Investor's Bookshelf: Bridging East and West with Patrick Tsang
"Learn to control the car; do not let the car control you."
This piece of fatherly wisdom about mastering the wheel became Patrick Tsang's guiding philosophy in business and life.
"This wisdom extends far beyond driving, reminding me to navigate life's challenges. By assessing, planning, and taking control of situations, I have learned to handle whatever comes my way, rather than letting circumstances dictate my situation," Tsang told AsianInvestor.
As chairman of Tsangs Group, an innovation-focused family office, and a seasoned deal-maker in IPOs and M&A transactions, Tsang has built a career connecting global business cultures.
His role as chairman of the Hong Kong Ambassadors Club and status as the first Hong Kong member of the Emirates Family Office Association puts him at the intersection of international business relationships.
What started as a simple bucket list item evolved into something far more meaningful— "The Global Citizen," a book that would capture Tsang's insights on cross-cultural business relationships.
"After years of refinement and numerous drafts, I discovered my true purpose: exploring the fascinating realm of cross-cultural interactions," said Tsang.
"Not only did this help me from a business perspective but also profoundly impacted my personal growth."
The writing process itself reflected Tsang's meticulous approach to business.
"There were no surprises, it took me much longer, because of my attention to detail and my strive for perfection," he said. "I spent a lot of time trying to make it the best version possible. It was a lot of work which I expected it to be."
CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS
Tsang's unique perspective comes from a life lived between worlds, being raised with Asian values in a Western upbringing.
“I later relocated to the East after growing up in the West, where I sought to blend the best of both worlds," he said.
"This fusion of cultural influences has allowed me to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world, embracing the strengths of each tradition."
The journey to transform his experiences into a book presented its own challenges.
"The most difficult task was maintaining a curious and lifelong learning mindset, which required me to revise and refine each draft," he explained.
"While the core values, lessons, and experiences remained unchanged, I strove to present them in an engaging, accessible, and useful format for a diverse range of readers.
PILLARS OF UNDERSTANDING
The book is structured around three fundamental principles that Tsang considers essential for success in a global business environment.
"Integrity stands out as the most crucial, as it's the foundation of trust. Without it, your reputation can crumble," he emphasised.
"Empathy takes time to develop, but it is invaluable in understanding those around you, fostering deeper connections, and enriching both personal and business relationships.”
“Lastly, self-improvement is an ongoing journey, where the greatest competition is yourself."
These principles come to life through personal anecdotes, including moments of cultural misunderstanding.
"One amusing moment that stands out is when dining at a Chinese Seafood restaurant, they give you Chinese tea with a slice of lemon in a bowl. Unbeknownst to some Westerners, this tea with lemon is actually intended for washing hands, not drinking," he said.
MENTORSHIP AND INSPIRATION
Throughout his career, Tsang has been shaped by influential mentors and inspired by business leaders.
When asked about his dream dinner companion from the business world, his answer reveals his deep respect for Asian business traditions.
"It would be the esteemed Li Ka-shing, a visionary businessman who has dominated Hong Kong's business landscape for decades," he said.
"I am deeply inspired by his exceptional business acumen, unwavering ethics, and profound influence."
His own experience with mentorship has been equally impactful.
"The wisdom and support from mentors like the Honourable Jeffrey Lam and Richard Zinkiewicz have been instrumental in my own business and personal development. Their influence extends beyond professional growth, as they have become trusted friends and confidants."
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Looking ahead, Tsang sees an increasingly important role for global citizens in navigating our changing world.
"As the world rapidly evolves with advancements in AI, social media, and mobile technology, we face pressing challenges," he said.
"The rise of polarisation, nations with diverse agendas, and an increasingly complex and fast-changing world present the urgent need for wise, practical, and peaceful global citizens."
His solution is characteristically straightforward.
"Being a global citizen requires an open-minded approach, embracing diverse cultures, and learning from each other. In this way, we can discern what is valuable and practical, and harness it to foster greater understanding and unity."