High on the Nansha trail

Nansha's natural environment, unique lifestyle and a range of cultural facilities and experiences, together with the supportive policies of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, will induce "a seamless flow of residents, tourists, talent, professionals and information". This is the hallmark of being international, Fok says.

Titillating "fun factors" in Nansha are also being rolled out. Among them is the recently opened Nansha Stone Inn. No plush grand lobby, no glitzy chandelier. Its traditional wooden furniture, Chinese vintage homeware and retro tiles and flooring exude a nostalgic factor that could take its occupants back to the old southern Chinese era, where Lingnan and water village culture prevailed.

"We want to incorporate southern Chinese cultural elements into our projects. If something is inside China, it should reflect Chinese characteristics," says Fok. "China pride", which has been baked in the Fok family for three generations, shines through in every project in which Fok is at the helm. And he knows what he's doing — giving something back to his roots and the country.

To Fok, in his late thirties, helping to transform a place that used to be off the beaten track into a global hub is a formidable challenge. "Every opportunity comes with challenges," he quips. He's no stranger to meeting challenges head-on.