Since its founding, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School has cultivated a plethora of outstanding management talent. Students enrol in CUHK with various motivations. For Winona Lo (EMBA 2019), it started with the initial goal of perpetuating her family business. Over time, her journey took an inspiring turn as she developed a profound passion for contributing to society, and a way to translate it into action.
Winona’s family owns a local Chinese restaurant chain. A psychology major at university, she found herself thrust into the management of her family’s business despite her limited business experience. She felt at ease with the administrative tasks in the beginning. However, as she delved deeper into the food and beverage (F&B) industry and explored avenues for sustainable growth, she realised that she needed to equip herself with advanced business knowledge to be ready for greater responsibilities. This awakening led her back to school.
Navigating the Changing Times with Agility and Imagination
Reflecting on her EMBA studies, one of Winona’s most cherished classes focused on the I Ching. She appreciated the professors’ willingness to exchange ideas and their innovative blending of modern business management theories with traditional Chinese philosophies. This class not only deepened her grasp of relevant theories but also sparked new ideas for her business ventures.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Hong Kong’s economy in recent years. Winona’s family business, which included hotpot restaurants and banquet establishments, faced unprecedented challenges and required fundamental reforms. Recognising the surge in popularity of home dining, Winona applied the knowledge gained from her EMBA and steered her company into the ready-to-eat food market. Leveraging the central kitchen’s production capabilities, coupled with marketing and logistics resources, Winona successfully expanded her brand’s presence from restaurants to households. She also seized the opportunity to introduce new products, building a wider customer base, stabilising the business during difficult times and priming it for a post-pandemic resurgence.