Launching pad for a 'super-connector'

Why is that?

I grew up in Hong Kong and had spent eight years studying in the US. I would go back to Zhongshan (another Greater Bay Area city in Guangdong province) with my grandma, but Zhongshan is very close (to Hong Kong). When it came to going to Beijing, the political center, the capital, to me as a 22-year-old, it was not that scary, but you would hear some people making fun and trying to trick you and scare you about what might happen.

The trip to Beijing became one of the most important turning points in my life. It was in 2006. After that, I started learning Mandarin. As I said in 2009, I started helping mainland companies expand overseas. So, in business settings, it's always English and Mandarin. Without going to Beijing in 2006, I wouldn't be able to help mainland companies seek opportunities overseas.

That's why I encourage Hong Kong young people to go and see for themselves on the mainland. And as chairman of the Y. Elites Association, I really hope that, through us, we could help more Hong Kong young people to take their first step.

You spent eight years studying in the US. What does this experience mean to you?

Critical thinking and international perspective. I made a lot of friends from all over the world. And the US also taught me about nationalism.

The first national anthem that I learned was the US national anthem. That was in 1998 when I was in high school. I represented my school in a singing group at the NBA games. In the center of the court, all the lights went off and the spotlight was on us. And we sang the US national anthem. That's sensational.

And I always think why the US national anthem was the first national anthem song I learned. I started thinking about myself. Going to the US was also another important turning point in my life.

You come from a privileged background. Do you mind being labeled as the third generation of a wealthy family? To what extent do you think the background makes who you are today?

It's funny. I don't mind stereotypes. But most people who know me know that what I've achieved today is not only because of my family.

Back in 2009, I helped State-owned companies and private companies on the mainland expand overseas and also look at investment opportunities. That's all on my own.

But, obviously, what my family gives me is initial trust with some potential clients, investors and partners. I still have to go out to meet people, cold call or cold email people.

At the end of the day, it is up to you how you want to live your life.

How did you cope with people's stereotypes?

You don't really have to mind them, right? At the end of the day, actions are better than 1,000 words.

The pandemic has affected people's routines and business travel has largely been put on hold. Has it changed your life too?

Despite the pandemic, I managed to travel to the mainland a couple of times in the past year — to Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Foshan — for investment purposes and for my own new business.

Pre-pandemic, it was a day trip to Shenzhen or Guangzhou. Now due to the quarantine requirements, people wouldn't just stay like two or three days there. So, on each visit, I spent at least one month there.

I had never stayed on the mainland for more than a month before the pandemic, usually five days maximum. In that case, you never really got to know the place you visited. And because of COVID-19, I've really got to know a lot more and started my company (on the mainland).

How would you see your own role with regard to the Greater Bay Area in the next five years?

I would say, maybe, I would be a super-connector. I would facilitate different joint ventures and help different corporations, startups launch in the Greater Bay Area.

What is your vision for the future of the Greater Bay Area?

I would really hope that through Hong Kong, the entire Greater Bay Area will become more and more international, more open to foreign companies and foreign entrepreneurs.

Clarence Ling Chun-kit

Alma mater:

Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, the United States

Motto:

Money can never be your top priority.

Social activities:

Committee member of the All-China Youth Federation

Chairman of the Y.Elites Association

Member of Zhongshan Committee, the Chinese People's Political

Consultative Conference

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.