Born in a quaint village near Innsbruck, Austria, my brother Oliver and I were the only Asians around. A mix of fascination and discrimination greeted us, from playful mimicry when we spoke Cantonese with our mum to certain offhand comments about our ethnicity. However, far from getting bogged down, these experiences toughened our spirits.
While there were instances when our Asian background was highlighted as an asset, like the time an interviewer assumed my Chinese roots equated to diligence and numerical prowess, other times weren’t as forgiving. Austria had its shadows of sexism. I often encountered condescending remarks about women’s roles. The disparity in pay was another glaring indicator, with women earning significantly less than men.
However, Asia had its own challenges. Shortly after moving to Hong Kong, I was met with stereotypes about my appearance, making me realize the global nature of gender biases. Yet, my determination only grew, leading me to launch NextGen, a mentoring initiative for young girls.
My work journey took a meaningful turn in 2015 when I collaborated with Unicef in the Philippines. Documenting the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan and regional conflicts, the stark realities of poverty left an indelible mark on me. Witnessing a child birth in rudimentary conditions drove home the everyday struggles of many. Yet, the indomitable spirit of the locals, their warmth and welcoming nature, was deeply humbling.
Our documentary, focusing on the challenges faced by the Filipino population, aimed to enlighten and galvanize action. These experiences refined my world view, underscoring the value of resilience and the impact of even small gestures.
Growing up, my insatiable curiosity often put me at odds with authority figures. However, it’s this innate quality, inherited from my jovial father, that steered my academic pursuits and later, my professional choices. I have always been passionate about questioning the status quo. With the tech industry’s glaring gender gap as one of my focuses, I aimed to spotlight the scant representation of Asian women.
Today, I wear the hat of the Chief Executive, Asia, for The DO. Established before terms like “innovation” became mainstream, our goal is to foster a greener, purposeful, and equitable economy. Our vibrant office, a repurposed pill factory in Quarry Bay, resonates with our core philosophy – it’s a space buzzing with creativity.
My journey has been anything but linear. It’s peppered with challenges, learnings, and countless rewarding moments. As I look to the future, my vision is clear: drive positive change globally, with sustainability at its heart, ensuring a thriving planet for generations to come.
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