MBA Connect
June 2015
MBA Connect Story:
The Free-Spirit CEO
Ming Wong, Full-time Class of 2010
Ming speaking at BioInvest 2013
"I see myself as somewhat of a free spirit, so I hope to continue being able to work in Hong Kong or possibly other parts of the world while continuing to develop and discover new and exciting projects that can benefit the world. Maybe even finding some kindred spirit or spirits who also share the same beliefs and values as I do, and we can continue to do what we feel is right, is good, and makes us happy."


Could you briefly talk about yourself before joining CUHK? What motivated you to pursue an MBA degree?

Before entering the CUHK MBA program, I was in the Life Science and Pharmaceuticals industry. My graduate studies were in molecular biology and biochemistry, so I began my working career as a scientist for various biotechnology companies until I was promoted to be the Chief Operations Officer for a start-up biotechnology company in the San Francisco Bay Area. Confronted with responsibilities and work outside of the laboratory setting, it started to broaden my thinking of what I was interested in doing and learning. Gradually, I began thinking of transitioning into the finance field with an eye on the investment field. In this regard, I felt that obtaining a MBA at CUHK would enable me to explore the opportunities available in China and the other parts of Asia, which I believe is where development is occurring at the most rapid level. It was with this eye on the future that motivated me to pursue an MBA degree.
Ming joining NUS Singapore business plan competition
What is the greatest influence that MBA has brought to you, both in terms of career progress and personal life?

Going into the MBA program, I was just a scientist trying to find ways to stay out of the lab. Coming out of it, I felt that I had both the knowledge and confidence to work and excel in different fields. I fulfilled my initial goal of working in finance as a research analyst, but realized that I had gained enough skills to give entrepreneurship a try. I’ve had the privilege of being able to utilize my experiences from MBA, MBA projects such as the CSR conference, and the networking opportunities given through MBA to allow me to grow my business. This has enabled me to continue working and living in Hong Kong, a place I have embraced as my second home, and potentially in other places across the world.

What is the best memory you have of your studies? Can you tell us a concrete story/event?

There are many great memories I have of my time during B School. Most of them, obviously, relate to all the wonderful friends I developed during my time. However, if I had to choose one particular event, it would have to be my participation in the 2009 NUS Cerebration with several of my classmates (Kuldip Chakraborty, Anand Gopalakrishnan, and Anish Kartha). It basically summed up all of the things that I learned in B School: Working together with a team, brainstorming new and exciting ideas, coming up with an effective presentation, and presenting it to the potential clients/investors. Although we came up just short of winning in the Finals in Singapore, it was a truly memorable experience with people that I consider great friends, even though we are often parted by thousands of miles.
Ming in Congo looking for Gorillas
What was the most important lesson you have learned about yourself during your studies?

I think the most important thing I've learned about myself during my studies is that I wanted to be happy. I wanted a job that I enjoy doing and felt that there was some value to the work I was doing. I didn't want to work a regular 9-6 job that made me feel like I was going through the motions. I liked having the freedom to chose what I wanted to work on, who to work with, and where to work. All this contributed to my being a happier person overall.

What is the best attitude to attract opportunities?

There is a fine line between being passionate and aggressive. I feel that you need to be right on that line or maybe even a little past it if you want to get ahead and attract opportunities Whether it be job hunting, starting your own business, or trying to attract investors, you need to show people this passion. Also, you shouldnt be daunted by failure. I've probably talked to hundreds of potential investors, partners, and collaborators. Things will often not go the way you want them, but you have to persevere and keep trying. This all aligns with showing how passionate you are. This trait definitely shines through if you are trying to find opportunities.
Ming hiking in Nepal
What kind of colorful life are you leading now?

During a stint at a boutique investment firm (Security Global Investments) in San Francisco, CA, I applied for and received a grant from the Gates Foundation for my proposal for a durable, affordable, super water-repelling coating as part of their Reinvent the Toilet initiative. This led me to leave the finance world and start Lotus Innovative Sciences, a think-tank/R&D company that specialized in coming up with solutions to global issues such as sanitation, agriculture, and carbon capture. In September of 2012, I relocated my company back to Hong Kong as part of the Bio-Incubator at the Hong Kong Science Park. Since then, we have received a second grant from the Gates Foundation, various Hong Kong government grants, and have developed and begun licensing some of our projects that have taken me across the globe including places such as Rwanda, China, Mexico, several countries in SE Asia, and other parts of the world. We are currently. While I wouldn’t say my life is colorful, I am my own boss (which entitles me to a napping couch in my office) and I feel a great sense of accomplishment and purpose with the work I am doing now.

Do you have any suggestions to those who are considering pursuing an MBA?

Have a goal but be flexible. Know why you’re getting the degree and make sure you’re going to get tangible benefits out of it. Network, Network, Network. You never know if that guy you met at the bar could be your next boss or investor. And be sure to follow up after each meeting. Also, be proactive and do things outside your comfort zone. You might find yourself confronted with a great business idea and you'll wish you took those entrepreneurship and marketing classes! Most of all, make sure you enjoy yourself. Getting an MBA is not supposed to be work and in my experience, meeting up for drinks with friends is good practice for future business meetings!
MBA Programs, CUHK Business School
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
14/F, Cheng Yu Tung Building, 12 Chak Cheung St., Shatin, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 3943 7782 | Fax: (852) 2603 6289
Email:cumba@cuhk.edu.hk | www.cuhk.edu.hk/mba