Michael Wong serves as the Asia-Pacific managing partner for human resources at Ernst & Young (EY), the global financial services firm, and also holds the role of advisor to the International Business Leaders Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai (IBLAC).

From 2001 to 2019, Wong worked as a part-time PowerPoint operator for IBLAC. This role required not only excellent English listening skills but also a deep understanding of business operations and extensive professional knowledge.

He found the job both enjoyable and fulfilling and over time developed a strong emotional connection to it. Now, as an IBLAC advisor, his greatest wish is to live up to expectations and continue contributing to Shanghai.

Legacy

Wong recalled how he first got involved with IBLAC through the introduction of then EY China Chairman, Albert Kong Ping NG. Ng's participation, in turn, was inspired by his former boss, who is the founding advisor of IBLAC.

These entrepreneurs, who have a genuine love for Shanghai and faith in the Chinese market, built a bridge for communications between the city and international business leaders, accompanying IBLAC on its 36-year journey.

Changes and continuities

Before 2010, IBLAC sessions were held at different hotels around Shanghai. Since then, it has been held at the Shanghai Expo Center in Pudong. While the venue has changed, the enthusiasm of the business leaders remains constant.

Moreover, the content that Shanghai presents to international entrepreneurs has quietly evolved. Initially, the focus was mainly on hardware development, but now the city showcases more of its soft power.

Previously, the meetings were largely about entrepreneurs sharing advanced international practices, but now there is more mutual exchanges and learning. Enhancing city governance has become a global issue and Shanghai is well-positioned to offer more international public goods in this area.

Another shift is reflected in the conference themes. Wong uses the example of Shanghai's efforts to become a world-class city. Topics such as infrastructure, urban renewal, talent attraction and technological innovation have all been key points of discussion at different IBLAC meetings. Together, they form a blueprint for the city's future development.

Wong expressed his deep gratitude for the support Shanghai provides to businesses. In his view, the active participation of businesses in IBLAC is, in a way, a form of giving back to the city.

He reflected on the IBLAC virtual meeting held on Oct 15, 2021 – when business leaders from across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Latin America convened. Despite challenges posed by time zone differences and technical issues, participants gathered seamlessly for the significant event.

He vividly recalled the opening remarks from Michael Diekmann, then Chairman of Allianz's Supervisory Board:"Good morning, good afternoon, good evening".

Huang was deeply moved, noting that in that moment, he witnessed the unwavering support and confidence that IBLAC members had in Shanghai. Every effort they made felt entirely worthwhile.

Source: "gh_a1fb10001853" Wechat Account