CEO Insights Magazine

Innovation solutions offer effective approaches to tackle business challenges by introducing fresh ideas, technologies, business strategies, as well as boosting productivity and economic growth. Dr. Cecilia B S Tsui, an expert in this field, is the Founder & CEO of Green Good Future Partners and the Founder Executive Director of Innovation Forum Hong Kong. A s shown in the interview below, she holds diverse qualifications, including a Ph.D. in Quality Assurance in Higher Education, an MSt in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment, an MBA, and an MEd, Dr. Tsui brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to address complex issues. Importantly, Cecilia is a devout Catholic, a Peter Drucker Follower, and an Advocate of Chinese culture. Dr. Tsui is an inspirational leader striving for effectiveness and results. Discover more about her insights and experiences in the following interview snippets.

Please give a brief account of your professional background and experiences. What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

I have a diverse professional background and extensive experience across various sectors. I have worked for Swire Duro, Citicorp International, and in higher education. Currently, I am a serial entrepreneur, an executive, and an educator, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership advocating agile management. My mission is to balance people, planet, purpose, and profit with social responsibility to create value.

I hold a Ph.D. in Quality Assurance in Higher Education from the University College London, UK. I also have an MSt in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment from the Cambridge University Institute for Sustainability Leadership, UK, an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and an MEd from the University of Hong Kong. I am recognized as a Companion cum Chartered Manager by the Chartered Management Institute UK and as a Fellow by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors.

I value multidisciplinary knowledge and believe in the importance of lifelong learning in today's VUCA world, coupled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. I am passionate about seeking truth, goodness, health, and happiness while continuously striving for personal growth through lifelong learning.

Could you tell us about the unique experiences the University of Hong Kong offers and what did you learn from the campus beyond academics?

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) offers a unique educational experience that extends beyond academics. Studying for a Master of Education at HKU (during 1994-1996) provided me with exposure to senior education managers, school principals and leading scholars. It was a journey igniting a passion for knowledge and instilling virtuous values. The university not only focuses on academic learning but also provides students with a global perspective, cross-cultural experiences, and the enhancement of people skills.

Shortly after completing the program, I had the privilege of attending an intensive training course at the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP), UNESCO, in multicultural Paris. I had a precious chance of learning together with an elite group of education ministers of French speaking countries. This experience further shaped my vision for conducting business in cross-cultural environments.

About a decade ago, I actively promoted Chinese culture by organizing seminars and inviting successful HKU alumni as guest speakers. This noble endeavor has led to a deeper understanding of China and related philosophical cultural traditions, such as Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The extensive HKU alumni network has provided valuable insights and social capital.

Through formal education, informal learning, and various endeavors, HKU has broadened my h orizons a nd c reated o pportunities. I a m dedicated to making a positive contribution to society by collaborating with HKU alumni bodies and leveraging the knowledge and connections gained during our time at the university.

What are some of the key organizations and initiatives you have been involved in, and how are you making a positive impact with them?

In my career, I have worked in different sectors including business, education, and training, making significant contributions to various organizations. Currently, I am developing Green Good Future Partners, a consultancy focused on knowledge and technology transfers for startups and scaleups. I am also leading the Innovation Forum Hong Kong, a non-profit organization to nurture young science entrepreneurs. This platform aims to foster open innovation, as well as cross-generation and cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance innovation ecosystems.

In particular, I have partnered with Professor Joseph Maciariello to update Peter Drucker's teaching on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological change. Furthermore, I have served as the Founder Chair of Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Hong Kong, working towards organizational performance and socio-economic impacts. Overall, my work has made positive contributions to organizations at both local and global levels.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow to lead your team?

My leadership approach is based on Peter Drucker's principles of effectiveness, integrity, and a spirit of performance. I emphasize managing time, building on strengths, setting priorities, making effective decisions, and focusing on results.

I believe that leadership encompasses both management and leadership skills, requiring a balanced approach to integrate external and internal factors. As a leader, I take responsibility for strategic, business, operational, and people-related matters. Also, I strive to anticipate the future and embrace change to seize new opportunities.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

I aim to mobilize resources to support social innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and the transition to a net-zero global economy. To advance my career, I plan to acquire knowledge, skills, and networks in governance and investment. Additionally, I am interested in exploring the dynamics of Sino- UK/Sino-EU relations, trade, and development within multicultural business environments. Most importantly, I aspire to collaborate with HKU alumni bodies to make meaningful contributions to our society.

Dr. Cecilia B S Tsui, Founder & CEO, Green Good Future Partners

Dr. Cecilia is the Founder & CEO of Green Good Future Partners, and Founder Executive Director of Innovation Forum Hong Kong. With her expertise and leadership, she plays a crucial role in driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship in Hong Kong and beyond. Dr. Tsui brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her position, contributing to the growth and development of the innovation ecosystems in the region.