Enjoying the Challenge of Being a Pioneer
An Interview with Alumna Tina Yiu Wai-yee
At a first glance, Alumna Tina Yiu (Sociology) would give you the impression of an optimistic lady with a positive mindset, as well as a lady with endless energy. Tina loves sports and befriends like-minded people. It turns out that she has been a veteran in the marketing and public relations industry for many years. A career-minded executive, she always wears a smile on her face.
Widening Social Contacts and Circle of Friends
As to why she chose to study sociology at HKBU, Tina explained that it was because, at that time, she had harboured a great interest in the behaviour of individuals, and liked to pursue the study of society and the pattern of social relationships and interactions. “The fact that sociology applies scientific methods in solving societal problems arouses my curiosity. Through the study of sociology, I hope to find innovative ways to solve existing social problems.”
During her student days at HKBU, Tina said she had many unforgettable experiences, one of which was joining study tours to Taiwan and Shanghai. The tours were indeed mind-boggling and had also widened her circle of friends encompassing those from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Mainland. The friendships Tina had forged, including those who were Christians, and the connections she made during the tours, have never faded. “Even though my baptism took place years ago before I got admitted to HKBU, my faith in God and my own conviction in the values of life took root during my days at the University.”
The Turning Point in Her Career
On graduation, Tina started working in the advertising and public relations field. She first joined an advertising agency serving as an account executive. Later she was recruited by The Coca-Cola Company to help start up business in mainland China. Henceforth, Tina had been residing in Shanghai and Beijing taking up various positions in the Company. She recalled that in those days, not many colleagues in Hong Kong would want to take up positions in mainland China as “pioneer”, and female colleagues were, understandably, even fewer. But to Tina, the opportunity to work on the Mainland was wonderful, one that she could not let go. So when offered a position on the Mainland, Tina, without much thought, just packed up and set off, not knowing that this decision started her long and rewarding career.
Tina had taken up various positions at Coca-Cola China, mostly on the marketing and operations side. When it comes to the most unforgettable experience in her career on the Mainland, she said it would be the time when China was preparing for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. She was then the Franchise General Manager for the “Official Olympic Drink” portfolio of Coca-Cola China. In that capacity, she took full responsibility in working with government officials on all matters regarding the “Official Olympic Drink” and at the same time, improving the brand awareness during the Games. This task is a once-in-a-life time opportunity for her. The job helped enhance her understanding of various cultures through working with stakeholders from all over the world.
The Three “P” Principles
At Coca-Cola China, Tina had to supervise several teams that came from different parts of China. It took her quite some time to instil the concept of team-work among team members. At the same time, she was always willing to listen attentively to their ideas and input. “Looking back now, these experiences enabled me to develop empathy for others.” Tina pointed out that working in a fast-moving consumer industry allowed her to be more consumer focused. She believed that her studies in sociology had been a great help in advancing her career at Coca-Cola China.
A word of wisdom to HKBU young alumni, Tina said she cannot emphasise more the importance of the three “P” principles in one’s career: Be Persistent, Positive and Proactive. Besides, she believes that crisis management is also extremely important to a manager. It is a technique that cannot be acquired through academic studies, but reaped via a long-term honing on the job. Furthermore, sensitivity to cultures and politics is also another desirable attribute of a manager. Young people in the public relations field should possess boundless curiosity in the profession. They should aggressively expand their spheres of work across various levels and from different perspectives to prepare themselves for future career advancement.
Dedicated to Nurturing Young People
Upon returning to Hong Kong, Tina set up a consulting company which aims at helping young people to advance in their career. At the same time, she has been playing an active role in the HKBU “Mentoring for Success Scheme”, providing mentoring service for students. For the days ahead, she has already decided to allocate her time to provide career counselling to young people and, through working with secondary schools, help train up future student leaders. She also hopes to acquire more counselling skills that are tailored for both students and youngsters, so as to help them establish an optimistic frame of mind and a meaningful outlook in life.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset
In her leisure time, Tina enjoys cycling and marathon races. She even goes overseas to take part in such competitions. She was somewhat disappointed because she could not take part in the KIX Senshu International Marathon Competition in Japan this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Before concluding the interview, Tina shares with readers her words of wisdom on the lifestyle to adopt: try your best to improve your physique and always think positively, because by so doing, you will then be in the best position to influence others, and be able to pass on positive energy to them.
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| Alumna Tina Yiu |
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| Alumna Yiu helped the Coca-Cola Company to enter the mainland market, which is a major turning point in her career. |
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| Alumna Yiu likes marathon races, and often goes overseas for such competitions. |
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| Alumna Yiu enjoys outdoor sports and particularly cycling. |
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| Alumna Yiu (left) goes hiking with her fellow classmates, a very healthy hobby. |
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