The modern economy relies significantly on the banking sector, which serves as the principal source of credit. It facilitates financial support for individuals purchasing assets such as cars and homes, aiding businesses in acquiring equipment, expanding their activities, and meeting payroll obligations. Dah Sing Bank operates as a fully-owned subsidiary of Dah Sing Banking Group, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Dah Sing Bank has consistently offered high-quality banking products and services with a history spanning over 75 years since its establishment in Hong Kong. Amy Chan, a seasoned industry professional, holds the position of General Manager and Group Head of Human Resources at Dah Sing Bank. Her wealth of knowledge and expertise has played a pivotal role in the notable success of the organization.

In a candid interview, Amy opened up about her industry experience, providing insights into the workings of the organization and the internal operations of the industry.

Guide us through the early years of your life. What were significant early influences that moulded your identity as an individual?

From an early age, my inclination towards professionalism drove me to consistently surpass expectations. Raised in a financially modest household with working parents, I developed independence and problem-solving skills, often taking charge of household tasks. A notable instance involved self-learning how to braid my hair when my mother couldn't due to work commitments.

Additionally, a transformative experiential training program during my early career crystallized my values, particularly emphasizing commitment and punctuality as expressions of respect. This understanding led me to diligently plan and organize, redefining my behaviour and contributing significantly to shaping my character, reputation, and personal brand over time.

What prompted you to enter the realm of Human Resources, and could you guide us through the initial phase of your professional expedition in this field?

To be transparent, I entered the workforce at 16, juggling part-time and contract roles before graduating. During a summer job, an HR manager pointed out my approachable and personable nature which ultimately steered me towards HR. After my bachelor's, I pursued an additional year in HR management, officially entering the field. In my initial post-graduation role, I dedicated long hours not for promotion but to fulfil responsibilities. Despite a seemingly ordinary career path, I uphold key principles: delivering my best in every task, challenging the status quo, and committing to continuous learning. Knowledge evolves through stages, from knowing what I know to recognizing unknowns.

"Authentic Leadership, Prioritizing Value Addition Over Monetary Pursuits, Contributes To Building A Positive Reputation Over Time"

Share insights into the areas of expertise you've cultivated throughout your tenure as an HR leader in the banking sector.

While I hesitate to label them as areas of expertise, I can offer examples. One such area would be strategic formulation. In my earlier years, I perceived strategy as an elusive concept, complex and shrouded in secrecy, akin to a closely guarded recipe. My perspective shifted when I encountered the Gallup Strengths Finder assessment tool, which identifies 34 strengths based on interviews with 2 million individuals worldwide. Surprisingly, my top strength was identified as 'strategy'. Despite my scepticism, this revelation sparked my interest in understanding and potentially developing this aspect of my potential. The turning point came when my current employer mandated non-control units to craft medium-term strategies every five years. In navigating this unfamiliar terrain, I delved into the realm of the unknown, exploring aspects I hadn't encountered or learned before. Through this process, as I composed my HR strategy, I grappled with considerations such as required expertise and relevant content, receiving valuable feedback. This endeavour significantly contributed to enhancing my competency in strategy formulation.

Introduce Dah Sing Bank and elaborate on your role as the General Manager and Group Head of Human Resources, outlining the diverse responsibilities you manage within the company.

Dah Sing Bank, a local institution with a long history in Hong Kong, covers a wide range of banking products and services, extending its reach to subsidiaries in Macau and mainland China. As the General Manager and Group Head of Human Resources, my role involves overseeing HR functions for Hong Kong and providing functional oversight for Macau and mainland China. I also serve as the Code of Conduct Officer and secretary of the remuneration committee. Implementing bank strategies requires influencing key leaders and gaining buy-in from stakeholders, presenting a challenge. Managing people, considering factors like preferences and emotions remains the most complex aspect. My continuous learning approach involves anticipating responses, ensuring proposed solutions align with stakeholder needs, and fostering effective communication and cooperation.

How do you anticipate the progression of women's participation in banking shortly, and what strategies can be employed to encourage more women to venture into the field?

In Hong Kong, the gender dynamics differ from other regions, with a relatively equal status for men and women. The primary challenge lies in women's responsibilities related to childbirth, requiring time and resources for pregnancy, recovery, and childcare. Despite this, in professions like human resources, where attention to detail and empathy are crucial, women have excelled, constituting a significant majority. The key to overcoming challenges for women is establishing effective work-life balance or integration, allowing them to contribute to both work and family responsibilities, paving the way for women to assume leadership roles in the future.

Amy Chan, General Manager, Group Head Of Human Resources, Dah Sing Bank

Amy is recognized as a Chartered Fellow by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development in the United Kingdom. She received the 'HR Leadership Award' at the 2010 Asia's Best Employer Brand Awards, a testament to her exceptional contributions to the field of Human Resources. This award highlights her outstanding leadership and expertise in HR.