From Film to FinTech

I began my career in retail banking but soon found myself drawn into the world of film distribution through industry connections. That pivot introduced me to intellectual property licensing and business research, which laid the foundation for my business acumen. Over time, I transitioned into sales – a skill I found challenging but essential. Sales is not easy, but it’s a skill that gets you further in life.

During the pandemic, I shifted from the film industry into television content distribution. For my four years at PCCW Group’s Now TV, I managed licensing, business development, sales operations, and marketing—roles that demand both strategic thinking and creative agility.

Now after 11 years in the content industry, I am excited to embark on a new chapter in the FinTech industry with On-us, a technology firm offering innovative, AI-equipped incentives solutions for omni-channel digital voucher distribution and redemption. As a Key Account Manager, I will be working with clients including global financial services providers and many more to maximise full potential of their brands with rewards.

Why an MBA?

My decision to pursue an MBA was sparked by a job opportunity in Singapore that required the qualification. While I had no specific expectations of the programme, I held myself to a high standard: full commitment and enthusiasm. I wanted to be here, so I had to have the attitude that I wanted to be here.

That mindset shaped my entire MBA experience. I approached the programme with positivity, embracing both the challenges and the opportunities it presented.

Leading from the Front

A defining experience of my MBA was serving as a class representative. I had always been in the background during my undergraduate years, so I saw this role as a chance to step out of my comfort zone. I wanted to be fully committed and put myself in a position I’d never really been in.

As class rep, I organised events, facilitated communication between students and faculty, and became a trusted point of contact. A standout moment was hosting the graduation dinner, something I never imagined myself doing. It went really well; I had a great time and enjoyed working with my fellow class rep.

Balancing Family and Study

My decision to choose HKU’s MBA programme was influenced by convenience – the Admiralty Town Center campus has great transport connections – and the weekday mode, which allowed me to preserve weekends for family time. With support from my employer, I managed to balance work and study without burning out. On average, I dedicated four hours per week to assignments, and with proper planning, I found the workload manageable.

Navigating Group Work and Team Dynamics

I approached group work proactively and strategically. I preferred early planning and breaking tasks into manageable chunks. Working with diverse classmates – local, Mainland Chinese and international – taught me the importance of understanding individual strengths and adapting accordingly.

The MBA environment felt like a corporate workplace, offering a safe space to practice collaboration and leadership. You learn to work as teammates: you spend a lot of time together and get to understand them as people.

My MBA journey was also marked by a personal tradition – bringing a celebratory bottle of drink to commemorate the end of each course – 10 core courses and 6 electives. I wanted to emphasise the importance of community and shared experiences. Whether through drinks, badminton, or hiking, I tried to foster an inclusive environment that strengthened our cohort bonds.

Professional Impact and Entrepreneurial Aspirations

While my daily work doesn’t directly overlap with MBA coursework, the programme broadened my understanding of organisational dynamics. It allows me to understand what other teams are trying to achieve.

More importantly, the MBA reignited my entrepreneurial spirit. I had tried ventures before that failed, but the programme helped me see those failures as a chain of decisions rather than isolated missteps. Inspired by stories like Anthony Tan’s journey with Grab, I now feel more confident about future entrepreneurial pursuits.

Advice for Future Students

My advice is clear and practical: put yourself in a position to succeed and don’t give yourself excuses. Be present, be prepared, and be engaged. Even something as simple as downloading lecture notes ahead of time can make a difference.

For those considering an MBA, I offer this analogy: it’s not Disneyland – it’s a forest you need to explore. It’s an ecosystem you can be part of, and you’ll get a lot out of it if you’re willing to go and get it.