Lion City offers change of pace
Ng Mui Hwa has 15 years of international experience in the advertising industry. She is originally from Singapore, but spent 13 years in Hong Kong before returning to the city state in 2006.
Ms Ng moved to Hong Kong in 1990 after graduating from the National University of Singapore with a degree in Sociology and English. Within a week she had landed a regional role as an advertising executive with Ogilvy & Mather, an international advertising, marketing and public relations agency. Her job involved creating advertising strategies for clients and discussing marketing problems. She enjoyed living the 'single life' in Central, followed by time on the 'Bohemian island of Lantau', before meeting and marrying her British husband, Jon. They then moved to Mid-Levels, followed by Southside when their two boys were born.
The prospect of a family-friendly environment, greater multicultural exposure, cleaner air and more affordable accommodation prompted the return to Singapore, and Ms Ng, 45, soon found work facilitating professional development, cross-cultural leadership and team building programmes.
Comparing the two cities, Ms Ng said: 'Hong Kong is a commercially and socially dynamic place. The pace is fast and exciting. Singapore has changed a lot in the past 10 to 15 years; it is becoming more vibrant but still the pace is slower.'
In terms of working culture, Ms Ng described Hong Kong's historical and social heritage as 'always steeped in business' and 'Hongkongers are born competitive'. She said that 'Singaporeans are hot-housed into it. Hongkongers can be aggressive and assertive but they are focused, clear and sharp with work'.
Ms Ng added: 'Hongkongers are generally more entrepreneurial, more business minded, more willing to take risks. They are generally willing to put in longer hours. Singaporeans work hard and are responsible, but tend to take less ownership, focusing on 'doing what I have been told to do.''
Ms Ng's perception of Singaporeans versus Hongkongers is in their commonality towards family, friendships and money. They differ, however, in that Singaporeans seem to value conformity, where Hongkongers value business acumen more. Ms Ng plans to stay for the next 10 years at least in Singapore, letting her boys 'put down roots'. And she said: 'We are happy in Singapore as it suits our needs now. It is a safe and good place for families.'
