“Going north”: a HK entrepreneur seeks opportunities in the Chinese mainland

In late August, the blazing sun dazzles in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province. So too does the passion of Hong Kong youths who chase their dreams here. Calvin Tang, the CEO of Sigma Square Investments and the partner of Hexacubic Consulting, is one of them. On Thursday, the young entrepreneur sat down for an interview with People’s Daily Online, sharing his story of seeking opportunities in the mainland, or in his words, “going north” on his journey.

In 2010, Calvin came to Shanghai to study for his MBA at the China Europe International Business School and stayed for six years, as the mainland is home to enormous opportunities as well as plenty of new projects. Specializing in private equity investment, Calvin now does business primarily in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, offering services for mainland enterprises trying to “go global”. 

Calvin Tang, the CEO of Sigma Square Investments and the partner of Hexacubic Consulting. (People’s Daily Online/Wei Yanxing)

When asked why he chose Hong Kong and Shenzhen to start business, Calvin mentioned the important role of both cities in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, noting that the two places boast talents, preferential policies and strategic importance.

In the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, cities are inter-complementary, said Calvin. “Each city has its own advantages. Hong Kong enjoys distinctive advantages in language, and its access to foreign capital and capital markets. The strengths of Shenzhen are its science & tech development and talents,” Calvin said. “I believe that Shenzhen and Hong Kong will be at the frontline of the overall development of China.”

“I’ve been ‘going north’ on my journey,” Calvin said.

Calvin is not the only person from Hong Kong to jump on the investment bandwagon in the mainland. Since China’s reform and opening-up was launched, Hong Kong has been the largest source of overseas investment for the mainland. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has also been a major destination for mainland enterprises looking to "go global". Hong Kong, serving as a liaison between the mainland and the rest of the world, not only benefits from the mainland market, but also helps boost the mainland’s foreign trade.

（Photo/Provided by Calvin Tang）

Over the past decade, Hong Kong has been closely linked with the mainland in various aspects. The recent violent protests in Hong Kong, Calvin noted, have hampered the region’s business in such sectors as tourism and retail, adding that the pursuit of peace is the common aspiration of Hong Kong residents.

“I believe that the violence is being actioned by a small number of ill-intentioned people, but this situation won’t last long. We need to have faith in our administrators, law enforcement officials and our legal system. All words and actions have consequences,” said Calvin.

Looking forward, Calvin will continue life in the two neighboring cities. “As my specialty is finance, I will concentrate on this area in my career development, and will continue to work in both Hong Kong and the mainland, helping more companies of our country to invest and raise funds,” Calvin said.

In his eyes, Hong Kong youths must seize the opportunities offered by the nation. “The first step is to get know more about the mainland, to understand its culture, history and upcoming policies and development. Second, we have to believe that we are able to contribute ourselves to the progress of our country,” he said.

“The future belongs to the youth, and China will undoubtedly be stronger in the future,” said Calvin.