Please explain your current role and responsibilities. What drew you to the role and how is it going so far?
As Cathay’s Opportunities and Risks Manager, my core responsibility is to facilitate the implementation of the group risk management policy and provide independent oversight on its effectiveness. My team identifies the top risks facing the Cathay Group, assesses their impact and our vulnerability, and ensures mitigation measures are in place so that our exposure is within an acceptable level. We also monitor the risk profiles across business units, subsidiaries, and regions, and we report quarterly to the Board Risk Committee. I’ve always been passionate about the hospitality and tourism industry, and spent the past decade in two hotel groups. Transitioning into aviation felt like a natural next step to broaden my perspective within the sector. The aviation industry is highly technical, filled with jargon and complex processes, which makes the learning curve steep – but incredibly rewarding. I’m enjoying the challenge, and many things I’ve observed during my travels now make sense. It’s exciting to connect the dots between theory and real-world operations.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your role, and why?
The most rewarding, at the same time most challenging, aspect of my role is gaining a deep understanding of how the company manages its top risks. This involves engaging with various departments to understand their key processes, which is almost like learning how the entire company operates. It’s challenging because each meeting requires thorough preparation, active listening, and the ability to digest and organize complex information. Presenting insights to leadership also demands clarity, confidence, and open-mindedness. Yet, it’s incredibly rewarding. You get to view the company through a CEO’s lens – seeing the big picture across functions, breaking down silos, and adding value by helping protect the organization from risks. This cross-functional exposure not only sharpens strategic thinking but also reinforces the importance of collaboration and resilience in risk management. It’s a unique vantage point that blends technical depth with broad business insight.
What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting?
As an INFJ (a personality type with the introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging traits), I’m naturally drawn to roles that offer purpose and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Accounting appealed to me because I knew from the beginning that it’s not just about numbers. It’s about uncovering insights, supporting sound decisions, and helping organizations thrive. I’ve always valued clarity and logic, and accounting provides a framework to understand how businesses operate beneath the surface. It also satisfies my need for precision and organization, while allowing me to contribute in a way that protects and empowers others. The ability to analyse financial data, connect across departments, and support long-term strategy aligns perfectly with my strengths. I find fulfillment in using my analytical mindset to bring order to complexity and my intuitive nature to see the bigger picture.
What are the biggest lessons you have learned so far from work experience or managers?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being brave enough to challenge ideas – even when they come from senior management. If an argument doesn’t persuade me, I’ve learned to respectfully question it, offer alternative perspectives, and back my stance with data. This isn’t about being confrontational; it’s about being constructive and committed to sound decision-making. It takes courage, but it also earns trust and fosters better outcomes. The second lesson is to embrace lifelong learning. No matter how experienced you are, there’s always more to discover – new industries, evolving risks, emerging technologies. I’ve found that staying curious and open to learning not only keeps me relevant but also deepens my ability to connect the dots across disciplines. Whether it’s technical knowledge or interpersonal skills, continuous growth is essential. These two lessons have shaped how I approach challenges, contribute to teams, and grow as a professional.
In what ways has your CPA training or qualification helped you in your career?
My CPA qualification has been instrumental in shaping both the technical and strategic aspects of my role. On the hard skills front, it equipped me with a solid foundation in accounting and finance – critical for evaluating risks and opportunities, which ultimately tie back to financial impact. I’m able to interpret and analyse financial data, assess investment decisions, and contribute to budgeting and forecasting with confidence and precision. Equally important are the soft skills I developed. It taught me to be analytical and organized, and to support my recommendations with data-driven insights. These skills are essential in risk management, where clarity and credibility are key. Whether I’m reviewing risk mitigation strategies or presenting to senior leadership, my CPA background helps me approach challenges with structure and rigor. It’s a qualification that continues to add value across all dimensions of my career.
