Why Old School Ties Matter

They’ve lived, loved and studied together overseas, gaining an education at highly regarded universities; now #legend brings them together to find out what they’ve learned, how they earn and why old school ties matter.

Photography / Samantha Sin Location / The Iron Fairies

From Columbia University, New York

ESTHER MA Occupation: Chief executive, Prestique Class: 1992 Studied: Marketing and management What’s your favourite memory of school? Having Professor Robert Lear as my mentor. He gave me a book he authored called How to Turn Your MBA into CEO which I applied to my career. I use this book to teach my mentees who aspire to start their own businesses.

JENNIFER MAK Occupation: Fashion entrepreneur Class: 2001, 2010 Studied: Psychology and economics; business administration What was the most important thing you learned in school? I learned the importance of networking when I got to business school. Grades aren’t important in business school but the relationships you build last a lifetime.

MARIANA KOU Occupation: Equity research analyst, CLSA Class: 2009 Studied: Finance and real estate What were you like at school? I was always running around from project meetings to student club gatherings to happy hour drinks, which was an important part of MBA life. Now, I am trying to maintain a better work-life balance and slowing down to enjoy life.

SHIRLEY HSU Occupation: Chief executive, UCF Capital Studied: International finance, East Asian studies What were you like at school? I was a real geek but with a fascination for the money-power of high finance, international geopolitical development and high fashion. I’d hang out with lots of Europeans to feel cool. They wore high Italian and French fashion, drank awesome coffee and knew so much about films, romance and capital markets.

From Central Saint Martins, London

SARAH FUNG Occupation: Founder, Hula Class: 1997 Studied: Jewellery Favourite school memory? I was in the Southampton Row campus in Holborn. The building was purpose built in 1908 and is full of history. There was a large spiral staircase, high ceilings, old tiles, marble pillars, creaky corridors, amazing print rooms, wooden carvings and stained glass windows. It was so beautiful, and I felt truly blessed to be there, that it didn’t bother me that everyone swore it was haunted. 

ANSON SHUM Occupation: Co-founder, Ookonn Class: 2002 Studied: Womenswear design What were you like at school? I was quite eccentric back then – actually most fashion students were – I dyed my hair green, had piercings and an asymmetric wrap-over style. I still remember how shocked my parents were when I came back for summer holidays.

GRACE LAM Occupation: Stylist, consultant, influencer Class: 1997 Studied: Photography and fashion styling Favourite school memory? I hid in the toilet to read my degree result and thought I got a 2:1. I was thrilled, especially since I put my portfolio together in such a short period of time. My classmate pointed out that I actually received first-class-honours. I had totally misread the result.

JOSEPH LI Occupation: Founder and designer, Saami Class: 2005 Studied: Womenswear Most important thing you learned in school? Trusting my instincts and being open to change.

MICHAEL KWOK Occupation: Visual merchandiser, event designer Class: 1997 Studied: Womenswear design Most important thing you learned in school? To be open-minded, always strive for the best and that God is in the details.