High on the Nansha trail

Q&A

Q: As a leader in multiple communities, organizations and programs, what are the key traits for good leadership that can motivate a team to move a needle?

A: As a leader, first, you need a vision and a clear direction so that the team will subscribe to it and work together with you. Another crucial element is mutual respect. There is no pecking order. The way you treat people is the way they treat you.

Q: What's your tactic to attract investors from home and abroad to take part in Nansha's development, as well as other projects the Fok Ying Tung Group is involved in?

A: Our family is privileged to have the opportunity to participate in China's reform and opening-up since its inception. My grandfather built modern infrastructure and hospitality facilities, such as the Zhongshan Hot Spring Hotel and golf course, the first of its kind on the mainland, as well as the more well-known White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, the first 5-star hotel on the mainland. His pride that it was designed by Chinese, built by Chinese and managed by Chinese. He showed the world the nation's transformation and fostered confidence in China that drew in foreign investment naturally and organically. So, what our family can help and contribute to is to give people the confidence to contribute to the continuing development of China.

Q: Nansha Marina is the first marina on the Chinese mainland to win an international 5-star rating, which is a very impressive track record. But yachting could be something of a slow burn on the mainland as many cities are not blessed with coastal resources. What do you think about it?

A: We're honored to get the first 5-star rating for the marina on the mainland. We hope to drive and set high standards for this emerging sector in China and encourage more people on the mainland to enter this nascent market. Once they do it, they will start from a high plane.