Terry Kwan Chun-kit could not have imagined as a child growing up in Wan Chai that one day he would be responsible for 850 staff at one of the district's most well-known landmarks, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The director of human resources and administration is responsible for all areas of HR, including training, administration, and developing policies to maintain a dynamic and cohesive workforce during a period of expansion at the centre.
'I treat this property as my baby. I am looking at the whole body of the baby and seeing how I can make it healthier,' said Mr Kwan, 39.
His prime objective is to take advantage of the low turnover caused by a slow economic climate to concentrate on internal improvements. He wants to provide a better work environment for his staff by improving the company's medical plan, leave systems and salary ranges and organising activities to give them a chance to socialise. He will also be working closely with department heads to streamline processes, allowing them to save time and money and concentrate on training staff to provide a better service.
Despite his success, Mr Kwan has never been driven by ambition. In fact, as a Form Five student he saw his future stretching ahead without any idea what to do with it.
It was a family friend who suggested studying hotel management in Switzerland. And Mr Kwan was taken with the idea because of the freedom this would give him, and the practical skills that would, he hoped, help him to get a job.
After four happy years overseas, he set about finding himself work in a hotel in Hong Kong. He interviewed for a position as training clerk at the Kowloon Shangri-La, and convinced them to give him a job by promising not to leave.