Group Director Edwin Pun discusses his passions, projects and more…

Tell us a little about your family background.

I grew up in a very lively and close-knit family. I have five siblings, and we’re all extremely close. It was definitely a very noisy house growing up, but one that was full of love. My parents have always been extremely supportive of all of us, and allowed us to choose our own path without fail.

For example, when I was a kid, I was first enrolled in a local school, but I couldn’t really fit into that system. While I wasn’t bullied or depressed or anything, I did struggle a little to find friends and I think my mindset was very different, so I really wanted to join an international school instead, one that would be more broad-minded and welcoming. When I approached my parents about it, they were fully accepting and allowed me to enrol at the Australian International School instead.

And where did your path take you after that?

After graduating from high school, I then completed my undergraduate degree at George Washington University in the US, majoring in international business and finance. After that, I returned to Hong Kong with the aim of becoming a management consultant. I’d always wanted to join that industry, because I thought it was so cool. There’s a lot of exposure, every day is different, you get to deal with a variety of clients and projects… after college, I was ready to start solving big problems.

Unfortunately, my graduation coincided with the global financial crisis and the job scene was quite bleak. That’s when I decided to join the family business, Keyestone Group, instead. It definitely wasn’t the career trajectory that I’d imagined for myself, but it was extremely rewarding, particularly given that I had to be very flexible and learn skills on the job. Be it understanding the materials used in construction, the approval process with the government, collaborating with designers… it was a seriously steep learning curve, and no one person could have taught me all the skills I needed, it all had to be acquired through experience.

Did you ever return to your first love, management consulting?

Actually, yes. It did take some doing though. While I was already working at Keyestone, in the back of my mind, I still wanted to give management consulting a serious go. But when I talked to people in the industry, the feedback I got was that even though I had lots of experience in the construction industry, as an undergraduate degree holder without a specialisation like engineering or accounting, I would have to undertake further education. That’s when I decided to enroll at the University of Southern California to pursue an MBA degree. Once I had that qualification, I finally got into consulting. It was just for two years, but it really changed the way I viewed management. It was really valuable in furthering my career, because it taught me how to implement all the theoretical knowledge I’d acquired in the real world, be it driving change, implementing new systems, bringing new projects to fruition… it basically taught me lifelong skills in running a company. It really gave me a strong foundation that still serves me well as a Director of Keyestone Group.

“From construction to design to development to internal admin… I wear a lot of hats”

What do you feel are the benefits of working in a family business, and how large an impact have your parents had on your life and career?

My father is pretty much one of the most hard-working people I know. It’s not uncommon for him to work on Saturdays, and even the occasional Sunday. My mum is also very diligent, but beyond that she knows how to work smartly. I really admire her, having juggled raising all of us while still maintaining a successful career all at the same time. I thinking having that kind of background, I always see them as the benchmark for perseverance, determination and business acumen.

I actually rejoined Keyestone Group at the behest of my father. After being a management consultant for a couple of years, he was the one who said it was time to come back to the fold and take my place in the business. As I mentioned, we’re a very close family with very ingrained family values, so when he suggested my return, I felt it was my duty to do so, to continue the family legacy. Of course, simultaneously, I was very excited to undertake new projects and responsibilities as well.

I think the luxury of working in a family business is that if I failed, I failed in a safe environment and there was always a support system to share that burden. Equally importantly, it gives me the freedom to raise new ideas without fear of judgment.

So, as Keyestone Group’s Director of Business Development, what does your job entail exactly?

I oversee everything from construction to designs to a lot of business development, day-to-day operations, internal administration… I tend to wear a lot of hats, so it’s difficult to pinpoint just one or two things that come under my purview. It really depends on the phase of whatever phase a given project is at, and what exactly we’re working on at any given time. It’s quite a wide spectrum and I’m very involved in every aspect of what happens in the company.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work, and what is the most rewarding?

I would say perhaps the most challenging aspect is continually encouraging originality and creativity from our employees while still maintaining a high standard of work. Constantly driving that kind of imagination and innovation as part of our corporate culture is difficult, particularly as Hong Kong’s work ethic is such that many follow a more by-the-book approach and are uncomfortable with raising new ideas or standing out too much.

The most rewarding part of my job is definitely seeing a project completed. It’s always gratifying when, after years of hard work, you see your vision come to fruition.

Are there any new projects on the horizon that you’re particularly excited for?

Actually, we are currently working on several developments, including some residential projects. A particularly exciting venture we’re currently involved with, though, is a mixed-use development that encompasses a theme park, a hotel, retail spaces as well as a portion for commercial sales. The theme park is due to open in 2024, and it’s something that’s really exciting for me personally, particularly because the calibre of the creative minds and designers that we’re bringing onboard are industry leaders who are at the top of their game. It wows me because it’s a very novel concept, one that I think will be something of a game changer. I can’t share its name just yet, but watch this space…

Finally, what’s at the top of your wish list?

This may sound silly, but I’d love to be able to enjoy family meals without discussing work. It’s kind of a hazard of running a family business, where my siblings, father and I always branch off to talk about current projects or upcoming meetings… It would be nice to enjoy dinners as just a regular family gathering sometimes!

Thank you.

Interview: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Jack Law
Styling & Art Direction: Jhoshwa Ledesma
Hair: Steve@HAiR
Make-up: KeiKei Ng
Wardrobe: Salvatore Ferragamo, Brunello Cucinelli
Venue: The Murray, Hong Kong

Design Perspective: Candice Chan, Founder of J Candice Interior Architects, on the inspirations behind her award-winning interior designs

As the founder and creative director of J Candice Interior Architects, Candice Chan shares her unique views on Hong Kong’s interior design scene, the benefits of the female perspective and the trials and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a successful career…

Design Perspective Candice Chan J Candice Interior Architects gafencu magazine people interview feature 1

Can you describe your journey to becoming an interior designer?

I was pretty much born and raised in Hong Kong and spent my childhood until high school here. After graduating, I enrolled in New York’s Syracuse University, majoring in interior design. I then moved to New York City and worked for a mid-sized architectural firm which specialised in historical preservation work. I worked there for three years, and that was my first job as an interior designer.

I still remember my first day there, when my advisor asked me to meet her at an old Broadway theatre in Manhattan. Everything was under scaffolding and we had to walk up a staircase to reach the top. Once there, I saw that we had reached the theatre’s ceiling, and there were all these artists doing restoration work on the crown modings and paintings… It was stunning to see all of that in action, and it made a big impression on me.

Design Perspective Candice Chan J Candice Interior Architects gafencu magazine people interview feature - 5

Did you always know you wanted to be an interior design?

I think I did once want to become a shoe designer or an animal trainer or something to that end when I was a child, but by the age of 13 or 14, I naturally gravitated towards interior design. I think what really steered me towards that passion was seeing my parents – who were in the F&B business – launch new restaurants. They’d always take me along to construction sites and ask me what I imagined the space would look like, and I would immediately conjure up everything from colours and textures to how customers would interact with the area. I even told myself that I would have to set up my own design firm by the time I turned 30.

“It’s not just the visual aspects of travel that inspire me, it’s the emotions and atmospheres as well”

And did you manage to fulfil your childhood dream?

Actually yes, and even earlier than my target age! When my husband moved to Hong Kong 10 years ago, I followed him back here and decided to launch my own business – J Candice Interior Architects.

What is the driving philosophy behind J Candice Interior Architects?

Well, being led by a female designer, we offer a different point of view. In general, we’re great listeners, so we really emphasise listening to the client’s design brief to get a true understanding of exactly what they’re looking for. Also, as a woman, the ego enters the equation a lot less. Rather than putting our own personality into a project, for example, we’re dedicated to placing the client’s interest in the foreground and following their exact vision.

Where do you find inspirations for your designs?

Well, we have a very broad portfolio – commercial properties, F&B, kindergardens, hotels – we like doing all sorts of things, and travel is pretty much the main source of inspiration for these designs. It’s not just the visual and physical aspects of things I see abroad, but it’s also the emotion and atmosphere they evoke. For example, my husband and I visited a tango club in Argentina years ago, and I still remember the energy, the thrumming music, the vibrant dancing… and this is something I’ve drawn upon when creating spaces like that now.

Design Perspective Candice Chan J Candice Interior Architects gafencu magazine people interview feature - 4

Of all the designs you’ve worked on, are there one or two that are particularly close to your heart?

Yes, definitely. Where we are right now at the private boxes of the Jockey Club Happy Valley Racecourse is a great example of a personal creation that I’m especially proud of. The boxes have a stunning view of the racecourse and parade ground, and it’s a place where you can really entertain your friends and family, have great pet encounters and so forth. Those who know me know I love to place a few bets, so this project really allowed me to work on something that personally connects with me.

Another special one would be redesigning the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s cake shop. It’s a place where my now-husband and I used to while away resonated with me emotionally to be able to envision a new concept for the space.

What are some upcoming projects that you’re looking forward to?

We’re currently building the Radison Red Hotel in Guangzhou, which is a 10-minute walk from the Guangzhou train station. It has 180 rooms and includes restaurants and function rooms, all of which we’re designing so that’s super exciting for us. We also have a few upcoming F&B outlets at the soon-to-open Grand Lisboa Palace in Macau. In particular, we are working on a 20-seat Japanese restaurant to be led by a Michelin-starred chef from Japan, and I’m thrilled to be helming that design as well.

You’ve received a plethora of awards over your career, most recently including the Asia Pacific Interior Design Award by the Hong Kong Interior Design Association. Which one means the most to you and why?

It’s always an honour to receive awards, and it’s a great recognition for the entire team. Having said that, I don’t set out to chase awards, I’m more content when I walk into the office everyday and make a living out of doing something I love. If I had to choose an award, though, it would be the first one, the “Most Promising Young Lady” award I received. I received that accolade when I’d just started out, and it was hugely gratifying to have someone else recognise my talents when I still wasn’t certain of how much I’d eventually achieve. It was definitely a major confidence booster at the time.

What are some of the challenges faced by Hong Kong interior designers compared to their international counterparts?

In Hong Kong, the major challenges that interior designers like us face is probably space limitations. Everything is on a much smaller scale than you’d find elsewhere because land is so expensive here. Also, there’s not much variety in the layout of space or landscapes. It’s rather repetitive. Ultimately, this means everyone emphasises things like storage areas and space efficiency, rather than opting for a more innovative approach. In a way, it limits our creative capacity, but it also has the happy benefit of making us more adaptable and flexible in our designs.

Design Perspective Candice Chan J Candice Interior Architects gafencu magazine people interview feature - 8

Can you share a major obstacle you’ve faced in your career, and how you overcame that?

This year! 2020 has been a challenge for everyone in Hong Kong, for everyone in the whole world. A lot of projects we’d undertaken were put on hold once Covid-19 hit at the beginning of the year, including several F&B outlets, and some were even cancelled because of the economic situation.

“Covid-19 pushed me to take on different types of projects, so it was something of a blessing in disguise”

It was obviously tough, but I just tapped into a different mental zone and set out to find new opportunities instead. At the time, there was a sudden influx of residential projects, maybe contributed to by the fact that people who were stuck at home suddenly decided that it was time to renovate and refurbish their houses. In the past, I was a little reluctant to venture into the residential side of design, because I was afraid I’d get too attached to those kinds of projects, but Covid-19 was just the push I needed to get my feet wet. The past few months has seen us pick up several residential ventures and learn new things, so it was a bit of a blessing in disguise.

Design Perspective Candice Chan J Candice Interior Architects gafencu magazine people interview feature -6

As a female business owner, do you find it difficult to balance your career and motherhood?

Definitely. I have three little ones at home aged seven, four and one-and-a-half, so they need my attention constantly. Obviously, I make sure that I meet all my work responsibilities, but as a mother, you don’t want to miss out on any milestones, especially when they’re so young. So I try to attend all their school activities and ensure I’m home for dinner every day. Growing up, my parents had a similar rule, and I really enjoyed having that time to talk with my mum and dad, so I want to encourage a similar atmosphere with my kids. Playing with them and watching them grow is really my biggest hobby right now.

Finally, if you could visit any place on Earth, past or present, when would it be and why?

I once saw a photograph taken by legendary Swiss photographer René Burri in the ’60s of two monks in Kyoto bowing to each other, and there was something so romantic and organic that really made me want to be there. I think the world today is so full of technology and bright lights and so much constant stimulation that you can never really switch off.

Thank you.

Interview: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Jack Law
Styling & Art Direction: Jhoshwa Ledesma
Venue: Hong Kong Jockey Club Happy Valley Racecourse
Jewellery: No. THIRTY THREE

Tag: people

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