In Living Colour: Visionary gallerist Pearl Lam has moulded Chinese contemporary art into a vivid show accessible to all

It wasn’t easy to secure a date for our cover shoot with gallerist, curator and cultural ambassador Pearl Lam, whose influence stretches far beyond the walls of her galleries. She is never in one place for long, flitting from homes in London, Hong Kong and Shanghai and sundry world travels. Lam is, after all, recognised as one of Asia’s most important figures in contemporary art and has dedicated her career to bridging East and West, showcasing the rich tapestry of Asian art and design to a global audience.

When we finally lock in the date, she negotiates once more. “What do you mean four hours? One hour. Trust me, that’s all it will take,” she says with assurance.

Our afternoon session commences – already behind schedule – at a candle-lit, stained-glass-bedecked Italian restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui. “Hmm. Interesting place. Designed by Joyce Wang, right?” says the woman of the (late) hour, in a tone that is less of a question, more of a challenge.

Within the first few minutes, Lam shares her personal space with us, opening her arms for a full-body hug, and then, moments later, commands the space, sitting regally across from the camera in a white top, ripped jeans and grey Balenciaga Bouncer trainers. Chunky armour-like silver bangles hang heavy from both wrists. Her signature violet bob is in its iconic state, teased high.

Outrageous Outlines

She jumps straight into the art conversation – her journey from the daughter of a Hong Kong property tycoon to a provocative powerhouse in the art world is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creativity and cultural exchange. Lam’s upbringing was steeped in privilege but also shadowed by familial expectations. Her father, Lim Por-yen, founder of the Lai Sun Group, left her with a legacy that she chose to redefine. As a child, she discovered her passion for painting, engaging in Chinese calligraphy and gradually transitioning to watercolours and other mediums.

She reminisces for a second on her rebellious childhood: “Painting and creativity always came naturally to me, but I struggled to determine how I could channel these abilities.” This internal conflict fuelled her desire to carve her own distinct path in the world.

At the age of 11, Lam was sent to the US, briefly, and then to the UK for her education. She relished the freedom of living abroad, far from the constraints of family. She gravitated from studying accountancy to the law and began to accumulate a diverse collection of art pieces, developing a keen eye for design. Returning to Hong Kong, she first flirted with fashion retailing, then found her true calling within the nascent art scene, defying her father’s reservations – “He said, ‘You cannot be a gallerist. I didn’t send you away for over 10 years to return to become a shopkeeper.’”

Pioneering Perspective

Lam’s entry into the art world began in earnest in 1993, when she started organising pop-up exhibitions in Hong Kong. This initiative was groundbreaking, offering a fresh platform for local and international artists to connect with new audiences. She launched Contrasts Gallery in Central, later rebranding it as Pearl Lam Galleries. Her passion for Chinese contemporary art culminated in 2005 when she established a branch in Shanghai, marking a significant milestone as the city emerged as a cultural hub.

“We had a responsibility to introduce Chinese collectors to the international art market, and vice versa,” she remarks of this sortie north into the city where her mother had roots. Her early exhibitions featured works by renowned artists and designers such as Andrée Putman, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western aesthetics.

In 2008, she founded the China Art Foundation, furthering her commitment to promoting Chinese culture on a global stage. “My aim was to ensure that the increasing worldwide interest in contemporary Chinese art would have a sustainable future,” she says, emphasising her desire to facilitate genuine cultural dialogue.

Connecting the Dots

Lam has certainly succeeded, though there were numerous hurdles to surmount in a competitive art environment often dominated by Western perspectives. Her efforts to elevate Chinese artists like Zhu Jinshi and Ren Ri were met with scepticism, for example. “Introducing this dynamic artistic landscape to the Western world presented challenges in terms of providing historical context,” she notes.

Her commitment to inclusivity in the art market is evident in her selective curation process, prioritising originality and potential in emerging artists. “We often look for artists who show promise and have the capacity to evolve their practice over time,” she explains. This approach not only nurtures creativity but also ensures these artists receive recognition in a global context.

In 2014, she brought Pearl Lam Galleries to Singapore, hosting innovative exhibitions that showcased both local and international talent. She also expanded in Hong Kong; a second gallery space, in Sheung Wan, focused on nurturing younger artists, exemplified by her support for Ren Ri’s unique beeswax sculptures, which merge nature and chance into art.

Through the Looking Glass

Looking forward, Lam’s vision for the future of art includes increased cross-cultural collaborations and a continued emphasis on sustainability in artistic practices. She recognises the new challenges posed by digital trends and the evolving market landscape, viewing them as opportunities for innovation. Bringing younger, popular 21st-century names like Philip Colbert and Mr Doodle into the fold has also ignited a fresh frame of reference for her.

“Art communicates through a visual language, employing elements like colour, shape and composition to evoke emotions and tell stories,” she says. This understanding underpins her approach, ensuring that her galleries reflect the rich tapestry of human experience through art and, in some cases, the element of shock.

“You know, people always ask me if I ever plan to change my hair colour. I’ve had violet hair for the longest time. Who knows? It might be green tomorrow!” she laughs while opting to go barefoot on the last few frames of our shoot.

Voice for Cultural Exchange

Lam’s influence transcends the physical spaces of her galleries; she is a vital voice in discussions around contemporary art, diversity and cultural exchange. As a participant in various speaking engagements, she actively fosters dialogue on the inclusion of Eastern philosophies within global art narratives.

Her recent venture, The Pearl Lam Podcast, exemplifies her commitment to broadening perspectives. Indeed, it’s a new medium that she was born to command. Through insightful conversations with influential figures, Lam seeks to inspire and challenge conventional thinking. “I want to create a platform that sparks curiosity, promotes diverse perspectives and encourages innovative ideas,” she states, reflecting her mission to elevate art and its cultural significance.

Art for All

As the art world evolves, Lam remains at the forefront of cultural conversations. “Art plays a crucial role in society by enabling expression, communication and reflection,” she asserts. Her belief that art should be accessible to all drives initiatives to lower barriers and promote understanding among diverse audiences.

Her unique blend of business acumen and artistic sensibility, bold authenticity and irrepressible energy, has not only shaped her career but has also left an undeniable impact. In a world often divided by borders, Pearl Lam reminds us that art is a universal language, capable of forging connections and transcending cultural divides.

The takeaway from this session is that creating art and meaningful change has transformative power. If the arts are there to lift her up and give her wings, there’s a joyful symmetry in that. As she takes her leave, she smiles, raising a brow. “I told you. One hour. I was late but worth the wait, huh?”

King & Country: Acclaimed landscape photographer Stephen King turns a painterly eye to the beauty of the world

It’s all very meta, a photographer posing for the camera. Such is the case for Stephen King, managing partner of an investment firm and award-winning landscape photographer, whose breathtaking images explore the dramatic beauty and serene tranquillity of the natural world. When we meet for this cover shoot and interview, he brings his camera along – a Cambo Actus-DB2 with a Phase One digital back – and passionately discusses its technicalities with our photographer. “I’m usually the man behind the lens, but I guess I am the subject now. I could get used to this, you know.” He laughs: “Make sure you get my best angle!”

Born into a family which has shaped the Hong Kong art scene, King is deeply influenced by his appreciation of Chinese ink painting and American Abstract Expressionism. This intersection of East and West manifests in his photographic style, which has been described as painterly and evocative of the emotive power of the natural landscape.

He says: “My goal is to distil the essence of a scene and present it in a way that resonates with the viewer, conveying a sense of wonder and contemplation.”

Fascinated by the intricate patterns and compositions formed by nature, King has dedicated his lens to capturing the essence of landscapes all over the globe. His pursuit of photographic excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including overall winner of the prestigious The Independent Photographer Landscape Award in 2020. His work has also received praise in other industry competitions like the International Landscape Photographer of the Year, the One Eyeland Awards and the Outdoor Photographer of the Year Awards. So, it shouldn’t be hard to distinguish him from the other prominent Stephen King, the American author dubbed the King of Horror – a reference he has heard all his life.

Click Start

King’s journey into the world of photography began during his high-school days at Phillips Academy in Massachusetts. “Back then, I worked with film, which was fantastic training as we developed our own negatives and made our own prints in the darkroom,” he recalls.

It was during this formative period that young Stephen developed a deep appreciation for the technical and artistic aspects of the photographic process. “I fell in love with everything about it – from hunting for interesting shots to spending hours in the darkroom watching images magically appear on photographic paper from the chemical process,” he says.

Moving on to Harvard University, then nine years as an investment banker at J.P. Morgan and a further 11 years as a partner at a private equity partnership, he took a long hiatus from photography while he prioritised his financial career. However, his passion for the art form was reignited in 2011 when his wife, Diana, introduced him to digital photography during a workshop in Italy. “On that trip, I became hooked again,” he says. “Landscape photography drew me in particular, as it allowed me to enjoy the outdoors while also providing a convenient reason to explore remote areas of the globe.”

Shoot for the Stars

He captures the world’s natural wonders with his Phase One XF and Sony A7Riv camera systems, creating large-scale fine-art prints that are highly sought after by private and corporate collectors. Selected images are available for licensing through Getty Images.

“Photography is my creative outlet, a way for me to connect with the natural world and share its beauty with others,” he explains. “Whether it’s the drama of a thunderstorm or the serenity of a misty mountain landscape, I’m constantly in awe of the power and elegance of our planet. Landscape photography, to me, is all at once a continual hunt for worthy subjects, worthy compositions and worthy light, a puzzle-solving exercise to unlock the underlying aesthetics of a scene, and a way of communing with nature.”

King’s work is regularly exhibited in Hong Kong, including at Art Basel and Fine Art Asia. His images have also been featured in numerous art and photography publications, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in the world of landscape photography.

Picture Perfect

When he stays home, he is a man of many talents and responsibilities. He’s a proud dad to Olympian kids and shows us news clippings that he had compiled throughout the years. He served as a delegate to the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of Zhejiang Province, and is currently Honorary Consul of Latvia in Hong Kong. He is also on the Board of Governors of the Chinese International School and on the board of the Asia Art Archive. He also recently joined the advisory board of the Centre for Asian Family Business at HKUST which is named for his father, Roger King.

While King’s artistic influences are diverse, he credits his mother, Alice King, as a significant inspiration. “My mother started one of the first professionally run galleries in Hong Kong [Alisan Fine Arts] back in 1981, and she particularly likes Chinese ink,” he says. “I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by painting my whole life. She promoted a lot of the Chinese diaspora artists from the early years who are now household names like Zao Wou-Ki and Walasse Tang”. This exposure to the art world has undoubtedly guided his eye.

His sister, Daphne King-Yao, has taken the reins at the gallery, and keeping it in the family his recent works will be showcased as the first exhibition at Alisan’s brand new gallery space in Tin Wan. Titled “A Brush with Nature”, the solo exhibition, which will run from 22 August to 19 October, will feature King’s works that highlight the flowing curves and shapes in nature. King also works with Wong Chuk Hang-based gallery, Boogie Woogie Photography, which has featured him in several solo and group exhibitions and at Fine Art Asia.

Selfie and Selflessness

King is resolute in his pursuit of personal satisfaction over commercial viability. “I really need to shoot for myself,” he says. “I look at myself as my main client, and if I’m pleased with a photo, hopefully, other people will respond to it.”

This philosophy has engendered a body of work that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. “I don’t think about who, or what art scene, or what audience I might please,” he explains. “It’s really about kind of pleasing myself and hopefully it resonates with the audience.”

While King himself hails from an affluent background, he is adamant that photography is not exclusive to the rich and famous. “Photography is for everyone,” he declares. “And in fact, in recent years, everyone has become a photographer, right, with iPhones and selfies?”

Embracing the democratisation of the art form, he challenges his audience to distinguish his iPhone-captured images from those taken with his high-end equipment. “Some of my best-selling prints are shot with an iPhone, you know. People are very surprised when they find that out.”

Framing the Future

King continues to push the boundaries of the medium to create images that captivate and inspire all who behold them. His sights are now set on expanding his photographic horizons. “I’m hoping to shoot more in mainland China, which has so many amazing landscapes that are not so well-known in the West,” he says. “I also would like to shoot and explore other areas in the US including New England, where I did most of my schooling.”

In November, he will participate in the prestigious Paris Photo event for the first time. Closer to home, an ongoing project featuring colour street photography in Hong Kong, is a departure from his landscape work that he finds refreshing and enjoyable.

Stephen King’s art serves as a testament to the power of photography to capture the beauty and wonder of our world. Through his lens, he invites us to see the familiar in a new light, to appreciate the hidden gems that lie just beyond the reach of our everyday gaze.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla

Healer at Heart: The remarkable transformation of Reverend Noreen Siu Richards from party-goer to passionate preacher

Noreen Siu Richards steps out of her airy apartment in Tai Tam Reservoir Road, a short drive from steep, sun-scorched trails filled with hikers, to offer thirst-quenchers to our production team. A 2 pm interview and shoot in the blazing Hong Kong heat is a difficult place to be glamorous, but she accepts the challenge. Back indoors, her powder is set, her cheekbones are lifted and her eyeliner is definitely not creasing as she power walks down the hall.

“Let me show you this red Valentino. Beautiful, isn’t it? This isn’t from the latest collection, but I’d still wear it,” she shares excitedly as she frolics among the rack of designer clothes. Her inexhaustible effervescence in full flow, she then turns to a very different line-up of personal treasures: “And right here is my library – a collection of my thesis and inspirational books. The bible if you may.”

This is a relatively new terrain for her. In a remarkable transformation, Siu Richards has traded in her former life of fashion and frivolity for a calling to help the sick and impoverished through her Hong Kong-based ministry, New Wine Ministries. The second daughter of the late philanthropist tycoon Siu Ming and Julie Siu, who still heads the Women’s Welfare Club (Western District), was once a fixture on the social circuit, spending her evenings at glitzy balls and her afternoons lunching with the city’s elite. But a profound spiritual awakening while she and her architect husband, David Richards, were living in Monaco in the 1990s set her on a disparate path.

After settling in London, she discovered Kensington Temple London City Church in 2002, which later in 2008 inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Christian Ministry at the Ecclesia Theological Seminary in Tuen Mun. Though she describes it as the “hardest thing she has ever done”, the five-year degree course was completed in an impressive three years, igniting her passion to establish New Wine Ministries Hong Kong in 2011. ‘Reverend Noreen’, as she is now known, works with cancer patients and asylum seekers and refugees, promoting inner healing and community fellowship.

“It’s a complete 180 from my former life,” she admits. “This is the last profession I would expect myself to be in, but I’ve never been more fulfilled. Applying my ‘passion for compassion’ to helping those in physical and mental anguish is my true calling.”

From Fashion to Passion

Siu Richards is a woman of many talents and passions. After earning her MBA in Business Finance and Accounting from the University of British Columbia, she embarked on a career in banking. However, her teenage dream was to become a high-fashion boutique owner, which she went on to fulfil.

“As a teenager, I took a special interest in fashion, and in my career-goal essay at pre-university level, I wrote that I would like to become a high-fashion boutique owner in womenswear and travel to high-fashion centres in Italy and France,” she says with a smile.

True to her word, she would open two maternity-fashion boutiques in Hong Kong called Lady Madonna, then the Primadonna women’s high-fashion boutiques, as well as a franchised boutique, Alma, in the mid-1980s. Years later, witnessing the physical and emotional pain of her brother, who died of cancer, gave her pause to rethink her career and life choices. “My brother’s battle with cancer in itself was enough to motivate me to help others,” she stresses.

Forgiveness and Faith

Her name has now become synonymous with compassion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need. She is a firm believer in the power of inner healing – the healing of damaged emotions or memories through unlocking the hurt in the innermost part of our lives and forgiving ourselves and those who have wounded us. She recounts the story of one man with diabetes who went from being in constant pain, requiring four insulin injections per day and losing his sight, to experiencing significantly less pain and needing far less medication after undergoing inner-healing sessions.

The process of forgiveness has been instrumental in her own life and the lives of those she serves. “The strategy is to try to repeat the forgiveness process as many times as needed in order to get rid of our negative emotions,” she explains. “The perpetrators could be those close to us, so the situation will recur, and we need to be able to aggregate our pain and escalate our emotions once again.”

She continues: “The Bible says, ‘Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry’. We are encouraged to forgive as many times and as soon as possible, even daily.” During challenging times, she encourages individuals to stay focused on positive emotions, seek God’s guidance and stay humble by reading God’s word and remaining obedient.

Forgiveness can be a truly transformative power. One woman with cancer whom she helped had long struggled with extreme anger and bitterness towards her husband and mother-in-law. “She would hold on to her grudges, and her emotions were inflamed with anger, hatred and bitterness. She didn’t want any way out, thinking she was avenging the person who had hurt her,” she recalls.

After several sessions, Reverend Noreen was able to guide the woman through the forgiveness process. “She came back the next week looking like a different person. Her face was clearer, and she had a bit of a glow. She had better relationships with her family, friends and colleauges. After a few more sessions, her life was transforming greatly. I worked with her until she was healed and restored. She was converted and came back often for fellowship gatherings. What a miracle in her life!”

Guidance and Freewill

Yet, Siu Richards is aware that her preachings and the Bible are not the sole answers to every problem, especially when addressing mental health issues. “Of course, one has to know that whatever comes from the Bible and from my mouth are mere guidance to a happy life. We all still have our free will. We should always make use of it to do what is right, and we still have to consult with medical experts.”

She remains optimistic about the future, with plans to reach out to more people through social media and expand the scope of her ministry’s work. Her dedication to her religious beliefs is matched only by her commitment to her family. As a wife and mother, she has learned to balance her responsibilities with grace and efficiency. “I value every God-given moment of time to be productive, even time to relax and rest,” she says. “I thank the Lord for giving me energy and strength.”

Ending with an utterance of “God Bless!” as we wrap up, her close and intense way of speaking takes our conversation beyond mere Q&A to the level of intimacy required for sharing relationship stories. Her ability to make a friend of you in a few hours – four hours in the case of our shoot – is legendary. It’s hard not to surrender to her gravitational pull, and her story is a shining example of how one person can make a profound difference in the world.

Ultimately, Reverend Noreen Siu Richards has wholeheartedly embraced her new role as a shepherd for the sick and downtrodden – and it’s as clear as this brilliant summer’s day that she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Design Providence: The extravagant designs of enduring couturier Barney Cheng create extraordinary pleasure

In the collective mind of Hong Kong’s elite circle, Barney Cheng has been unopposed as their go-to couturier for three decades. But the prestige that comes with his title doesn’t interest him; he would rather be a Renaissance man. Not that he would describe himself that way. For the 56-year-old fashion and jewellery designer, arriving for our shoot in a soft blue suit jacket, trousers, polo shirt and white sneakers, it is not about gravitas or self-promotion; it will always be about artistry, a heartfelt respect for the craft and an unrelenting grind mindset instilled at an early age.

“I would like to think I’m affable. Or am I even close to being such? Ask my staff here … let them answer that!” laughs Cheng. “But seriously, I am not such an egomaniac that I need everyone to know who is wearing a Barney Cheng creation. I couldn’t care less if I get credited for dressing people, but when a client gets complimented that they are looking fabulous, then I’ve done my job because my job is to make them feel empowered and good about themselves – to make them love who they are.”

He has achieved this time and again over a colourful career kickstarted by a 1993 Young Designers’ Award win that gave him the confidence to start his own atelier. Ground-breaking feats followed thick and fast: the 2001 parade of his collection in Beijing’s Forbidden City; dressing Asia’s first Bond Girl, Michelle Yeoh, for the Oscars; staging a mammoth 80-outfit show at the HSBC headquarters in 2003; and designing costumes for an arts performance in the Japan Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.

Being named on the first Forbes’ list of the most influential Chinese in global fashion reminded him that even though he spends long days hidden away in his Wyndham Street studio creating bespoke couture for VVIP clients, the outside world is not ignorant of the beautiful pieces he creates.

“I would have to kill you if I share particular stories of what it was like designing for these prominent figures,” he says, with a straight face before bursting into laughter, a frequent and endearing habit. “I’ve just been extremely blessed to be given so many opportunities to showcase my particular style and to try my hand at so many different things. I truly love what creativity has given me, enriching my life so very much.”

Creator of Dreams

Cheng was born into a large, wealthy Hong Kong clan who called Kadoorie Avenue home. The family are Christian, though it wasn’t until later in life that their flamboyant son found faith himself. As a youngster, his haute-couture dream was paved with global learning. He earned a BA in Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo in Canada, took Textile and Design at the Royal College of Art in London, and studied Fashion Illustration and History of European Costume at the Parson’s School of Design in Paris. It’s a mouthful. But that’s Barney Cheng to a tee. A learner at heart, a lover of niches and a follower of curiosities.

“We create and fulfil dreams,” he says of his craft. “So, when people come to us and say, I want to be a princess for a day, or I want to be the belle of the ball, we do our best to fulfil their wishes. And when we do, they come back time and time again because they know that we’re dependable dream-makers. Time as they say, and these testimonials are the ultimate truth-tellers.”

His atelier, home to antique furniture, paintings, wine, and a treasure trove of jewellery and garments, can be seen as a timeless reflection of his body of work, a chronicling of his aesthetic that, he believes, hasn’t changed drastically.

“I have witnessed the power of fashion first hand, believe me. When I was young, my mom and my aunties would gather and gossip about the most mundane things, like whose child is getting fat and whose child is smarter,” he recalls. “But when her cheongsam sifu would turn up at our house to show them the latest silks and laces, she would be very excited, like a little girl in a candy store. It always instantly changed her mood.” Smiling, he adds a cheekily affectionate acknowledgement: “Hi Mom!”

Eternal Style

Cheng observes how the clothes he made then are clothes he would still make now. The ruffled and draped elements he would weave into creations from the noughties figure seamlessly into his pieces at present. The designer’s resonance with past work is guided by a proclivity towards the grandeur of bygone eras. His work is informed by research, and he often finds himself circling back to historical silhouettes and architecture.

“I just love it when clients I haven’t seen for a while send me photos of them in a dress I previously designed for them and ask me to guess when I created it. Oftentimes the piece would be a decade old, if not more, and yet still as elegant and stylish as the first time they wore it. This isn’t fashion, this is Style with a capital S, and that is eternal,” he expounds with just the right amount of sass.

He has long understood the value of investing in the best fabrications. Clearly, the more luxurious the material, the longer it will last. Which again ties to slow fashion, to sustainability.

“I love unusual details, a misplaced seam, a skewed zipper, an extra drape where there shouldn’t be one. These perfect imperfections make my day and it’s a joy for the customer to see how a little something can add so much more to the design,” he shares.

Extraordinary Grace

Starting a fashion label is only half the battle. Staying in the business for 30 years and earning your peers’ and clients’ respect are crucial components of a successful designer. “I have no idea how a successful brand should be run, but having decades-long relationships with my clients must be a sign of a successful relationship, if not a business,” he notes.

Cheng’s persona and very visage have transcended the insular world of fashion and become culturally synonymous with glamour and luxury. He still delivers heroic doses of all his most recognisable personality traits: the impeccable old-world manners, the showy quirks realness, the devastating charm, and the outrageous provocations, with “Excuse my French!” utterances sprinkled through our conversation.

But over the course of the shoot, he also reveals a new sensitivity – aside from having fun posing for the camera, he shares his modest plans for the next phase of his life. “My wish for the years to come? It’s as simple as to live a grateful life and to have a contagious, positive superhuman-like ability!”

As the fashion world continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the enduring legacy of Barney Cheng. Together with his team of skilled artisans, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of fashion, creating garments that are not just visually stunning, but make the wearer feel truly extraordinary. Now that’s divine!

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla

Lyraa’s Lyrics: In tune with the reality of the present and the culture of the past, Lyraa Ng takes life with grace and composure

It’s easy to get someone’s sense of self and aspirations through comprehending the people they look up to. Finding an influential figure who is relatable can be empowering and inspire the fulfilment of even greater dreams. In the case of toy company honcho Lyraa Ng – as it is for many – her biggest influences were those she held closest: her parents. They had their own photo studio back in the day, and as the daughter recalls fondly, they were good at everything they set their mind to, from providing for the family to building and growing a business.

“This is all quite nostalgic to me,” she shares, with a trace of a tear in her eye. “My father always used to make me pose for the camera. Ahh! Good times. My parents still live in me.”

But don’t mistake yearning desire as a reason to resort to imitation, the canny businesswoman cautions. While she plainly reveres her parents, Ng says every person’s uniqueness comes from their ability to adapt instead of following someone’s life pattern – to take the good deeds and traits of these aspirations and bring them a notch higher or deeper.

“Greatness is relative,” she explains further. “It is relative to the times, circumstance, beholder. In fact, and to be completely honest, I don’t think I dare to consider myself a successful businesswoman or one of Hong Kong’s notable figures. There’s always more to life and achieving one’s peak career-wise. It’s hard to assume that this is it, we made it. So, for me, I take life one day at a time and I keep on improving, both professionally and personally.”

Tale as Old as Time

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Lyraa Ng’s journey began in a ‘modest’ family setting, as she would label it. Growing up, she displayed remarkable curiosity and determination, traits that would eventually shape her future endeavours.

“Like most kids and any other childhood fantasies, I dreamed of owning toys that I could personally love and idolise in a way. So I guess this would be the perfect backstory for my toy business,” says the Director of Multistar Toy Ltd. “But back in the day, it was tougher for our generation. Life was really humble and a lot of people were just working to make it through the day. Our society wasn’t as developed as it is now, so having your own toys was a sort of luxury already.”

One of her passions outside business is horseracing. Her passion for horses has been a lifelong pursuit and a source of great joy.The Hong Kong Jockey Club stalwart has owned nine racehorses (eight now retired); her current pride, Multisuper, clocked up its first victory on one weekend last April. Her husband, Ronald Cheung, has had eight, and all their names follow a theme – they begin with ‘Multi’. A delighted Ng was pictured receiving the silverware when Multimillion won the Arculli Trophy in 2019, while the most notable so far, champion sprinter Multidandy, represented Hong Kong at the prestigious Dubai Golden Shaheen in 2004.

“I treat horse racing as a sport, not as a form of gambling or an investment. I look at it as a way to test my own judgement in a wider perspective,” she notes.

A Friend in Her

When Ng steps out beyond the winners’ podium, it is most often with her great companion, Shirley Chan, who epitomises the principle in modern society that women stand beside each other. It is the stylish Chan who rushes to our shoot to help Ng with hair and makeup and jewellery to flaunt.

“Shirley is a very good friend. These days, we will attend events together, coming as a package,” she laughs. “We are super close, to the point that we are also neighbours now. I am thankful to have these kinds of people in my life.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Lyraa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service. She has dedicated her resources and time to various charitable causes, supporting innitiatives that promote education, healthcare and social welfare.

As the president of the Kowloon Region of the Scout Association of Hong Kong, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless young individuals. Through various scouting programs and initiatives, she has instilled values of leadership, teamwork and social responsibility, empowering the youth of Hong Kong to become active contributors to society. She strives to create a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives, reflecting her compassionate nature.

“This is like a calling of sort for me, you know,” she shares. “Helping people and contributing my time to them, especially the needy and the young. The future of our city relies on these young individuals, so I am doing my best – in as many ways possible I can – to help them, and at the same time, to have a brighter Hong Kong future.”

Be Her Guest

Her creative flair is evident in her choice of a different nail polish for each finger. She guides us around the tastefully decorated Yuen Long villa that serves as her weekend home. The dark, burgundy palette of the solid wood furniture is a foil for the poems rendered in Chinese calligraphy adorning the walls. Behind where we sit is an array of plaques and trophies from her many life achievements. Taking pride of place across the room is a pool-sized manmade pond for her more than a dozen prized koi. Two front grilles from Rolls-Royces she and her husband owned rest against the white wall behind.

“Fun fact, Hong Kong is the city with the most Rolls-Royces in the world. But these days both my husband and I drive Teslas. They are more [energy] efficient and cheaper to maintain. A few hundreds just to charge a Tesla fully at 100% versus almost HK$3,000 for a full tank with Rolls Royce. It really is a big difference,” she notes, ever the practical businessperson.

True to Her Heart

Ng is vivacious and outspoken. She directs the conversation and moves in close, touching your shoulder or arm, breaking down invisible walls so you feel welcome in shared space with this ebullient woman who radiates warmth. Ever the storyteller, she draws you in with her anecdotes, told in her assertive but sweet voice. After the shoot, she continues narrating the story of her everyday life over a teatime session with the crew.

“Just last night, Shirley and I went to this vegetarian fine-dining restaurant in Central. It was so expensive but the food servings were very small. Smaller than these sandwiches we are having right now, I kid you not. We went home still hungry. I’m never going return to that place, not unless it’s free!” She laughs. “In life, we have to be smart about spending our money. It always has to be value for money because we work hard to get it.”

Her accomplishments as a business leader, community advocate and equestrian enthusiast have left an indelible mark on the city’s social fabric. Through her dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to excellence, Ng continues to inspire and uplift those around her, embodying the harmony of Hong Kong’s vibrant and dynamic society.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla

Ace of Space: Led by owner Rasheed Shroff, social consciousness and sustainability flourish at Banyan Workspace

Rasheed Shroff’s co-working space is located in a three-decade-old industrial building in Quarry Bay. But inside, it’s a blueprint of what a modern office should look like, with a feel of zen and a killer harbour view. As we ring the bell, Shroff joyfully hops into the office’s cavernous foyer. There’s something undeniably adolescent about his demeanour – like that of a teenager left alone in a grown-up’s house. Throwing open the door, he says hello, and leads us past a marble reception counter and a hard-to-miss framed letter B – the company logo, Banyan Workspace.

“I guess this is what a positive working environment does? Less stress means looking young?” he laughs. “At the peak of the pandemic years, there was a time when I was the only person in this space. That was hard and mentally exhausting. Thank god that’s over!”

As a visionary entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of work and business, Shroff recognises the limitations of traditional office spaces. Thus, he set out to create a new paradigm that fosters collaboration, creativity and productivity. With a clear vision and an entrepreneurial spirit, he and his wife, Amy, founded Banyan Workspace in 2019 to offer a fresh, socially conscious perspective on shared workspaces.

*Knit V-neck gilet in two-toned dove grey geometric jacquard by Emporio Armani, Melange wool blazer and wool pants by SANDRO and watch by Zodiac Watches*

Amy Shroff stays close during our photoshoot in the space’s sumptuous library and lounge – ideal for companies to hire for their own sessions – and ably fulfils her role as Head of Creative by suggesting how her husband should pose and smile. “The whole idea of Banyan Workspace is to come to work with a smile,” he says with gusto. “It’s always a first-name basis here with an enthusiastic good morning and/or hello. We strive to provide a comfortable working environment that feels like it’s a home.”

Apple and the tree

Rasheed Shroff’s family has long been recognised in the city. His grandfather fled from Shanghai with his family during the Second World War, beginning a profound bond with Hong Kong spanning four generations. His path of success left an indelible mark on the commercial landscape and ultimately shaped the destiny of the family. For Rasheed personally, this meant a law degree at the University of Sussex in the UK, two decades in the brand and marketing corporate world, then co-founding his own brand- distribution company, Dragonfly Asia-Pacific, the year before Banyan Workspace was born.

*Knitwear top by ZEGNA and Alpha wool-twill suit jacket and trousers by SANDRO*

“We call it Banyan Workspace for a couple of reasons,” he says. “Banyan trees were historical places where merchants traded goods while traversing the old Silk Road. Both my grandfather and father ran a trading company which started with sourcing silks in China and shipping them to India, so we thought that was very analogous to us.”

Sustainable force

As a true-blooded Hong Konger with deep roots in and love of his birthplace, Shroff not only showcases the city’s spirit through the design of the co-working space but also embraces a noble cause – giving back to the community. They have officially partnered with five local non-profit organisations to date.

Companies have been drawn to the allure of the space for their offsite meetings and events, captivated by a sustainable luxury office that seems to defy convention. This served as the catalyst for the Green Office Project in 2022, a Banyan Workspace undertaking that encourages companies to embrace sustainability.

“Its purpose evolved beyond a mere educational initiative,” he explains. “This project is for companies to understand the consequences of the decisions they make every day, and to show decision-makers that viewing each decision through a sustainability lens is good for their company, their customers, their business and our planet. We would love to take our impact beyond the four walls of our workspace and inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Words to work by

Shroff also possesses a rare sense of discipline and drive for perfection, qualities that were born perhaps of his awareness that he has a name to live up to. In the corner of the office pantry, three placards hang on a rattan board: ‘Inspire Impact, Engage Minds, Transform Action.’

He adds: “It’s absolutely critical to be in an environment that you are comfortable in and that is conducive to being as productive as you can be. This is not about the set-up, though obviously it’s important that the technology works, whether that be the wifi, the printer or the lights.”

50 and beyond

He is entering his sixth decade and a new phase of life, but behind a youthful visage that only shows wear when a smile draws minuscule wrinkles around his brow, his humility and his honesty are what shine the most.

“Almost every interaction is an opportunity to learn and develop. The key is staying humble, being open to learning, growing, developing and being self-aware,” he says. “Setting up two distinct businesses across three countries is probably my most significant achievement career-wise. But honestly, I don’t feel we have accomplished what we set out to do yet. I am cautiously optimistic about what 2024 will bring.”

Settled into an equilibrium, Shroff appears to have a genuine enjoyment of his place in the ecosystem. His most overwhelming and rewarding job seems to be as a family man – a husband and a father of two. “Parenthood is a gift, but it is also something that nothing can prepare you for,” he shares. “It makes you want to be better and show your kids the very best that you can be, while striving to give them every opportunity to become the best version of themselves.”

Valuable support

He adds with a knowing wink: “But the young need to make their own mistakes and learn from them – finding that balance is not always very easy. My parents always encouraged us to work hard and play hard. I worked hard yes, but I played harder! “My family as well as my team are an incredible support system and they allow me to do everything that I love to do. Nothing that I do today would be possible without them,” he confesses.

It was the desire to give every child the support system they deserve that saw Shroff accept an invitation to sit on the global board of OneSky, an NGO providing early childhood care and safety environments for vulnerable children.

Space, the future frontier

There is an earnest, sometimes quivering sense of excitement in his voice when he discusses what lies ahead. His mindset retains an ethos that anything is possible. Sustainability has been a core value of the co-working movement since its inception, and while this commitment is not always easy, it is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

“I firmly believe that resiliency is one of the most important qualities an entrepreneur needs to have,” he stresses. “The last few years have certainly taught me that being resilient, staying in the game and putting one foot in front of the other is the only way to progress.”

Ultimately, the right blend of autonomy, resources and community lies at the heart of an empowered and happy team — one that wants to come to work, wherever that happens to be.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: Banyan Workspace Brands: Emporio Armani, ZEGNA and SANDRO Cover: Chore jacket by ZEGNA, Neil cotton-twill suit pants by IRO and shoes by ZEGNA

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

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.

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.

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.”

*Black Flora Deep V Maxi Dress by Daniella Batlle Earrings by Vipop*

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.

From the get-go, she also expresses her opinion on maternity wear: “I’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?”

Sustainable values

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

Damage limitation

“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.”

*Black Cher dress cut pleated skirt with top by Nabel Martins*

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.

Calming vibes

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 ‘vibes’ (to use her favourite phrase) for each occasion. Indeed, her process is true fashion-icon behaviour.

“We’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.

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.

“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: “Pretty much like pregnancy huh?”

Dressed to express

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.

*Emiliana pants and bared back top in paillette by Nabel Martins*

“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.

Mother load

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’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.

*Blue one sleeve cut out dress by Baobab Accessories by Vipop*

“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.

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.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: Qura Bar – Regent Hong Kong Brands: Daniella Batlle, Baobab, Nabel Martins and Vipop

Peter Piper: PR visionary Peter Cheung is entrusted by the brands to lead them out of the box

It is nearing 1 pm at the Mandarin Oriental Tamar Suite. Peter Cheung has long since arisen and absorbed himself in the morning rituals of the modern CEO: email, energised with his go-to coffee, and in this instance, employing a full glam team to ready him for our cover shoot. He is a person who uses your first name in conversation. When he walks into a public space and sits down, no one scatters. He is very approachable, and one can easily sense the warmth and vibrancy of his personality, and his fondness for all things luxurious and glamorous.

“Hi! Nice to meet you all!” he cries, without glancing up, as he greets us midway through typing an email on his phone. Once done, he looks at us immediately, winning us over with a sincere smile of apology, and continues his breezy welcome: “Nice to meet you all. Do you like what I’m wearing? I’ve purposely chosen these looks for you guys. Where do we start?”

The man who is Peter Cheung Asia, the strategic marketing and communications consultancy, had a very colourful childhood, as he would describe it. The youngest of six children and the only boy in the Cheung legacy – he was born and raised in Hong Kong until his mother relocated to Victoria, British Columbia, where he became a competitive junior tennis player; at 16 he was ranked in the top 10 of under 18-year-olds in the province.

“It was my childhood dream to be a professional tennis player,” says Cheung. “Whenever we were back in Hong Kong, our parents would send us to the Hong Kong Country Club daily from 9 am to 9 pm. I fantasised I was an international tennis player, training at the Club by day and back to a five- star hotel at night. I really enjoyed my suite life.”

Safe to say, Peter is literally in the wealth of biographies and hagiography.

Cheer Leaders

His early teenage years, including being picked up nightly by his posse in a motorcade of chauffeur-driven cars to visit multiple hotspots, afforded him a glimpse of the luxury lifestyle. “Being here every summer in the most decadent times of the late ’80s and early ’90s, it became my mission to return permanently to the only place that I could only live that dream life – Hong Kong,” he says.

Once back, early stints in fashion merchandising and media led to senior PR roles at Sotheby’s, Dior, Versace and Van Cleef & Arpels. His father, a successful entrepreneur in the insurance field, was his most trusted adviser, even though the paths they trod in life couldn’t have been more different.

*Shiny black jacquard funnel neck cape coat with padded hem and cuffs by Barney Cheng Couture*

“I sought his advice always and I never made a professional move without discussing it with him,” says Cheung. “And he always said to me, you know what? You help the brands, you help your bosses, why don’t you help yourself and be your own boss? He was definitely my biggest inspiration to start my own business.”

On the other hand, his mother was his inspiration for fashion and style. His appreciation of clothes, jewellery and aesthetics from a very young age stemmed from her. “She had this amazing personality, character, beauty and style in that Shanghainese chic of a bygone era,” he shares.

“My parents, together with my five sisters and my friends have shaped me into what I am today. Shoutout to you all!” he cheers from the suite’s velvet couch.

Outside the Box

Peter still sometimes channels the kid from Canada that he once was: slightly wide-eyed and a little surprised to find himself as a marketing trailblazer in the region, more influential than most nine-to-five bankers. He defends his record as a creative leader in his own right and he elaborates on how he deals with his rivals and competitors.

“If my father did not put it on the table, I don’t know what I would be doing today. He made me realise I was in a unique position with my background, experience and expertise in that I worked in multiple product segments,” he explains. “This position is what I think sets Peter Cheung Asia apart from traditional agencies.

Black sequined jacket by Barney Cheng Couture

“We are a strategic consultancy offering unparalleled experience and strategies in marketing and communications services on a variety of luxury levels for developing strategies that are unique, creative, out of the box, surprising, in an ever-changing and competitive industry, but stemming from the unique and invaluable experiences through my now nearly 30 years of expertise, network and know-how.”

A natural affinity for beautiful things and love of the natural world makes him a credible messenger for a values-led company. Even as Cheung has reshaped the marketing business, he is reluctant to supply a list of his own creative achievements with the company he launched in 2015. These include steering clients in the fields of fashion, jewellery and watches, expanding into the hospitality industry (maybe inspired by the prodigal son of hotels), media, art and culture and education, and offering skills and time to several nonprofit organisations and charities.

Power Forward

His wavy silver hair is neatly maintained – oftentimes blown by the wind as he poses for the camera. He is wearing an all-black ensemble, with glittering studs and sequins from top to toe. His perception of himself, with the position he has achieved in life, remains anything but simple.

“I’ve been described as a lot of things, but probably normal is not among those. I love having ‘crazy’ ideas. What is most exciting is having an original idea, something very abstract in the beginning, and to be able to hone it, work with it, shape it, edit, add or subtract elements, evolve it, looking at it comprehensively from every angle, and then to be able to launch this idea, by now a solid strategic plan, put it in motion with maximum impact and energy, with hopefully successful results and impeccable timing, and to see something concrete come into fruition,” he says, all in one breath with a deep sigh at the end.

*Jacquard and embroidered gold coat by Dries Van Noten*

“Was that too much? In life, there’s nothing too much. As they say, there’s always more to life.”

And the future is complicated. Today, Peter Cheung Asia is a dominant marketing company in Hong Kong, having emerged from the pandemic relatively unscathed and prosperous, and also at a crossroads: perpetually on the brink of the discovery that will change the PR dynamic again, while at the same time fending off constant challenges to its existing business.

“We don’t really look back very much at all in history,” he says. “We’re always focused on the future and trying to feel like that, we’re very much at that starting line where you can really dream and have big ideas that are not constrained by the past.”

Clearly, as the visionary that he is, Cheung has the knack of turning doubters into followers and further emboldening his daring creativity through an innate curiosity about, and connection with, people and society. As we near the conclusion of our time together, an oscillating net of polite communications folks leading the way, he exchanges hellos, sorrys and thank yous with whomever we pass and are temporarily blocked because of our photoshoot. He makes this a habit, always acknowledging the goodness in people.

We pop the cork on a bottle of Champagne and raise a glass to a smooth afternoon’s work. His next move? Anywhere the wind blows.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Brands: Barney Cheng Couture and Dries Van Noten Cover: Black silk organza multilayer cheongsam with gold thread Chinese pine tree motif hand embroidered embellishment by Barney Cheng Couture

Harvest Queen: Every day is bountiful for tireless PR maven and sports mentor Esther Ma

Esther Ma makes her entrance at one of her favourite Chinese restaurants so quickly and quietly that few realise she has arrived until she is tucked away in our makeshift dressing room. Rocking black from head to toe, she appears almost to the minute of our agreed call time – a rare feat for personalities of her stature.

“I was just built like this; discipline has always been with me, especially with time,” she says. “I always make sure that every minute of the day is used to good purpose.” Flashing a brilliant smile as she hangs up her clothes and lays out her accessories and makeup, she adds: “I do my cardio religiously first thing in the morning – I guess this is what makes me feel young, energetic and alive.”

Esther Ma is best known as the PR genius behind Prestique, an agency she created almost 30 years ago that has represented, practically from A to Z, the world’s leading names. In fact, she wrote a book on the subject – one of five she has penned – called, simply, The A to Z of PR. She also co-founded Harvest Sky in 2016 with her husband, Harvey Lee and good friend Christina Gaw. The sports management company takes care of 30 of Hong Kong’s best athletes, including Olympians and Asian Games medallists, in a venture that leverages her long-held passion for branding and mentoring.

With all her strengths reflected in an impressive resume of professional projects that distinguishes her colourful career in PR and marketing, one can’t help but wonder what, if anything, is Ma’s weakness? “My daughters. I definitely give in to my daughters,” she answers sincerely. “On one hand I do things to inspire them; on the other hand I let them manipulate me.” She and Lee have two teenage daughters who are both attending boarding school in the U.S.

Then, switching almost instantly to laughter, she says: “I don’t know. Is it wishful thinking that I still hope they will take over my business by the time I retire? I really hope so. But see, as a parent, our job is to support them whatever their dreams may be. So I won’t pressure them to become my corporate successors. I want them to pursue their real passions.”

Middle Riddle

As the only girl and middle child in a traditional Chinese family, Esther had to be self-sufficient to become the woman she is today. Born in Hong Kong and raised in a Christian household by parents who were doctors, she quickly learned to negotiate a very rigid living environment.

“At home, it was all about having proper etiquette. After dinner, I would go straight to my room to do more studying. I know this is weird to hear now, but back in the day, only my two brothers had tutors. I didn’t. I excelled academically on my own,” she confesses.

“Whereas at school, it was a totally different story. I always found school to be an escapade, like the fun haven that I escaped to. Sometimes I can be very mischievous – it’s kind of like a therapeutic outlet for me.”

It is a Ma signature to deliver telling insights in a self-deprecating package. But press a little and she states plainly what her legacy will be. “Confidence and self-belief,” she says. “Even during my formative years, I made my own decisions without consulting my busy parents. Is it a middle-child thing? Maybe. But I guess it all worked out in the end for me.” She laughs: “Even when I applied to boarding schools and universities, I only told my parents that I got in because I needed their financial assistance. I never discussed my school list with them”.

Her Cup of Tea

Creativity is the very essence of her being and it extends to using a teacup to hold a mirror she needs while doing her own makeup. Multitasking as ever, she recounts her success story in the world of PR. Initially, she worked at an investment bank in New York after gaining an economics degree from the University of California, Berkeley. However, the long hours and number-crunching didn’t inspire her to continue along this path.

“I worked 16 hours every day. So one day I just said I had enough of this. I took the subway to Columbia Business School and talked to the admissions director. I told her I really wanted to switch careers and I didn’t think finance was my cup of tea. And given that I’m such a personable girl, I really wanted to get into something more related to human connections and interpersonal relations.”

She took an MBA in management and marketing at Columbia and then she got herself a summer internship with Procter & Gamble. Winning them over, she was offered a permanent position in Hong Kong and was assigned to lead a Japanese beauty brand called SK-II. That was when P&G bought over Max Factor and the brand was renamed SK-II.

“That job required a lot of PR skills,” she recalls. “I was so excited to write press releases and come up with gimmicky, creative ideas for the campaign. I had to train the team and I really loved it. I was very proud to be called ‘the woman behind SK-II’ and ended up receiving the Regional SK-II Brand-Building Award from Procter & Gamble.”

Additionally, she co-chaired the Women’s Committee at the Columbia Business School and built a fundraiser for the Pan-Asian confererence room at the new campus.

Spin to Win

As Ma’s career evolved, so did her interests. As she is a self-taught interior designer and cook, she designed her own ‘Harvest Menu’ – a play on the couple’s first names, Harvey and Esther – and is an avid golfer, a singer and an art lover among many other hobbies. She spins the lazy Susan on the table as a means to explain how she finds the time for the multiple accomplishments and diversions in life. Mimicking selecting dim-sum delicacies from the turntable, she elaborates on the rewards of doing so much.

“Balance and time management! You have to find your balance and prioritise. This is explained in my book Harvest of the 7 Human Vines,” she says. “Similar to having different dishes, you just have to keep on spinning it all the time to make room (and time) for each one. Family, career, hobbies, spiritual, personal – all of it. Have a little bit of everything. With this kind of purposeful mentality, none of my dishes will ever be empty.”

Although she constantly replenishes the bowl of life, she is still hungry for more. “For me, it’s that inner drive to live a fulfilling and purpose-driven life,” she adds.

Asked which rule she would secretly love to break, she draws a final metaphor of life and sports. “I think every golfer should be given two free mulligans on every hole. You can play another tee shot, because sometimes, you know, people should be given a second chance, so they don’t repeat the same mistake,” she explains.

It would be easy to assume a confidence like Ma’s is innate, but that would be a disservice to the maternal side of her character that has matured over the years. It enters the scene as soon as the interview ends: “Should I get some food for all of us? The dim sum here is fantastic. Let’s eat together; I’m starving!”

Interview & Art Direction: Joseff Musa; Photographer: Jack Law; Videographer: Jack Fontanilla; Venue: The Summit; Brands: Shiatzy Chen, Versace & Chloe; Cover: Black shirt and black skirt by Versace, Purple fur edge coat by Shiatzy Chen

2023 Power List: The 300 Most Powerful People in Hong Kong

These are the people who will be shaping the next century and leading the city to heights unprecedented. Check out who made our 2023 Power List 300 here.