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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls loop src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content.bak/uploads/2024/2403/2403_GMHK_Interview_Leniaperez.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>Lenia Pérez is one of the best-dressed women in the city, in part because she’s so willing to try everything. “I’ve prepared a total of 19 outfits for us to play around with, but I’m not sure if some of them still fit me,” laughs the Latin American fashion entrepreneur, rubbing her four-month baby bump with just a slight touch of embarrassment.</p>



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<p>It’s an unconventional pregnancy announcement – and a surprising moment of awkwardness for someone who photographs so well and telegraphs such confidence. Whether she’s going to the gym or the hottest parties, her style is obsessively chronicled.</p>



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<p>Embarrassment, though, is different from regret. “I’m never afraid to try anything,” affirms Pérez, who is thrilled to be expecting her second child with husband Ziad Korban. “I think that just goes to show that there’s a moving evolution in my style. It just keeps growing” – like her baby bump – “which is kind of how I want to be in all areas of life.”</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80626" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9734_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Black Flora Deep V Maxi Dress by Daniella Batlle Earrings by Vipop</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>It takes a certain sort of boldness and a certain level of shimmering magnitude to establish your own time zone, especially while being pregnant. Yet the co-founder and CEO of Vipop, a Hong Kong-based sustainable fashion brand, has done just that. It’s exactly 8:45 am on a typical Hong Kong gloomy Monday, yet Pérez is all set for a day of photoshoot and interview. Her ease and her vibrant full smile suggest this is all very normal and time really is just a construct.</p>



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<p>From the get-go, she also expresses her opinion on maternity wear: &#8220;I&#8217;m hoping that we are able to redefine what’s considered ‘decent’ for pregnant women. I am proud of my body for the amazing things it’s doing right now. Minus the morning sickness, I think I am at my happiest. Heels during pregnancy? Go for it. Who made such rules anyways?”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sustainable values</h3>



<p>As a self-confessed collector, Pérez travels to fashion shows across South and Central America in search of resort-wear designers to represent, pinpointing those whom she believes will appeal to Asian customers. What started as an internet business with co-founder and fellow Venezuelan Fabiana González, now occupies a cosy white shop called Artezano by Vipop and is reaching customers in the US and Europe.</p>



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<p>Her parents are artisans, so she has always liked fashion and handicrafts. Additionally, clothing created by Latin American designers, who historically use sustainable weaving and dyeing methods, felt appropriate for a market where ethical consciousness is growing in importance.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80636" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9302_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Red Percy Dress by Palma Canaria</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>“Vipop brings together a community of international designers making bags, jewellery and clothing in unique designs like the ones I’m wearing,” she says. “Our designers take care of the ethical or eco-friendly values behind the pieces and we also take care of the value of each piece. So it’s this community we’re building in the new fashion industry. We’re offering new ways to be sustainable. It’s not just ‘sustainable’; it can be very fun too.”</p>



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<p>Vipop builds partnerships based on sustainability practice. Designers and collaborators are chosen by the effort they put into one or more of the following clean fashion criteria: handmade, locally produced, carbon neutral, use of vegan or organic materials, low waste, longevity, recycled materials and fair wage.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Damage limitation</h3>



<p>“It’s very important to put attention to how the pieces we buy are actually made, who is making them and how it affects our environment, the community around us and the planet, because we can see so much damage in the world from the fashion industry. This is something very special for me and all the team, and this is why we selected this subject to build a fashion brand and e-commerce platform.”</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80637" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9589_p-800x1000.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Black Cher dress cut pleated skirt with top by Nabel Martins</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>This combination of focused strategy with faith in humanity and the occasional flight of fancy seems a winning formula, especially when matched by an unstinting gusto for whatever challenges her fashion career or an impending new addition to the family will throw at her.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Calming vibes</h3>



<p>Despite her hypermodern appearance, not to mention the permanent arts on her skin, her style is very traditional. As seen on her Instagram, whether it’s a friend’s wedding or a trip abroad, she creates distinct &#8216;vibes&#8217; (to use her favourite phrase) for each occasion. Indeed, her process is true fashion-icon behaviour.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80623" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-200x112.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9455_p_edit2b-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>“We&#8217;re still right on time. I cannot emphasise more the importance of working with the right people. It will really get the job done and produce output that you want to have,” she reflects as she changes for look no.9.</p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80622 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9433_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Pérez seems unfazed by the fame in the fashion world she is currently experiencing. She is seemingly without ego: calm and reflective with a slightly starry professional glow that makes her the ability to inhabit someone else’s mind look easy. During and in between takes, she is compellingly unselfconscious.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>“But that’s the work of it,” she shares. “In reality, you have to be aware of what you’re feeling, what the team in the room is feeling. Once the camera clicks, you have this third level of awareness – your mark, the light and which way you should be facing. And it’s like you are constantly having to juggle those three things the whole time. She pauses and adds knowingly: &#8220;Pretty much like pregnancy huh?”</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80624 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9507_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dressed to express</h3>



<p>Fashion for her is about the moments of pure enjoyment, of just letting go to the point that she can be surprised. It represents the most acute version of fun. “Which is why I love it so much. It’s my playground. I love it,” she admits giddily.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80635" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9786_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Emiliana pants and bared back top in paillette by Nabel Martins</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>“Clothes allow us to show off our unique personalities. Many of us care about how we seem in public, which is cool and just right. But some of us experience pressure to follow the newest trends in fashion,” she reminds, throwing in a note of caution.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mother load</h3>



<p>One trend she is happy to embrace is her pregnancy. These days, the word ‘Mother’, without the preceding article, is present everywhere, as not just a regular word but a colloquial term and part of this generation&#8217;s slang; fans, brands and occasionally even mums themselves use it. It is also affectionately applied to prominent women who have a devoted following. And Pérez is surely mothering the fashion game.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80625" width="614" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-1639x2048.jpg 1639w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/H_MG_9536_p-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Blue one sleeve cut out dress by Baobab Accessories by Vipop</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<p>“My body is going through so many changes again, but I ’ve grown to respect it so much that I look past the physical. I fully embrace it for serving a much deeper purpose, something far bigger than myself and anything I ever gave it credit for. I’m so grateful for, and amazed by, what my body is capable of,” she states, flashing a smile.</p>



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<p>At the end of our shoot, she swaps her stilettos for platformed boots, saying with a wink: “It’s time to be more comfortable.” Whatever tomorrow brings, Lenia Pérez will have the right attitude – and look – to take it on.</p>



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<p><em>Interview, Text &amp; Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: Qura Bar &#8211; Regent Hong Kong Brands: Daniella Batlle, Baobab, Nabel Martins and Vipop</em></p>


Fashion Conscience: Vipop founder Lenia Pérez radiates sustainability vibes while joyfully revealing her second pregnancy

<p>As the CEO and Founder of NumberOne PR Communications Ltd, Francis Cheng is easily one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable faces in public relations. We chat with him at <a href="https://www.marcopolohotels.com/en/hotels/hongkong/kowloon/marco_polo_hongkong/index.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel</span></a> to find out more about his inspiring journey.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What do you recall from your childhood in Hong Kong?</strong></p>
<p>I recall just how fortunate I felt. At the time, my family ran the Kai Tak amusement park in Kowloon City and, every Sunday, we would visit my grandparents for lunch, then head to the amusement park. It was an unforgettable time. Later, I went to Vancouver and that proved to be an equally great place to be a child. I was quite short we when first moved to Canada and, at the time, the TV was full of commercials pushing the benefits of drinking more milk. I took them at their word and, 12 months later, I was 1.86 metres tall.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-47049" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-min.jpg" alt="Francis Cheng" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>You also studied in Canada. How did that affect you?</strong></p>
<p>When we first moved to Canada, there wasn’t a lot of Chinese about, particularly in Coquitlam, the fairly remote suburban city where we lived. As a result, my English really improved and I also began to learn about different cultures and different ways of thinking for the first time. Canada is something of a melting pot and, looking back, while I was there I really began to appreciate different cultures, religions, ethnicities and genders. That was and still is something very precious to me.</p>
<p><strong>Did a career in public relations always beckon?</strong></p>
<p>Yes and no. Like any child, I had a headful of dreams, but I am a Taurus and we like to play it safe, which led me to take a degree in journalism. Looking back, that sort of helped balance out my options and ultimately set me up for a career in PR.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-47051" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-min.jpg" alt="Francis Cheng" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>Is there a particular philosophy that you apply to PR?</strong></p>
<p>As I tell all my staff, learning to be a good PR involves learning how to become a good human being. It’s something that may take you your whole life to achieve. And even then, you can never be the perfect PR. You will always have flaws and there will always be areas where you can improve.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>What was it like when you first set out on your own in 2013 and launched NumberOne PR?</strong></p>
<p>I’m a firm believer that you have to take on various challenges throughout your life. By 2013, I figured that I was up for such a challenge. When you have been an employee for a while, it’s time to consider whether you should do something in your own right. Being an employer, though, is very different from being a member of the staff. It’s a lot more pressure and you need to ensure that you have enough business coming through to support your staff and enough challenges to make sure you continue to develop.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-47052" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-min.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/4-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>What quality do you think makes you best suited to your current role?</strong></p>
<p>My mentor, Pansy Ho [the eldest daughter of Stanley Ho, the Macau casino magnate], taught me the importance of understanding human nature. In the case of babies, for instance, if they see something shiny, they have to go and touch it. With adults, they are endlessly fascinated by diamonds and pearls. So – and this what I learnt from Pansy – it’s very much part of human nature to love beautiful things. When it comes to PR, then, I believe you must also always seek out the shiniest and best options on offer.</p>
<p><strong>What advice would you give to anyone now looking to launch into PR on their own for the first time?</strong></p>
<p>The world has changed – and continues to change – quite dramatically, so my personal route may no longer have any relevance. So, while my own experience may not count for too much in today’s world, I do still recommend learning from the past, especially from others&#8217; mistakes. Once you’ve learnt how to make accurate decisions on the work front, you also need to recognise that it’s a discipline you should apply more widely. It’s part of what life is all about. On top of all that, you also seem to have an active social life.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-47050" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-min.jpg" alt="Francis Cheng" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>How do you strike a balance and stay both energised and healthy?</strong></p>
<p>Honestly? Sometimes I just fall asleep. I do, however, try my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I box and do cardio exercises at least three times a week and I also get facials and do my best to eat well. Right now, I am also trying to watch my diet as sometimes I tend to eat a little too well. Most importantly, though, I try and make sure I get enough sleep. I may check my mailbox before I sleep, but I always turn off my phone before I doze off.</p>
<p><strong>You have quite an impressive Instagram following [34,400 and counting]. Would you say you have an unusual affinity for this particular social media platform?</strong></p>
<p>It’s something I am very proud of. While I have little time for fake followers and pretend likes – things that always ultimately come to light – I think Instagram remains an important channel. There’s something innately positive about sharing, even within a commercial environment.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-47048-1" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/1907/1907_GMHK_Interview_FrancisCheng.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/1907/1907_GMHK_Interview_FrancisCheng.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/1907/1907_GMHK_Interview_FrancisCheng.mp4</a></video></div></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Interview by: Bailey Atkinson<br />
Photos: Jack Law<br />
</em><em>Video: Kingsley Lau<br />
Art Direction: San Wong<br />
Make-up: Janae Chan<br />
Hair: Vic Kwan<br />
Venue: Deluxe Suite, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel</em></p>

People Prone: Francis Cheng on being a people person and starting his PR company

<p>Jacky Tang is a man donning many hats. As well as heading the Portfolio Management Group and co-heading the Investment Strategy Group in Asia at Goldman Sachs Investment Private Wealth Management, Jacky Tang is also an adjunct professor at the City University of Hong Kong, the chairman of the Rehabilitation Service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service and the founder of the Chi Mei Children Education Fund.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-34696" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-5.jpg" alt="jACKY tANG" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-5.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-5-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-5-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-5-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-5-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-5-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-5-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>What can you tell us about your early years? </strong></p>
<p>I grew up in Hong Kong and finished my schooling and university career here before going to the UK and then to China for further studies. I had a very regular childhood and, while I was quite interested in sports, I was also academically-inclined. As with most Hong Kong kids, I tried to strike a balance between the two, while also being quite a good singer, well, good enough to win a few competitions at least. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>For you, did the world of finance always beckon?</strong></p>
<p>To be honest, I got drawn into that particular world almost by accident. My dream career was always to be a doctor and my parents wanted me to go to medical school. When I finished school, though, I wanted to go to the same college as my then-girlfriend and she decided to attend the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which unfortunately didn’t have a medical department. Going against my parents’ wishes, I then signed up for an engineering degree.</p>
<p>By the time I graduated, though, the technology bubble had already burst in Hong Kong, leaving me without a job and obliging me to look for options in other sectors. Thankfully, a finance company took me on as a quantitative analyst. Ever since then, I have stayed in the finance sector.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-34698" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700.jpg" alt="Jacky Tang" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>You have a full-time job at Goldman Sachs, while also being involved in charity work in both Hong Kong and China, as well as undertaking academic duties at the City University of Hong Kong. How do you manage to find time for it all?</strong></p>
<p>Time management is like playing Tetris – you have to position each tile properly and, once each line of tiles is aligned, it vanishes. It’s all about how well you allocate your time and you have to find the right pace. Alongside that, you have to leverage your work.</p>
<p><strong>How does a typical day pan out for you?</strong></p>
<p>I wake up at 5am, read newspapers, get ready and aim to be in the office by 7am. My office hours are typically engaged in meetings and research. Then, over dinner, I tend to meet up with my associates from various NGOs. Afterwards, I may go home or go to the gym. My day ends after a round of conference calls with colleagues in other time zones, such as New York.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-34697" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-2.jpg" alt="Jacky Tang" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-2.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-2-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-2-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/466x700-2-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong>You were recognised as one of Hong Kong’s Ten Outstanding Young People in 2017. How did it feel to get that particular accolade?</strong></p>
<p>I felt very honoured. I have been working in finance and supporting charities for 15 years now, always trying my best and hoping for a good result. I see the award as recognising all that.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>You are well-known for championing care for those with mental disabilities. What drew you to that particular cause?</strong></p>
<p>Well, if you look at Hong Kong’s budget, there’s quite a focus on services for the elderly, which makes sense given the city’s changing demographic. For people with mental disabilities, though, even while there is a budget, it’s nowhere near big enough.</p>
<p>The other big issue is that the average life expectancy of mentally disabled individuals has increased considerably, creating an issue as to who exactly will care for them in their old age. It’s a problem that, I think, needs to be discussed more widely. In line with that, when we organise events or functions, we always hold them in shopping malls, ensuring that as many people as possible are aware of what we are doing.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-34699" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-4.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-4.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-4-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-4-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-4-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-4-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-4-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/700x466-4-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>If you hadn’t gone into finance, is there an alternative career you would have liked to have followed?</strong></p>
<p>If I could start all over again, I’d like to be a singer. As I said earlier, when I was young I was quite a performer and even finished in the top 10 of one Hong Kong’s most popular singing competitions. To go any further in that competition, though, I would have had to sign a contract and my parents weren’t keen on the idea. Nowadays, I only really sing karaoke but, as everyone knows, good karaoke is really more about socialising than singing…</p>
<p><strong>Thank you.</strong></p>
<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-34687-2" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/1804/1804_GMHK_Interview_JackyTang.mp4?_=2" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/1804/1804_GMHK_Interview_JackyTang.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/1804/1804_GMHK_Interview_JackyTang.mp4</a></video></div></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>
<p><em>Interview by: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay<br />
</em><em>Photos: Neville Lee<br />
</em><em>Art direction: San Wong<br />
</em><em>Venue: Le q Café &amp; Bar</em></p>
<p><em>For the full interview with Jacky Tang, please check out the latest issue of&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/">Gafencu’</a>s print magazine or the PDF version on the Gafencu app. Download the app from the Google&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gafencu.android&amp;hl=en"><strong>Play Store</strong></a>&nbsp;or Apple&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gafencu/id541555130?mt=8"><strong>App Store</strong></a></em></p>


Jacky Tang: Man of Note

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Jacky Tang: Man of Note