MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
“Think about the fact that you can be home in 40 minutes only after landing, you can clear immigration with fingerprints and you can pay almost everywhere with your smartphone or smartwatch”
Mr. Francesco Muggeri Regional VP Of Marketing And Applications, Power Discrete And Analog Products STMicroelectronics APAC
How would you describe your relationship with Italy after you moved to Hong Kong for such a long time? -“A Chinese saying has it: The spectators see the chess game better than the players. Italy and China have a lot of great things in common...our civilisations, our family values. Like us, Chinese family’s life involves eating and celebrating together, and many generations often live together in one house. Not to mention the strong family ties between family members and relatives. After living in Shanghai and Hong Kong for two decades, as an onlooker, I become more and more appreciative of the Chinese culture and family values with which Italian people share. Like us, respect is paramount for Chinese and many major Asian blue chips companies are family businesses. My Italian roots have probably helped me in developing trust and mutual respect with our local teams and customers.”
What brought you to Hong Kong? -“I first joined STMicroelectronics (ST) as a designer for automotive sensors in Italy. Asia had become the powerhouse and centre of manufacturing in the 90s, the electronics business was skyrocketing in Asia. As one of ST’s fastest-growing markets, ST China has over the years built up a strong presence across the country. I took up the opportunity as the marketing manager for transistors of ST and relocated from Italy to Singapore first and then Shanghai, China in 2002. In 2006, with a new responsibility in the Commercial Marketing for Power Discrete and Analog products for the whole Asia Pacific I moved to Hong Kong.” What do you think about the economic opportunities here in general? Any different since the beginning? -“Hong Kong has an impressive reputation for economic freedom and global accolades. It is ranked as the world’s freest economy. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the Asia's third- largest in terms of market capitalisation behind Tokyo Stock Exchange and Shanghai Stock Exchange, and the fourth single largest stock market in the world. The Hong Kong International Airport is the world’s busiest airport for international air cargo since 1996, considering that the city is even smaller than Rome but with more than double population, that is impressive. Hong Kong is a five-hour flight from half of the world’s populations. Combining that with its financial advantages and China’s Greater Bay Area plan that includes Hong Kong as part of its major regional hub, the city is fast transforming from a mere gateway to China to become a major launch pad of the mainland’s economic power worldwide. Market research company IC Insights estimates that China's demand for semiconductor totalled US$251.1 billion in 2018, accounting for 58.3% of the worldwide semiconductor consumption. As one of the major IC suppliers in the world, ST has well established our footprint here in Hong Kong and China since 80s. Leveraging the advantages of an international financial centre, trade centres in addition to a transportation and aviation hub as well as its renowned professional services, Hong Kong can (pull together) combine innovative resources from the Greater Bay Area and the world to boost our competitiveness.”
Do you have any tips or advises for the newcomer in Hong Kong? -“Hong Kong is world-class in efficiency being a place where you can get your business suit tailor-made in one day and name cards printed in an hour. So bear that in mind in conducting your businesses. As international as Hong Kong is, businesses still pay heed to hierarchy. So be extra courteous meeting with senior members. When exchanging cards, use both hands and also take a moment to study the other person’s card to show politeness. Besides for local people, the number four is unlucky as it sounds like dead in Chinese. And patting someone on the shoulder when they are about to gamble (like in horse racing or mahjong) would be frowned upon. In addition to business and social etiquette I would suggest to take time to enjoy the multiculturalism in Hong Kong. Of the 6.4 per cent "other" nationalities in the population of 7 million, you will inevitably meet people from everywhere. Also Hong Kong may be better known as a concrete jungle but the city’s countryside which is just 30 minutes away is a real star attraction. There are hiking trails for everyone, from relatively flat walks in the city to steep climbs on outlying islands. And nothing gets better than enjoying the best seafood after a great hike.”
47