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Notable alumni

George Hongchoy

24 July 2023

BCom Accountancy, Finance and Information Systems 1985

CEO of Link Asset Management

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George has been the CEO of Link Asset Management since 2010 and, over his tenure, grown the Link Real Estate Investment Trust from HK$40 billion to over HK$100 billion.  He was named one of Harvard Business Review’s 100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World in 2018 and 2019.
 
Can you tell us how you ended up studying here at UC in New Zealand?

I was comparing different programs in various countries.  At the time, the undergraduate accounting syllabus at UC provides a smooth entry towards the Chartered Accountant qualification.

What memories stand out to you when reflecting on your time spent at UC?

I remember the special nights when we got invited to sit at the head table during dinner at College House, which was always preceded by a glass of sherry with the principal. 

I had my first exposure to rugby watching the teams playing at the field.  It has become a game that I enjoy and I am now an avid All Blacks supporter.

What would you consider the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

I have come across several financial crisis during my career.  I have learnt to survive through some of them and thrived at the companies I was with.  [Happy to share more later]

On the other hand, what would you consider your biggest success?

I was appointed CEO of Link Asset Management Limited in May 2010, which is the company I am still leading.  Over my tenure as CEO, I have grown the Link Real Estate Investment Trust from HK$ 40 billion to over HK$100 billion, from solely focused in Hong Kong to having diversified to 11 cities in four jurisdictions.   It is now the largest real estate investment trust in Asia.

I heard you first met your wife in New Zealand – can you tell us that story?

I met my wife at UC as we were both staying at University Hall.  We spend a lot of time together at some of the same subjects.  We also took the Easter holiday to do a road trip around the island.  She left after one year and completed her undergraduate study in Australia.  As a result, we had a long distance relationship for several years.

What advice would you give to a student or recent UC graduate who would like to follow a career path like yours?

Be a life long learner, take risk to make progress in your career, learn good people skills which is more important than technical competency

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