How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure organisational resilience?

In times of instability, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) faces challenges in maintaining market leadership, staying at the forefront of innovation and implementing strategic tourism initiatives within legal boundaries.

As Legal Director, I focus on strengthening organisational resilience by delivering practical and business-enabling legal strategies. These strategies proactively address legal risks, align with business objectives, and foster a culture of compliance and governance. By raising awareness and sensitivity of legal issues in decision making, businesses can navigate challenges more effectively and seize new opportunities with confidence.

How do you balance being a legal risk manager with being a strategic business enabler, and where do you see the biggest tensions?

The biggest tension often arises when legal considerations conflict with commercial priorities. Businesses aim to act swiftly and embrace risks to maintain a competitive edge, while legal teams advocate for caution, a role sometimes seen as a barrier to progress.

I view the tension as an opportunity for collaboration and strategic alignment. I bridge this divide by fostering clear communication, understanding the business context, and offering practical and risk-aware solutions. These solutions enable businesses to strike a delicate balance between opportunity and caution in decision making, while upholding legal integrity to the commercially possible extent.

If you could change one thing about how businesses engage with their legal teams, what would it be and why?

Active partnering with legal team early in business processes is a key to driving business success. While it is commonly perceived that legal team operates in isolation as a backend gatekeeper, fostering synergy through early legal consultation can unlock significant value.

Businesses can understand legal boundaries, anticipate risks, and make informed decisions, cultivating a culture of prevention. By integrating legal expertise from the outset, organisations can enhance resilience, support growth, and achieve more strategic outcomes.