Introducing the FCC’s New Members: January 2021
The FCC Membership Committee meets regularly to vet applications and is always impressed by the diversity, experience and talents of FCC candidates. Join us in welcoming our latest batch of members!
Jonathan Robert Breen
I went unwittingly into financial journalism but was rewarded with the chance to move to Hong Kong and cover one of the most exciting and important capital markets. I spend much of my free time hiking or researching which bars have the best beers and comfiest stools. Previously, I worked for a newspaper in South Korea, where I spent some of my earlier years and still have family. I’m trying to master a few languages and have just about managed English. Tips are welcome.
Sumeet Chatterjee
I have been with Reuters for more than 14 years, and in my current role as acting Asia finance editor, I oversee the coverage of banks, deals, and regulatory developments in the region. Before moving to Hong Kong in 2016, I worked in India, where I covered the country’s technology and financial sector, as well as the pharmaceutical industry. However, my first foray into journalism was in fashion. Given that I probably won’t get front-row seats at events at this stage of my career, I don’t imagine going back to that beat in this life.
David Matheson Cave
Originally from Northampton, England, I left school at 15 and got my first job as a casino trainee croupier at only 17. I must have been the world’s youngest five-card stud poker dealer! Through the years, I’ve DJ’ed and worked in radio, toured with music acts and made a name as a record buyer in Indonesia, China and South America. I eventually started my own toy company, Dragon-i Toys, in Hong Kong in 2009. I also wrote my autobiography, From Disco’s to Dino’s, and I look forward to telling you more about it at the FCC.
Christine Chan Chiu
I’m an independent art advisor and freelance writer, who is now brewing up a very interesting art startup. A proud Hongkonger, I studied art history and languages while developing a passion for music, history and culture. This is one of the reasons why my husband and I are very excited to join the FCC family; we love the historical significance of the Old Dairy Farm Depot as well as the cosy, intellectual atmosphere of the club – and we can’t wait till jazz nights resume at Bert’s!
David Fenn
I am a practising solicitor, who set up my own law firm this year focusing on litigation and corporate practice. I am also a non-executive director of three Hong Kong-listed companies, and have been serving on the HKICPA Disciplinary Panel and HKSAR Housing Appeal Panel advocating public interest. Born and bred in Hong Kong, I studied both here and in the UK. In my free time, I love hiking, swimming, cars, watches and having a good glass of wine – and I look forward to meeting fellow members at the Lounge!
Jason Colin Gotch
I’m the Regional Director of Security for Bloomberg, having relocated from Singapore in May 2019. My first visit to Hong Kong was actually in 1994, as an aspiring stuntman/actor. I spent three months living in Kowloon auditioning (badly) and eating with Jackie Chan’s stunt guys at Jack in the Box. Needless to say, my career did not exactly take off. However, my current role offers me plenty of ‘action’, given the city’s fair share of geopolitical intrigue. In my spare time, I’m a Master’s student of International Relations at SOAS, and I’m studying German for my grand plan of a Swiss retirement.
Jarna Johanna Karanko
I am the Consul-General of Finland in Hong Kong and Macao, and have been a Finnish career diplomat for a long time. I have worked on sustainable development and climate policy, UN development affairs, World Bank relations and relations with several European countries. Before moving here, I was part of the UN Representations in New York and Geneva and at the Finnish Embassy both in Paris and Caracas. I speak a number of languages – English, French, Spanish, Swedish and Finnish – and enjoy hiking, sailing, photography and design.
Clement Ka-chi Lai
I am the founder and CEO of Clement Shield Ltd, a company that specialises in security and event planning, rescue solutions for both public and private clients and anti-counter terrorism, among other things. Prior to establishing my company, I worked with the Specialist Units of the Hong Kong Police Force for 22 years.
Kevin Ho-por Lam
I am a Hongkonger, born and bred, and spent most of my childhood here until I was sent to the UK for my studies. I worked as an economist covering the UK and European economies until 2014, when the Umbrella Movement inspired me to return home, with the hope I could contribute to the democratisation process here. Walking out of my comfort zone, I worked in various sell-side institutions covering China and Hong Kong. In 2019, I stepped in to replace activist Joshua Wong and won my seat as a local councillor for South Horizons.
Dieter Lamlé
I am the German Consul General for Hong Kong and Macao, and moved to Hong Kong with my wife three years ago. I have been active in the German diplomatic service for over 30 years on postings in Rwanda, Indonesia, New York, Peru and Erbil in Iraq. During our last stay in Berlin, I was Chief of Protocol of the Senate of Berlin and just before coming to Hong Kong the Director for Latin America at the German Foreign Ministry. I am happy to join the FCC and am looking forward to interesting meetings and discussions.
Clara Ferreira Marques
I’m a columnist for the Opinion team at Bloomberg, where I am lucky enough to cover commodities, climate and a handful of emerging markets including Russia. It’s a wonderfully varied portfolio, and every day is different. I joined Bloomberg from Reuters, where I spent almost two decades as a reporter and editor in Moscow, Milan, London, Mumbai, Singapore and, finally, here in Hong Kong. My husband and I have three boys and enjoy tiring them out on Hong Kong’s hiking trails and beaches at the weekend.
Cathy Morris
I’m Cathy Morris, a Tasmanian who has lived and worked in Hong Kong since 2010. I originally arrived on a six-week work assignment and fell in love with the place. Hong Kong is an exciting city to live in, with access to a wonderful array of hiking trails. I enjoy playing mahjong and love travelling around the region (Covid-19 permitting) for both work and pleasure. I work for AXA as the Director for Technology & Operations for Asia. I am very happy to be joining a number of friends as a member of the FCC.
Newley Reid Purnell
I’m a reporter with The Wall Street Journal, which I joined in 2014. My wife Anasuya Sanyal and I moved here earlier this year from New Delhi with our rescue dog Ginger. I love my beat, which involves digging into what global technology firms are up to across Asia. I grew up in two very different parts of the US: rural Eastern Oregon and South Carolina Lowcountry. I am a lifetime soccer player, having played as a goalkeeper for my university team, and on many Sunday league teams since then. I’m excited to join the FCC and meet fellow members.
William Iain Ridgers
I am The Economist’s new(ish) Asia Digital Editor, overseeing our regional news desk here in Hong Kong. I’ve been working at the newspaper – in more guises than I can remember – for nearly 25 years, but this is my first role overseas. I moved the family from locked-down London in April and, despite the odd homesick pang, it has so far proved a wonderful place to live. Mind-bogglingly expensive, even for a Londoner, but wonderful. Best of all, what with it being so quiet on the news front in Hong Kong this year, it has been nice to be able to ease gently into the job. Oh, hold on.
Kaushik Roy
My family and I hail from London and moved to Hong Kong a few years back. I am a manager at LNG Shipping, and I am deeply connected with the maritime community in the city and beyond. I am also the first Chartered Master Mariner in Southeast Asia, including China/Hong Kong. Occasionally, I write articles about the industry in newspapers and trade magazines. My wife and I love travelling, eating, socialising, organising events and mingling with people, which is why we’re happy to become part of FCC and its name, culture, and heritage.
Sherlin Hsie-lien Tung
I’m a partner in the litigation and arbitration group at international law firm Withersworldwide. Born in Taiwan, I grew up in California, and have worked on three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia). I’m always open to new opportunities, whether professional or personal, and enjoy spending time with my husband, cat, and good friends. Prior to these unique times, I loved to travel and try the local delicacies of the countries I visited. To date, my most memorable trip was a one-week adventure in Cinque Terre, Italy, eating home-made seafood pasta next to the sea.
Tommy Walker
I’m originally from the UK but I’ve been in Hong Kong for three years. Prior to that, I’ve had stints in Bangkok, Melbourne, and Auckland. I’m a freelance journalist, photographer and travel writer, and I also operate a social media marketing business for travel companies worldwide. In my spare time, I enjoy socialising in bars (and now at the FCC), going on hikes and getting some island time in. Cheers to the FCC for having me here. I’m keen to be part of the conversation both now and in the future.
Lee Stephen Williamson
In 2009, on a bit of a whim, I packed a bag to travel to Asia for a year. I ended up in Beijing, where I sat in the editor’s chair at Time Out Beijing, met a girl and started a family. I landed in Hong Kong three years ago, and I’m now head of content at Generation T, Tatler Asia’s content and events platform for the leaders of tomorrow. This year, I was honoured to be selected for WAN-IFRA’s inaugural Young Media Leaders Fellowship.
Vicky Wong
I’m a web producer at RTHK English News. I was born in the UK to Hong Kong parents, so in 2014, I decided to trace my roots and moved here to pursue a Master of Journalism at the University of Hong Kong. I arrived just one month before the Umbrella Movement kicked off, and it has been an adventure, to say the least. My work has appeared on CNN International, MSNBC and Coconuts Hong Kong, for which I covered last year’s anti-government protests. When I’m off-duty I enjoy reading, music, films, photography and knitting.
Catherine Wong
I am really excited to be joining the big family of the FCC! I enjoy relaxing at the end of a long workday with a drink in the Lounge, and love the music performances, exhibitions and various activities held at the club – they’re all extremely engaging. I would love to share my boring legal experience with my fellow colleagues and look forward to getting to know more of you.
Kan Zheng
I was born in China and educated both there and in the UK. My career started in London, where I managed money for institutional clients such as central banks, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies and pension funds. After 15 years there, I moved to Hong Kong three years ago. I discovered the FCC through a close friend, and have found it a great place to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. My personal interests are politics, business, social issues, arts and fitness. Since joining the FCC, I have made a few friends and I look forward to making even more in the years to come.
Yinou Zhou
Born in China, I moved to the UK when I was 15. I completed an MA in International Journalism (Broadcast) at City, University of London, then came to Hong Kong to work as a news anchor. I also hosted and produced a talk show on Tencent Video that received over 1.5 billion hits. I am an adventurous person who’s always looking to tick things off my bucket list, like attempting the Polar Plunge in Antarctica and even persuading my mum to do it! I love being outdoors so I used to travel a lot before the pandemic. Now I quench my wanderlust with wake surfing and hiking.
