For many Institute members, the story of their careers doesn’t end in Hong Kong. It continues across continents, in offices and boardrooms where their skills, experience, and perspective are put to the test in new ways. From the start-ups of Denmark to the banking giants of Finland, from Canada’s restructuring firms to Australia’s education sector, members are shaping businesses, advising stakeholders, and driving change.
What emerges from their experiences is a common thread: technical expertise alone is never enough. Working internationally requires patience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. It demands the confidence to navigate unfamiliar regulatory regimes, the creativity to balance global standards with local practices, and the resilience to take on challenges without the familiar support structures at home. It also offers a different kind of learning, one that comes from listening as much as leading, and from seeing the same business issues through a variety of cultural and operational lenses.
From Hong Kong to the Nordics
When Jin Luchun moved to Finland more than six years ago, it wasn’t just a change of scenery – it was a leap into a whole new professional world. Today, she works in Group Credit Management at Nordea Bank, the largest financial institution in the Nordics, driving credit-related initiatives across the bank and exploring how AI can enhance processes. But her journey to this strategic role started with a more technical path in Hong Kong.
“I began my career in Hong Kong in accounting and audit,” Jin recalls, “but once I joined PwC in Finland, my work quickly evolved. I covered technical accounting advisory, audits, and merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions. Later, at Nordea, I transitioned through internal audit and capital reporting, finally moving into strategy-driven risk management.”
The shift has been significant. “I’m now thinking about how the bank manages credit risk at a systemic level, which requires a different mindset than focusing solely on numbers.”
Jin found that adapting to Finnish culture was surprisingly smooth. “Finnish people are straightforward and humble – you say what you mean, and no one takes it the wrong way. That clarity makes work simple and effective,” she says. “The only minor obstacle was the language – but with English so widely used, it wasn’t a barrier.”
This ease of adaptation has allowed her to focus on professional growth rather than cultural friction. “Working abroad has strengthened my communication skills tremendously. I’ve learned to present ideas clearly and persuasively, and to adapt my style for different audiences. Equally important is listening – stepping back to let others contribute. That skill has been invaluable across different teams and functions.”
One of the practical challenges of working internationally is harmonizing local practices with global standards. “Finnish Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Finnish GAAP) is less complex than IFRS and leaves more room for interpretation,” Jin notes. Her approach is simple yet effective: collaborate with local colleagues while keeping international frameworks in mind. “This way, you respect local practices but maintain consistency with global standards.”
“There will be moments of uncertainty and moments of excitement. Take them all in.”
Some lessons come from technical expertise, but others come from culture. Jin remembers a formative moment early in her PwC career. “I apologized for something that wasn’t really my fault. My supervisor stopped me and said: ‘Don’t say sorry if you didn’t do anything wrong. Everyone makes mistakes.’”
That insight resonated. In many Asian workplaces, apologizing preemptively is common, even expected. But in Finland, she learned that owning your work – and your mistakes – builds confidence. “It taught me to stand by my decisions and see mistakes as part of learning, not failure.”
Jin’s experience abroad has reshaped both her career and personal outlook. Her advice for fellow Institute members contemplating international moves is straightforward: embrace it all.
“The world is big, and there’s so much to explore. Working abroad comes with both challenges and rewards, but every step contributes to your growth – professionally and personally. Stay open and curious. There will be moments of uncertainty and moments of excitement. Take them all in. Even difficult experiences add to your story, and in the end, you’ll discover that you’ve grown far more than you expected.”
Driving growth in Japan
As Chief of Staff at BNP Paribas in Japan, Jenny Leung supports the country head in territory strategies, governance, and oversight of group entities, a role that differs markedly from her early days as an external auditor in Hong Kong.
“In Hong Kong, my work was primarily analytical, focusing on past results and preparing reports,” Leung explains. “In Japan, my responsibilities are forward-looking. I support business growth while also enhancing working conditions for all staff.”
Adapting to Japan’s corporate culture presented unique challenges, particularly in terms of gender dynamics. “Although Japan has made strides in promoting gender equality, the culture still tends to prioritize male perspectives, and the gender pay gap remains higher than in other countries,” Leung notes. Over time, she learned that consistent hard work and demonstrating value were key to gaining acceptance and influencing business decisions.
Working internationally has broadened Leung’s perspective in ways she could not have anticipated. “Being in a different country allows you to see varying accounting practices and understand the viewpoints of both internal and external auditors,” she explains.
The role has also enhanced her negotiation and management skills. “Understanding cultural differences is essential for communication. It’s about learning to adapt your approach, listen actively, and find solutions that work for both the business and its people,” she says. These skills have proven invaluable in bridging gaps between local practices and global standards, and in fostering collaboration across teams.
Leung credits her HKICPA qualification with providing a strong foundation for her international career. “Seminars and online courses offered by the HKICPA have been particularly useful. They help tackle challenges and provide guidance on maintaining professional relationships across cultures.”
Unlike some countries, Japan does not have reciprocal agreements with Institute members, meaning local CPA qualifications require sitting the Japanese exam. Despite this, Leung emphasizes that the HKICPA designation equips members with the professional techniques, ethical grounding, and credibility to succeed in international roles, even without local certification.
“Your HKICPA training gives you the technical foundation, but understanding local business practices and adapting your approach is what makes you successful internationally.”
A critical aspect of Leung’s work is harmonizing local practices with global standards. “The key is to find a mutual solution that aligns with accounting standards while also reflecting what the business needs,” she explains. By providing logical explanations and highlighting long-term impacts, she ensures that compliance and business objectives coexist effectively.
This balancing act requires not just technical expertise but also diplomacy and foresight. “It’s about being both a guardian of standards and a facilitator for the business,” Leung says.
A pivotal moment in Leung’s career came seven years ago when she took on the role of Business Manager for an entity in Japan. The position extended beyond accounting, covering end-to-end business operations. “That experience allowed me to see the business from multiple angles and enhanced my leadership skills,” she reflects. “I learned how decisions in finance impact operations, HR, and customer experience, and vice versa. It was a comprehensive lesson in integrated thinking and cross-functional management.”
Drawing on her journey, Leung offers practical guidance for those considering international careers. “Accept the culture of the country you are working in and be willing to work in companies of different sizes. Each environment offers unique insights and opportunities to analyse accounting treatments from various angles.”
She emphasizes that the combination of technical expertise and cultural adaptability is essential. “Your HKICPA training gives you the technical foundation, but understanding local business practices and adapting your approach is what makes you successful internationally.”
Compliance and governance in Australia
Vivian Chan’s career took a new direction when she transitioned from Hong Kong’s financial services sector to the education industry in Melbourne.
Her current work as Senior Advisor, Compliance and Assurance at Box Hill Institute contrasts with her previous experience back home. “Compared with my previous experience in Hong Kong, which was predominantly in multinational insurance companies focusing on anti-money laundering, data protection, and internal audit, my current role is broader in scope. It requires applying compliance principles to an educational institution, where regulations and stakeholders differ significantly from the financial services sector.”
One of the key challenges Chan faced was adapting to the local regulatory environment. “Unlike Hong Kong, where financial regulations are highly centralized and familiar to me, here the compliance requirements are spread across different education and government frameworks. To overcome this, I invested time in learning local regulations, actively engaging with peers, and attending relevant seminars.”
Adjusting to the cultural nuances of the Australian workplace also required adaptation. “In Australia, there is a more informal and collaborative approach, including the expectation of small talk in daily interactions, which was not something I was used to in Hong Kong’s more fast-paced and hierarchical environment. At first, this felt challenging, but I learned to see it as a way of building rapport and strengthening working relationships. By being open to this cultural difference, and practicing it with colleagues, I became more comfortable and integrated into the team and colleagues from different departments.”
Working abroad has strengthened Chan’s technical and interpersonal skills. “Working in Melbourne has enhanced my adaptability and broadened my compliance expertise beyond financial services. I have gained a deeper understanding of the regulation regime in the education sector, which involves a different set of regulatory expectations, from student welfare to government funding compliance. I have also developed stronger cross-cultural communication skills, which are critical in a diverse workplace. Most importantly, I have grown in resilience and flexibility, learning how to transfer core compliance skills into a new industry and regulatory context.”
She adds that being in a new environment forced her out of her comfort zone. “It pushed me to become more resourceful and independent. I learned to quickly assess unfamiliar situations, ask the right questions, and build networks of support.”
“I learned to quickly assess unfamiliar situations, ask the right questions, and build networks of support.”
Chan has also enhanced her emotional intelligence and cross-cultural awareness. “In Melbourne, I work with colleagues and stakeholders from very diverse backgrounds, so I’ve developed the ability to adapt my communication style, listen more actively, and build trust across different perspectives. These are skills that I might not have developed as deeply had I stayed in a familiar environment.”
Her HKICPA qualification has been central to her international success. “It gave me a strong technical foundation in accounting, auditing, and compliance, as well as a disciplined approach to professional ethics and integrity. These skills have been critical to succeeding in an international environment, where regulatory frameworks may differ but the principles of accountability and governance remain universal.”
Chan also leveraged the HKICPA’s Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with CPA Australia to gain local membership. “This has been invaluable to my career, as it not only provided professional recognition in the Australian market but also strengthened my credibility when engaging with local regulators, auditors, and stakeholders. It has helped smooth my transition into the education sector here, and it reassures employers of my professional standing.”
A defining experience for Chan was transitioning from financial services in Hong Kong to the education sector in Australia. “At first, I was concerned whether my skill set would fully translate. However, through taking ownership of the Policies and Procedures Uplift Project, which is aimed at reviewing and updating existing policies and procedures, and supporting the implementation of compliance frameworks at Box Hill Institute, I proved to myself that core compliance and governance principles are highly transferable. This experience boosted my confidence, expanded my professional network, and reaffirmed my ability to grow beyond one sector.”
Denmark’s start-up scene
When Keith Tam made the leap from Hong Kong to Denmark, it was more than a change of workplace – it was a transformation in leadership and perspective.
His journey began in the dynamic bustling corporate and tech scene of Hong Kong. “During my six years at Alibaba, I worked on the company’s U.S. IPO and was responsible for technical accounting, financial reporting, and investment/M&A across multiple business units, which gave me deep exposure to complex transactions and large-scale global operations,” says Tam, now CFO of ATLANT 3D in Copenhagen. “In my current role, the scope is broader and far more strategic. I lead the company’s financial strategy, fundraising, and cross-functional operations, while partnering closely with the CEO to shape the business narrative for global investors. The focus has shifted from execution to vision-setting, scaling, and long-term value creation.”
Before joining ATLANT 3D, Tam served as Director of Finance at Dreamdata, a Danish SaaS start-up. There, he built the finance function from scratch, led Series A fundraising, and implemented SaaS metrics dashboards that gave investors and the board real-time visibility into growth metrics. “It was a very operational and entrepreneurial role,” he explains. “I learned how to translate financial data into insights that guide decisions and drive business growth.”
Tam recalls that the communication style was initially the most striking difference. “Danish business culture is far more direct and straightforward than in Hong Kong, where communication tends to be more nuanced. It took some time to adjust, but I came to value the clarity and efficiency of this approach and aligned my own leadership style accordingly.”
Motivating teams also required recalibration. “In Hong Kong, career progression and financial incentives drive performance. In Denmark, people value work-life balance, autonomy, and consensus. I had to rethink leadership, focusing more on empowering teams, fostering trust, and creating alignment around shared goals rather than top-down direction.” On the technical side, Tam also navigated new reporting standards, local compliance requirements, and different software and processes. “While IFRS and U.S. GAAP were familiar, adapting to local practices required flexibility and continuous learning. That process enhanced my appreciation for how business and culture intersect globally.”
Tam credits his international experience with broadening his perspective beyond finance. “I’ve become a more strategic, globally minded leader, comfortable operating at the intersection of finance, technology, and business strategy,” he says. Exposure to both Eastern and Western business environments has given him unique insights: in Asia, speed and execution drive results; in Europe, consensus and sustainability guide long-term success. Combining these philosophies enables me to lead with agility and purpose.”
“Don’t hesitate to bring your Hong Kong experience – your speed, discipline, and technical rigor.”
The HKICPA qualification has been a cornerstone of Tam’s international success. “It gave me a solid technical foundation in IFRS and auditing, which has been critical from IPOs to scaling technology start-ups in Europe,” he notes.
Balancing global accounting frameworks with local requirements is central to Tam’s work. “I start with IFRS and U.S. GAAP as a consistent base and adapt to local rules. I don’t see it as a clash – it’s an opportunity to blend global best practices with local realities,” he explains. Leveraging technology, particularly AI tools, helps him analyse differences in reporting efficiently, while collaboration with local auditors ensures filings meet all country-specific requirements. The result is stronger governance and trust with investors.
He reminds Institute members considering international work that technical expertise will always be a good foundation, “but success abroad depends on adaptability, communication, and cultural awareness.” he says. “Be proactive in building networks and learning the local context, but don’t hesitate to bring your Hong Kong experience – your speed, discipline, and technical rigor. That combination of global standards with local adaptability is what makes you valuable internationally.”
Canadian culture
Since moving to Canada in 2012, Pinky Law has carved out a distinctive role in corporate restructuring. “I specialize in formal and informal restructuring and insolvency mandates, and have acted as advisor to corporate debtors, boards, lenders and other stakeholders facing financial difficulties,” says Law, Senior Director, North America Corporate Restructuring Group at Alvarez & Marsal Canada ULC in Vancouver, BC.
Her work continues the path she started in Hong Kong. She previously worked in turnaround and restructuring at KPMG Hong Kong. “The nature of the work is similar but insolvency and restructuring is subject to local statutes, so the processes are different,” she says.
While the fundamentals of advising distressed companies remain, the rules and procedures of the Canadian legal and regulatory environment required careful study. “The biggest professional challenge was having to learn the Canadian insolvency regime. While all of the Canadian provinces, except Quebec, follow the common law system (same as Hong Kong), the laws are different. Having to learn the federal statutes including the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, as well as appreciating the differences in provincial statutes (e.g. each province has their own employment standards or tenancy acts, to name a few), took a bit of effort.”
Law also navigated the professional licensing requirements in Canada, where aspiring insolvency and restructuring professionals would need to obtain the Licensed Insolvency Trustee designation. “It is a license granted by the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, and to attain that, we are also required to obtain the Chartered Insolvency and Restructuring Professional designation,” she explains. “Going through the programme helped me with understanding the insolvency regime. The on-the-job training also played a big part.”
Working in Canada has also fostered personal growth and cultural awareness. “I learned to appreciate and respect cultural differences and practices. Canada is a multicultural country, and Vancouver especially is a gateway to Asia-Pacific where a lot of immigrants (myself included) decide to call it their home. When dealing with clients, debtors, creditors, and even internally, we have to be mindful of any potential cultural differences, which would help us better navigate relationships with stakeholders.”
Law cites the HKICPA qualification as a key factor allowing her to seamlessly transfer from KPMG Hong Kong to KPMG Canada. “I also took advantage of the Reciprocal Membership Agreement (RMA) to obtain my CA (now CPA, CA),” she adds. The recognition of her professional credentials facilitated her entry into the Canadian market and reinforced her credibility with clients and colleagues.
“Try to find a HKICPA member in the country you wish to move to, and see if they can provide you with some guidance.”
While accounting is not the central focus of her role, Law highlights the value of technical knowledge. “Having general accounting knowledge is helpful, especially when reviewing financial statements for companies with cross-border operations.”
Law also credits Alvarez & Marsal with supporting her professional growth through coaching. “I had monthly sessions with my coach for about six months. This was very helpful in learning about who I am, how to overcome imposter syndrome and be more confident at work. I would recommend mentorship to all professionals trying to further their career.”
She urges members considering a big move to make use of any of the RMAs or MRAs the Institute shares with other organizations. “Try to find a HKICPA member in the country you wish to move to, and see if they can provide you with some guidance.”
Overcoming obstacles in Italy
In Italy, Jacka Wong has found herself operating at the centre of decision-making. She has been working at Maschio Gaspardo S.p.A., an Italian company that manufactures and sells agricultural machinery, since 2022. “As the Group Controller for an Italian multinational company, I have the chance to work closely with the board of directors and shareholders,” she says. “This was challenging but has pushed me to grow up a lot.” The role demands both technical precision and the confidence to contribute at the highest level of the organization.
For her, working across jurisdictions means mastering not only accounting principles but also the complex links between business operations and tax legislation – an area that has demanded detailed research and persistence. “The biggest professional challenge I’ve faced is regarding the transfer pricing advance ruling,” Wong explains. “That requires a thorough understanding of the business model, segmental analysis of the financial reporting and business and tax law.”
Wong notes that working abroad has been a deeply personal learning experience. “It has helped me to grow independence and to have more responsibility for myself and for others,” she says. “It may be frustrating and lonely sometimes, but the satisfaction of overcoming the obstacles, and staying faithful to my work duties, and finding supportive people, certainly makes it worth it.”
That independence has become one of her defining strengths. The experience of solving problems far from home has reinforced her confidence and sense of purpose.
The CPA qualification, she says, has played a key part in her international career. “The HKICPA qualification is one of the important points that has attracted the attention of my employers. It equipped me with the professional techniques and ethical standards to provide a qualified work.”
The Institute’s global recognition has also eased her professional mobility. “Its agreements with other countries benefited me as I quickly got recognized on a professional level when I worked with colleagues in other subsidiaries.”
Wong’s approach to balancing different accounting frameworks is simple and cooperative. “I like to listen and understand the local standards first, and try to integrate them with global standards in a way that ensures smooth and cohesive execution.”
“I like to listen and understand the local standards first, and try to integrate them with global standards in a way that ensures smooth and cohesive execution.”
Her emphasis on listening reflects the adaptability required in cross-border work, acknowledging local expertise while maintaining consistency with international principles.
Beyond technical ability, Wong credits a personal practice with helping her maintain clarity in demanding situations. “I would say that Transcendental Meditation has made a significant impact on both my career and personal growth,” she notes. “I find myself more focused and clear when making decisions.”
Members thinking about moving overseas should give themselves time to think, Wong says. “Try living in that place for at least two months before you make your decision.”
Her suggestion reflects her own thoughtful approach to career choices, recognizing that success abroad depends on personal readiness for a new environment.
