Hometown: Hong Kong SAR

Education Background: Bachelor of Business Administration from The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Pre-MBA Career Background: AXA, Financial Manager

About Me:

I am a passionate financial advisor with 5.5 years of experience in constructing investment portfolios for international clients.

My Biggest Career Accomplishment:

I successfully achieved the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) award, a mark of distinction presented to the top 1% of all financial advisors in the insurance industry worldwide. To be recognised as an asset not just within my team, but across the industry, is an absolute honour.

Aspiration for Pursuing an MBA:

After over five years of working with various insurance-linked funds, I am seeking to pivot my career to other areas within the financial sector. It is my understanding that a career involving mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is not limited to frontline insurance roles. More than just funds, I am eager to dig deeper into the holdings or companies with which they are linked. I aim to enhance my financial acumen, broaden my business knowledge, and gain more leadership experience beyond my past career. I seek practical learning from cases involving real Asia-Pacific and global companies, which would really stimulate the overall learning experience. I must also make special mention of experiential initiatives, such as projects and internships.

Overall, I believe the learning and development gained through the MBA will help open doors to senior management roles within the financial services sector in the future. I also appreciate the networking opportunities to connect with and receive valuable advice from like-minded individuals among the HKU Alumni.

Why HKU MBA:

I believe the most important factors are the strength of the alumni network, the programme’s reputation—not limited to just its worldwide ranking—the practicality of the courses, the kind of experiential activities offered, and the quality of the teaching staff.

I have lived in Hong Kong for over 20 years, and I consider this my home, both in the short term and in the long run. Keeping this in mind, I considered other top MBA programmes in Hong Kong. All of these programmes provided the elements I seek from an MBA. HKU was particularly effective in demonstrating how personalised their networking and career services would be to help me meet my post-MBA goals. They went the deepest into this area, and it really impressed me. In addition, the HKU MBA focuses on enhancing growth in all areas, rather than just courses and academics. I found HKU’s approach to be more holistic and well-rounded than those of other top programmes in Hong Kong.

My Expectations After Completing the MBA:

After developing a solid professional network through the HKU MBA, I aim to build a career focused on diversified investment vehicles such as funds. This may involve working directly in the investment division of a global insurance company, in a global asset management company, or in the asset management or private banking division of a global bank. I envision myself working directly with clients as their relationship manager. An alternative area could be working as part of an investment team, managing a company’s portfolio of assets. Depending on what may materialise, I would aim to work my way up to senior managerial positions and beyond.

Advice for Prospective Candidates:

When considering an MBA programme, be sure to research your options in depth to determine if it will be a good fit for your post-MBA goals. A prospective candidate must have full clarity on how different components of the MBA programme, including the curriculum and internships, will help them achieve their post-MBA goals.

To put forth a strong application, it is of paramount importance to clearly state your goals and how the programme will help you reach them. MBA programmes are also about establishing the business leaders of tomorrow, irrespective of industry. It is crucial to demonstrate your past leadership experiences and keep them aligned with your goals.

Make sure to connect with alumni members of any programme to gain a deeper understanding of it. Learn more about the programme, its culture, and its prospects from past students who have experienced it firsthand.

Additionally, begin preparing for the GMAT at least six months in advance of your application. MBA programmes include a public exam like the GMAT in their entrance requirements, and a higher score can positively impact your chances of success in securing a place on the MBA.