Fatherhood helps with leadership

In his role as chief executive officer of AsiaWorld-Expo Management, Allen Ha Wing-on can draw on extensive experience in developing major real estate projects and the exhibition and convention industry. During his career, he has held senior management positions with Hong Kong's Airport Authority, Macau International Airport and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre among others. Ha has a proven track record in business administration, venue management and commercial tenders. He has been involved in a range of development projects in Hong Kong, other parts of Asia and major cities in Europe and Canada. As a key member of the team representing Hong Kong, he has also helped negotiate with mainland authorities on major land acquisitions. He talks to Jan Chan

What attracted you to the exhibition sector?

Throughout my career, I have always been involved in property and project developments, including residential and commercial, airports and public assembly venues.

I have had the opportunity to work on these from the conceptual stage through to actual completion and operation. This was also the case with AsiaWorld-Expo, as I got involved even before there was a construction site. What I've found is that running a convention and exhibition centre is very similar to running other real estate projects.

What does your present role involve?

As chief executive, I am responsible for steering the company towards its vision, mission and values. In doing so, we try to achieve the business and financial objectives while also delivering returns for our shareholders. As AsiaWorld-Expo is primarily a publicly financed venture, we are also accountable to the public sector's shareholders.