Q: Paul, could you tell us about your career journey? How did you transition into talent acquisition?
Absolutely. I actually started in hospitality - my first job was at a hotel in Hong Kong when I was 16. That early experience lit the spark for my career, and I studied hotel management in Switzerland. After working in some of the world's top hotel groups across the Middle East and Asia, I realized my passion wasn’t just for hospitality - it was for people.
What truly gave me satisfaction was helping my team grow. That naturally led me into human resources, and I’ve been in talent acquisition for over 16 years now. From recruitment agencies to gaming operations in Macau, and now HKJC, my focus has remained the same: enabling organizations through the power of the right people.
Q: What drew you to HKJC and what excites you about your role?
HKJC is deeply embedded in the fabric of Hong Kong. I grew up around the Club - I used to visit the clubhouse as a kid! So, joining HKJC felt like a full-circle moment. What’s exciting is that this organization is not only 140 years old but also constantly evolving. Whether it's launching major ventures in China or enhancing operations in Hong Kong, we’re always moving forward. The club also has a singular purpose, which is to act for the betterment of society. This deeply resonates with me. Being in talent acquisition at this stage of growth is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: Can you share a defining moment in your career?
Yes, that would be my very first job. I wrote letters to hotel general managers in Hong Kong, and one of them, the GM at the Regent, gave me a shot at age 16. That role taught me the power of trust and opportunity. My boss didn’t treat me like a kid. He gave me real projects with impact. That shaped how I lead today - I believe in empowering people and giving them room to grow.
Q: How would you describe Hong Kong’s evolving work culture?
It’s a work-hard culture, historically. But COVID shifted perspectives. The idea of work-life balance became more fluid - it's about managing priorities, not achieving a perfect balance. People now seek more control and flexibility. And employers need to respond to that shift with more empathy and adaptability.
Helping HR, talent acquisition, employer branding, and company culture professionals find careers worth smiling about.
Q: How does HKJC foster inclusion and employee well-being?
We focus on making everyone feel they belong - whether you're a new parent, part of an ethnic minority, or living with a disability. We offer access to wellness facilities, inclusive policies, and flexible arrangements. We believe in creating an environment where people can be their authentic selves and thrive.
Q: What’s been the Club’s approach to employer branding?
We’ve shifted from a passive to a proactive model. People already know us, but we wanted them to understand us. Our most powerful advocates are our employees. Through programs like the IT Talent Ambassador initiative, we enabled real, unfiltered storytelling. The results were phenomenal - over 700 employee-generated posts and 400,000+ unique views on LinkedIn in a year.
Q: What sets Hong Kong’s top employers apart?
Their uniqueness. Each company has a DNA, a purpose. The best companies resonate deeply with employees. Whether it's a local or multinational firm, what matters is how well they connect with individuals and enable them to do meaningful work. That’s the real differentiator.
Q: What about attracting top talent - what works best for HKJC?
You can’t wait for talent to come to you. We go out into the community. Face-to-face engagement across Hong Kong helps us build connections and trust. Especially post-COVID, people value human contact. That grassroots approach has become our competitive advantage.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you think HKJC meets employee needs today?
I think it’s hard to choose a number! Because we’re always on a journey - we’re investing in better tech to allow for a more seamless digital workplace, we’re reimagining our physical spaces to enable greater collaboration and engagement, and we’re refining how we listen to and communicate with all our employees. We have over 20,000 employees working across multiple locations, and each of them have their needs and expectations – we’ve got to evolve constantly to stay aligned with our employees.
Q: What’s next for you and the Club?
Our focus is on supporting our expanding operations in mainland China, especially the launch of the Conghua Racecourse in 2026. It's a massive undertaking with a short timeline. Personally, it's exciting to work on our strategic initiatives for mainland China, and professionally, it's like building a startup within an established institution.
In addition, we’re also working on some exciting developments around our sports and entertainment offerings here in Hong Kong!
Q: Final thoughts - what advice would you give business leaders about attracting talent?
Be transparent. Be honest about who you are, what you offer, and what you expect. And above all, do no harm. Don’t hire someone just because they’re great on paper - make sure they’re right for your culture. It’s about long-term alignment, not short-term wins.
Thank you, Paul, for the candid and insightful conversation! Stay tuned as we continue to explore the people and perspectives shaping the future of work in Hong Kong.
About Paul
Though Paul isn’t ethnically Chinese, he proudly proclaims himself to be “more hongkie than most.” Born and raised in Hong Kong, his deep roots trace back to the early 1960s when his parents first settled there. Despite having lived in six different countries - from Europe to the Middle East and the U.S. - Paul says he has only ever felt truly at home in Hong Kong. It’s a place he praises for its resilience, adaptability, and unique ability to reinvent itself in the face of adversity. This profound connection is personal and cultural: he holds a Hong Kong passport, enjoys late-night street food adventures in Mongkok, and cherishes the freedom and diversity the city offers.
“There are no stereotypes in Hong Kong,” he says, “You can do what you want to do, and you can be what you want to be.”
That sense of belonging, fluid identity, and enduring optimism for Hong Kong’s future is central to both his personal ethos and his professional outlook.
About HKJC: Inside the HKJC and Hong Kong’s Evolving Work Culture
One venue, infinite vibes: HKJC proves a workplace can moonlight as Hong Kong’s greatest mash-up of sport, culture, and skyline swagger.
Paul offers a rare glimpse into the The Hong Kong Jockey Club, an institution that, while widely recognized, surprises many with the breadth and depth of its contributions to society and the diversity of its operations.
“Everyone in Hong Kong knows The Hong Kong Jockey Club, but many are unaware of just how much more there is to us!”
he says, pointing out the Club’s surprising scale and complexity, including its 89 retail branches and community-integrated spaces. More than just a workplace, the Club is a microcosm of Hong Kong society, constantly revealing new layers and opportunities. At the heart of its culture is a shared purpose, contributing to the betterment of the city, which creates a deep sense of accountability and drive among employees.
On the broader question of work culture, Paul notes an ongoing transformation. While Hong Kong remains rooted in a strong work ethic, there is a growing appreciation for work-life balance. HKJC itself seeks out independent, driven individuals who align with its mission and values. The result is a unified yet dynamic culture, one that offers both the pressure of high expectations and the reward of meaningful societal impact.
“You’re always discovering something new at HKJC,” Paul reflects. “And that makes it a place where you’re always pushing yourself to do better, because you know how important the work we do is.”
Takeaways:
From Hotels to HR: Purpose Drives Career Growth
Paul’s journey from hospitality to HR highlights how purpose, not just profession, shapes long-term success in talent acquisition.
HKJC’s Employer Brand is Built on Purpose, Not Perks
With a 140-year legacy and a mission to better society, HKJC attracts talent by aligning roles with real-world impact, not just corporate benefits.
Employee Advocacy Powers Employer Branding at Scale
HKJC’s IT Talent Ambassador program generated over 700 employee posts and 400,000+ LinkedIn views, proving the ROI of authentic storytelling.
Hong Kong’s Work Culture is Evolving, Fast
Post-COVID, there’s a shift toward flexibility, empathy, and work-life integration; employers who adapt will lead the talent race.
Inclusion and Belonging Are Strategic Priorities at HKJC
From wellness initiatives to flexible policies, HKJC is fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel empowered and supported.
Community Engagement Is a Talent Magnet
HKJC doesn’t wait for talent to apply; they build relationships through face-to-face community outreach across Hong Kong.
Transparency and Fit Beat Flashy Offers
Paul advises employers to focus on cultural fit and long-term alignment rather than short-term hires driven by CVs alone.
The Future of Work at HKJC Is Ambitious
With major expansion plans in China, including the Conghua Racecourse, HKJC is combining legacy with innovation to attract top talent.
Authentic Culture Beats Corporate Stereotypes
Paul’s reflections on Hong Kong, its identity, resilience, and openness mirror the kind of culture modern talent seeks in a workplace.
Work With Purpose, Stay for Impact
HKJC’s unified mission creates a high-performance environment where people stay challenged, fulfilled, and proud of their contribution.
EBN
