Tell us about yourself
Being half Asian, it probably does not come as a surprise that I am a strong believer in meritocracy – though being half Swiss I believe in the kind of meritocracy where all participants are provided with equal opportunities beginning with education and continuing with the freedom to live the life you aspire for. Unfortunately, starting positions and opportunities are not equal in our world, which is why I think it is key that our society is working towards a model where money and social background have no influence on your education and career path.
I am also a strong advocate of good citizenship. Our society cannot evolve and ultimately cannot survive, if we as citizens are not able and willing to pull our own weight for the collective as already stated by many inspiring role models such as John F. Kennedy.
Born to a Hong Kong Chinese mother and a Swiss father, I grew up in Zurich, Switzerland. I live in Rapperswil which is situated at the upper end of the lake of Zurich with my wife Marina (who graduated from LSE as well) and our son and daughter who are my source of inspiration, motivation and daily dose of happiness. Apart from working for a globally operating French Investment Bank, I actively engage in charity, I mentor and coach students in different organizations, I serve as a Reserve Officer in the Swiss Armed Forces and try to stay fit as an oarsman, rowing on the lake early mornings before starting work.
What are your current jobs/positions?
Head of Interest Rates & Foreign Exchange IRFX – Global Markets Corporate Sales at BNP Paribas in Switzerland, Corporate & Institutional Banking CIB Division
Member of the Swiss Foreign Exchange Committee SFXC at the Swiss National Bank (SNB)
Mentor for Master and PhD Students at the University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Captain & Commanding Officer in the Armour Troops of the Swiss Armed Forces
Why did you choose to study the Executive Global Master's in Management (EGMiM) programme?
Having completed an undergraduate degree in Business & Information Technology and a diploma in Banking & Finance, I was convinced that the EGMiM programme and LSE Master’s degree would help me complement and broaden my academic background. The focus on and combination of Managerial Economics, Management, Financial Management, FDI & Emerging Markets (just to name a few of the EGMiM subjects) made a lot of sense to me. The decision I took together with my wife, after reviewing similar programmes in Europe, the US and Asia, proved to be one of the best in my life and career.
How has EGMiM impacted your life/career?
Completing the EGMiM and graduating from the LSE has played a crucial role in my life and career. Applying managerial economics and other methods in order to take business decisions, and understanding an organization and the interaction of its stakeholders is instrumental for any successful career in the corporate world. Learning about leadership and values, and having access to a vast LSE Alumni network are additional factors that helped me a lot in any aspect of life.
What did you find the most challenging aspect of the programme?
Writing the many papers to the standards and to the liking of the professors at LSE.
What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone thinking of applying to the programme?
Be aware that you are joining one of the leading universities of the world – so make sure you are determined and ready to both benefit and contribute.
Name three personality traits of an EGMiM student?
Determined
Considerate
Open-minded