Beyond the Learning Hub – New President Charts Vision for Change
PREFACE: As Hong Kong faces ongoing economic and technological transformations, Ian Choy Jing-man in July took the helm of the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM) with an ambitious agenda: to transform the organisation from a professional learning hub into a dynamic platform that empowers the industry for wider societal good.
In an interview with HR Journal, Ian outlined his vision to harness HKIHRM’s expertise to enhance support for its professional and corporate members and empower the next generation of HR leaders as the city undergoes seismic changes in the face of megatrends from AI disruption to digital transformation. “It’s both an honour and a significant responsibility,” Ian reflected on his election as president at this pivotal moment for the HR profession. Rather than seeking to leave his own legacy, he sees himself as a bridge-builder. “I’m not here to own it—I’m grooming the next generation of leaders,” he explained. His goal is to lay the foundation for the organisation to empower the profession for years to come, whilst contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term success as a global talent hub.
BEYOND EVENTS: A NEW SCOPE OF IMPACT
Ian believes the Institute can do more to help its members. Whilst flagship events— the HR Excellence Awards, Annual Conference & Exhibition, and Pay Trend and Benefits Seminar—continue to serve as vital learning hubs that unite and inspire the community, he says the true strength of HKIHRM lies in forging genuine connections through sustained engagement.
To bridge this gap, he proposes expanding member services through targeted initiatives. The Institute can “donate” knowledge by building the simplest tools from the ground up, ranging from employee hiring templates to even building out an HR consultancy arm and providing advisory services to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are often resource-strapped when it comes to navigating legal nuances in dealing with staff matters.
The Institute will explore more meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives that leverage the HKIHRM’s unique expertise to give back to society.
INJECTING NEW BLOOD: FAIR SHARE OF VOICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Apart from growing its service scope, empowering the next generation of HR professionals is a top priority for Ian. He draws inspiration from other professional bodies that have successfully engaged younger members. “Many professional organisations’ have a Chapter dedicated to young members,” he observed.
He proposes establishing a “Young HR Chapter” to give early-career professionals a fair share of voice in steering the Institute’s direction. “Young professionals need to feel the ownership and shape the future of the Insitiute with goals that they believe in and shouldering with real duties,” he said. “This will inject new vitality and ensure we’re relevant to the challenges they face.”
HELPING SOCIETY NAVIGATE ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
Ian also sees an urgent need for the Institute to provide thought leadership on emerging challenges. “As HR professionals, it may be inevitable nowadays to know how to maintain amicable relationships with employees when delivering not-so-pleasant news such as right-sizing,” he explained. But beyond managing difficult transitions, he sees a strategic opportunity for HR to lead workforce evolution. “If we want to upskill staff, we first need to identify what’s required for industries to thrive,” he said. Forward-looking research— on AI’s job impacts, digital transformation, and the skills needed for emerging industries—would empower members to shift from administrative roles to visionary partners in shaping the future of work.
“For example, by 2030 how many jobs will AI replace, but at the same time how many new jobs can be created? The Institute can have a viewpoint on these megatrends through our research,” he said. “Without data, we’re just guessing.”
LISTENING FIRST
Despite his ambitious vision, Ian’s immediate plan is refreshingly humble: reach out and listen. He has been engaging members through different committees, which represent different sectors and interest groups. “Where the Insititue can serve our members better, we welcome suggestions from all,” he emphasised. This collaborative approach reflects Ian’s belief that sustainable change comes from genuine engagement with the community the Institute serves. By listening first, he aims to ensure his initiatives address real needs rather than imposing solutions from above.
THE RIGHT TIME TO GIVE BACK
Ian Choy took the helm of HKIHRM at the 32nd Annual General Meeting, succeeding Lawrence Hung after his three-year term. Drawing on over 20 years in HR across property, financial services, and hospitality sectors, Ian now serves as Executive Director – People and Culture, Corporate Communications and Administration at Gammon Construction. He has been an active HKIHRM member since 2019 and served as Vice President since June 2022. His personal motivation stems from a sense of responsibility. Having recently settled into his role at Gammon, he has the energy and stability to contribute meaningfully to the profession. But he’s clear about his role: “I’m a custodian passing the torch.” By empowering youth and refreshing the Institute’s direction, he aims to ensure HKIHRM remains relevant and influential for the next generation of HR professionals seeking to make their mark on the industry.
