Hand in Hand: Father and Daughter’s Epiphany in Business and Life
Discover the captivating journey of our esteemed alumnus, Ben WONG, and his daughter, Casey WONG, current student at HKUST Business School. This Father’s Day, find out how the duo explore the infinite opportunities of the global business world.
Casey’s insights into the international business landscape is deeply rooted in her father, Ben, Google’s Chief Marketing Officer in Greater China. Their unique bond goes beyond a typical father-daughter relationship and serves as a source of inspiration in their professional and personal vocations. Linked by their parallel paths at HKUST Business School, their connection also fosters a deep sense of admiration for each other and the intricacies of the business world.
An Affinity for Diverse Cultures
Father and daughter sought culturally diverse and hands-on education that would prepare them for life in a global business setting, and consciously chose the School as their first step. Ben, recognizing the immense value of such education, graduated in the second cohort of the School’s MBA program. He also had a unique opportunity to study abroad as an exchange student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to increase his international exposure. “I was part of a diverse study environment, with classmates coming from Germany and India, among other countries,” Ben recalls. “Building deep connections with them enriched my life experiences and fostered a fundamental mindset to succeed in global companies.”
Inspired by her father’s path, Casey enrolled in the prestigious World Bachelor in Business (WBB) program jointly offered by the School. The program offers a gateway to explore various cultures across the Americas, Europe, and Asia through its comprehensive and practical curriculum. “Taking region-specific and organizational behavior classes has been particularly helpful to learn more about myself and economic landscapes around the world.”
Kinship Through a Holistic Business Approach
Ben’s career took off starting with a marketing internship with Procter and Gamble (P&G). This led to other roles in the US and Asia, including Johnson & Johnson, Disney and Starbucks. Reflecting on a wealth of expertise, he firmly believes marketing should be a guiding business principle rather than a function – blending art and science, technology, and storytelling – to deliver precise and effective brand experiences with return on investment (ROI).
His integrated business approach also led him to impart his work philosophies and values to Casey, especially on the importance of accumulating real-life exposure. From a young age, Ben exposed Casey and her brother in his work events, helping them develop the necessary skills to pursue and excel in their community projects and desired careers. These early business encounters spurred Casey to proactively seek practical work experiences where her internships have taken her from China to Peru and back to cultivate key soft skills for a rewarding profession.
Imprints on Life, Society, and Beyond
Beyond his job, Ben is passionate about nurturing young talent and sharing new insights on AI and technology with the School’s faculty. Casey’s comeback from acute leukemia a few years ago also inspired him to actively volunteer for non-profit organizations like the Children’s Cancer Foundation, which was instrumental in supporting her treatment. “Volunteering is our beacon of hope, one that empowers us to transform challenging moments into something purposeful,” Ben notes.
Since her recovery, Casey’s unwavering spirit saw her return to sports to compete for the Hong Kong National Ultimate Frisbee Team. Looking ahead, Casey’s ambitions are clear in forging a unique path like her father’s, where she can fully utilize her strengths in the ever-evolving business landscape. “The experiences that speak the loudest are those my dad has guided me through. These everlasting lessons are what I’ll carry with me throughout my career and life.”
Casey WONG - WBB (2026)