CEO Insights Magazine

As the Legal and Compliance Director based in Hong Kong, Charles provides leadership to cross-functional teams around the world to ensure that strategic legal and regulatory compliance is crucial. This role involves navigating the intricate information security regulations and international standards, offering counsel on corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. In this capacity, Charles stands out for his adeptness in legal strategy and risk mitigation.

With robust educational background and certifications in ISO standards and risk management, Charles brings a wealth of expertise to his leadership role. His tenure at Faria Education Group and the World Organization of the Scout Movement showcases his commitment to legal excellence and organizational integrity. Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with CEO Insights Asia magazine, Charles shares the imperious details of his journey as one of the influencing leaders in Hong Kong. Let’s delve into it.

What pivotal experiences and values shaped your decision to pursue a career in the legal services sector?

My journey into the legal services sector was ignited by a deep-seated passion to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people worldwide. Even before starting my journey with one of the largest youth organizations in the world (the World Organization of the Scout Movement), I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and guidance in shaping the futures of countless individuals.

As I navigated through different capacities within legal, compliance, risk management and governance, I found myself drawn to the intersection of law and social impact, recognizing the pivotal role legal services play in safeguarding the rights and opportunities of the next generation. Upon reflection, I realized my true calling lay in industries and services focused on nurturing educational growth and professional development of individuals, empowering them to navigate through complexities with confidence and resilience, transcending mere corporate objectives.

How do you utilize your rich experience from your field of expertise to drive growth and add value to the group?

My decision to join Faria was fueled by a heartfelt commitment to empower young minds through innovative online technology contributing to formal education. Every day, I collaborate with dedicated teams, not just colleagues, but partners in our collective pursuit of safely enhancing educational excellence. Together, we navigate the intricate landscape of legal compliance, ensuring that our operations and services not only meet regulatory standards but also taking proactive steps to reflect our unwavering commitment to integrity and ethics.

But beyond the boardrooms and legal documents, what truly drives me is the knowledge that our work impacts the lives of countless students around the globe. Whether it's developing cutting-edge learning tools or providing strategic counsel, each action we take brings us closer to our shared goal of transforming education and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

How do you approach risk management, including the identification and mitigation of potential threats that may impact the organization's operations and objectives?

My approach to risk management revolves around a comprehensive, risk-based strategy ingrained in every facet of our projects and operations. From legal initiatives to product development and data protection, I prioritize understanding and mitigating potential risks. During the planning phase, risk assessments are conducted to ensure gaps that could affect not only the company but also our stakeholders are addressed.

Working with the board and audit sub-committee in my previous role emphasized two critical aspects. Governance holds a pivotal role, necessitating the establishment of oversight bodies to focus on risk management strategy aligned with the board's risk appetite. Operational integration is equally vital, advocating for dedicated risk management professionals across departments to offer guidance and aid project managers in effectively identifying and addressing risks.

What future have you envisioned for yourself, as well as the organization?

Immersed in the frontier of AI innovation, I'm excited by its potential to revolutionize industries. However, I anticipate a surge in regulations, akin to those post- GDPR, particularly with the impending European Commission’s AI Act. To navigate this landscape, our organization adopts an ESG-Integrated Strategy, ensuring we remain proactive and compliant while leveraging AI as a driver of progress, not its sole creator.

Our vision entails pioneering solutions that utilize AI to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and privacy standards. By staying ahead of regulations and prioritizing sustainability, we aim to shape an AI landscape that benefits society.

In light of your strong industry experience, what advice would you like to give to the budding entrepreneurs or leaders in this field?

The importance of effective teamwork in any profession cannot be overemphasized. Collaborative efforts are vital for developing and implementing initiatives and projects that align diverse perspectives and ensure operational coherence. Every individual impacted by these must be involved in their creation, planning and execution to secure buy-in and foster a culture of ownership. Moreover, as new policies often entail change, mastering change management principles becomes imperative. To budding entrepreneurs and leaders, I advise honing change management skills as a cornerstone of leadership.

Charles Philip Chun-Wai Ng, Legal & Compliance Director, Faria Education Group

Charles Philip Chun-Wai Ng holds a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Denver. Charles has served in a dual role as Chief Risk Officer and Director of Constitutions & Legal GRC at the World Organization of the Scout Movement, and is a BSI certified ISO/IEC 27001 Internal Auditor Practitioner, a Certified Professional Risk Manager (ARiMI-CPRMTM), and a Certified Enterprise-wide Risk Manager (ARiMI-CPRMTM) as well. Charles is a recipient of the Eagle Scout Award conferred by the Boy Scouts of America.

Favorite Hobbies: Bagpipes, camping, networking, sailing, skiing, tennis, traveling, & volunteering

Favorite Cuisine: Texas Barbecue

Favorite Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins

Favorite Travel Destination: Dublin (Ireland)