Ir Dr Ho Chi Shing, David
Group General Manager of Hong Kong Ferry
Ir Dr Ho Chi Shing, David, Group General Manger of Hong Kong Ferry has visited CityU and shared with MBA students his extensive experience in the transport and logistics sector, as well as the recent expansion to project development and management. Dr Ho joined the Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Company Limited in 1981 and has been the Group General Manager since 1996. Throughout his 34 years of experience in public transport, Dr Ho has accumulated extensive practical knowledge of ferry operations and all aspects relating to management and regulatory and statutory compliance.
During the evening, Dr Ho has shared with our students five interesting topics and these included, the evolution of Hong Kong ferry, how does the ferry operations impacted people’s life, the role and corporate social responsibility of Hong Kong Ferry, competition between ferry and other public transports and challenges in servicing public transports industry.
The Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Company received government franchise license to supply ferry services to Hong Kong general public from 1923. Throughout the 70 years of its growth and development, Hong Kong Ferry’ service has remained a constant factor. Ferry becomes a well-known public transport in Hong Kong with passengers covering daily users and visitors who consider ferry ride is a pleasure activity. Corporate social responsibility and sustainability becomes one of the major focuses for this well established company. “A business strategy that drives long term corporate growth and profitability must have mandated the inclusion of environmental and social issues in the business model” said Dr Ho. “This concept balances the corporate needs for economic growth with environmental protection and societal progress and sustainable development sets the boundaries of societal and environmental issues, all these help define company goals.” In recent years, competitions increased dramatically because of the variety of transport options available and the operation purely provide ferry service becomes very challenging. Without changing their core business function, Hong Kong Ferry has expanded its portfolio to different areas such, property development and management and retail markets. The new expansion was welcomed by general public and contributed significantly to their company’s performance.
MBA students are overwhelmed by Dr Ho’s fruitful experience in the transport and logistics sector, as well as his positive attitude in tackling challenges and welcoming new opportunities.