2023-2024 Outstanding Alumni Visit: Alumni Au Chun Hua
Graduation Years: 2007-2011
Position: Founder and Executive Director of Siu Fook Financial Group
Seize the Opportunity and Create Outstanding Achievements
Starting a business is a journey filled with challenges. Five years ago, Brother Au Chun Hua seized the opportunity presented by the country’s vigorous promotion of the Greater Bay Area’s development and decisively stepped out of his comfort zone in Hong Kong to pursue his career in this emerging region. Today, he is the founder of a financial group operating in over 20 cities, with his entrepreneurial journey marked by struggles and successes that have formed inspiring stories. Through his successful experience, he encourages Hong Kong youth to adopt an international perspective and actively integrate into the national development landscape.
Brother Au’s connection with the mainland began during his studies when he participated in an exchange program in Beijing. Through interactions with local residents, he gained a profound understanding of mainland culture and witnessed China’s advancements in infrastructure, urban construction, and modernization. This experience highlighted the mainland's development potential and needs, motivating him to pursue opportunities in Shenzhen.
Leaving his comfort zone was a significant decision for Brother Au. While he sought development opportunities, he also had to sever his social ties in Hong Kong, leaving behind family and friends. His mother, hesitant to let her only son leave, worried about the risks of abandoning a stable job to start a business in the north. Understanding her concerns, Brother Au engaged in discussions and ultimately convinced her to support his decision, driven by his firm belief in his path.
The journey of entrepreneurship is fraught with ups and downs, and Brother Au faced significant challenges, particularly in cultural adaptation. The work culture in Hong Kong differs greatly from that in the mainland, with Hong Kong's fast-paced environment contrasting sharply with the mainland's more structured work hours. To address this, he adjusted his team structure, hiring 70% of employees from Hong Kong and 30% from the mainland, fostering a blend of cultures that enhanced work efficiency. Instead of being discouraged by difficulties, Brother Au analyzed situations and adapted to the changing environment.
He believes that if one fears the roughness of the road, they should not expect to reach the top. During the pandemic, while many sought stability, Brother Au took a different approach by viewing fewer competitors as an opportunity. He asserted that heroes emerge in every situation, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities to become one’s own hero. For him, entrepreneurship is not dictated by economic conditions; it is about accumulating resources, including customers, a capable team, and a solid business model.
Today, Brother Au has established a financial group with operations spanning more than 20 cities, providing consulting services in areas such as financial licenses, compliance consulting, fund establishment, and financial executive headhunting. The group has its headquarters and branches in Hong Kong, Macau, and Shenzhen. Looking ahead, he envisions a broader development blueprint that includes core cities in the Greater Bay Area, such as Foshan and Guangzhou, with dedicated sales teams and branches. Ultimately, he aims for the company’s network to extend across the country.
Reflecting on his years of hard work, Brother Au believes that the Greater Bay Area is brimming with opportunities worth exploring. He encourages young people to seize these opportunities, create their own paths, and actively contribute to national development. As two pivotal special economic zones in mainland China, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have unique advantages that complement each other. Brother Au states, "Hong Kong people are the Supermen connecting the world and the motherland." They not only represent Hong Kong on the international stage but also play a crucial role in fostering interaction and cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong. He urges young people in Hong Kong to uphold international values, maintain a global perspective, and bravely face challenges.
