Student Reporter: Ms Ip Pui Yin Brittany  (COMM/2)
Student Translator: Ms Hau Wing Yin Pinky (TRAN/4)

The 32^nd Alumni Talk was co-organised by the College and the College Alumni Association (UCAA) on 20 March 2025 at the Staff Common Room. Held in the form of a high-table dinner, nearly 50 guests and students gathered for a buffet dinner, followed by an Alumni Talk by our guest speaker, Ms Shum Wai Ling Hester, Group Chief Human Resources Officer of PCCW Group, on the topic of “Defying Gravity”.

Ms Shum graduated in 1989 and has over 30 years of experience in strategic human resource management across various industries, including aviation, trade, and telecommunications. She has held HR leadership roles in multiple companies from the Fortune Global 500 and major listed companies in Hong Kong, and is currently the Group Chief Human Resources Officer of PCCW Group.

From Stability to the Unknown

Born into a public servant family, Ms Shum was expected to follow the same secure career path. Hence, after graduating from CUHK in 1989, she deservedly became a government Executive Officer—a stable job that countless people dream of. But three years later, she made a shocking decision: resigning from her civil job to join Cathay Pacific, venturing into the unfamiliar field of HR at half her previous salary.

She admits that careers often begin by chance, and it was a coincidence for her to enter the human resources field. “Looking at a candidate without relevant experience, the interviewer shared, ‘HR is about common sense, and we see a high potential in your adaptability to situations.” This became her first lesson in HR: “to hire for potential”. Although she was offered the opportunity to transfer to the Strategic Purchasing Department, she chose to stay in HR. From Cathay Pacific to Intel, PCCW to Li & Fung, she has worked for eight companies and even completed her Master’s degree during her pregnancy. With her passion for people and relentless resilience, she has broadened her horizons and accumulated practical experience step by step.

HR: More than Hiring and Firing

As a mother of two daughters, Ms Shum laughs that her daughters once concluded her job as “hiring and firing”people. However, she believes that the role of HR goes far beyond that to bridging individuals and organisations, discovering people’s potential, witnessing team growth, and creating shared value between companies and employees.

When orchestrating through the HR digital transformation journey, she did not impose the model from the Hong Kong headquarters on the international teams. Instead, she visited various cities and discussed with the local HR teams about their specific needs. “The best strategy fails without feasible execution.” She also added that true change requires the balance of “people, processes, and technology”, gradually breaking down problems and evaluating feasibility, rather than merely changing for the sake of change. She firmly believes that the core of corporate growth lies in talent, and transformation is never a “one-size-fits-all”approach, but rather a strategic adjustment based on anunderstanding of the company’s heritage. Only after deeply understanding the culture and values, and discovering existing strengths and opportunities in the operations, can we integrate new thinking with the original system and promote long-term substainable transformation.

Unlearn to Learn: The More You Forget, the Faster You Can Learn

Ms Shum mentioned that when she was leading a team at PCCW, there were often diverse ideas between senior staff and fresh-graduate trainees. She opined that differences often spark new employees’ growth and allow seniors to obtain fresh perspectives. “You must empty half the cup to refill with new water.”  She believes we can absorb new knowledge only by shedding old assumptions with an open mind.

She also shared a frightening experience of a business trip, where she was navigating foreign streets without signs and unable to communicate with the local people, stressing that adaptability comes from embracing cultural shocks with an open mind. Despite her busy work schedule, she continued to learn and pursue further studies—from Macquarie University’s Master’s program to MIT’s Executive Leadership Program. Outside of work, she’s a very different person — she loves baking and hiking, and once baked 200 cookies for her team during the pandemic.  “Half a glass of water can be half full, and also be half empty”. Instead of complaining about the limitations brought by the pandemic, we can always opt to learn new skills and create new opportunities amidst the adversity.”

Authenticity Wins

When it comes to interviews and recruitment, she sees them as a two-way selection process. “Instead of reciting standard answers, it is better to present your real self with sincerity.” She pointed out that artificial intelligence is ushering humanity into an era where professional knowledge, once rare, is now widespread and easily accessible. Knowledge is no longer a threshold of competition, and our future belongs to those who can leverage their wisdom with technology.

She reminds fresh graduates to build their personal brand and to maintain a professional attitude whether they are joining or leaving the job. For example, they should take the initiative to complete the handover after resignation, clearly explain their work to the colleagues taking over, and maintain a good and harmonious relationship with the former company. In the workplace, how you leave speaks about your maturity.

She credits three mentors in her life: her last boss in the government department, who guided her the operation of the whole system; her hiring manager at Cathay Pacific Manpower Resourcing Team, who taught her to believe in potential; and the PRC Chairman of Cisco Systems, whose leadership style blending faith in talent with an adventurous vision.  They all became role models for her future leadership. She said with a smile that it was the kind of understanding and trust in people that shaped her management style.

Stop Overthinking, Start Doing

“Don’t just worry: discover your passion through social clubs or volunteer work.” Reflecting on her time in the United College Drama Club, she pointed out that peer collaboration often sparks more inspiration than in classroom learning. She encourages students to engage more with teachers and seniors to develop a more expansive worldview. Finally, she concluded by quoting a line from the song “Defying Gravity” in the musical “Wicked”: “It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes: and leap!.” Dare to break the boundaries, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace change.