Angela shares her experience of living and working in Hong Kong, her tips for things to see and do in the area and how you can connect with the local ICAS community.
Angela Lunn CA
What’s your day job?
I'm Regional Head of Client Delivery, Liquid Alternatives APAC with BNP Paribas Securities Services – based in Hong Kong.
How long have you lived in Hong Kong?
17 years – I arrived in 2008 planning to only stay for a few years!
Where was home for you before?
Prior to moving to Hong Kong, I was in Curaçao in the Caribbean - working with Fortis Bank.
Where did you train as a CA?
I trained with Arthur Andersen in Glasgow – in the Corporate Tax Division.
What was it about Hong Kong that made you want to come here?
I was given the opportunity to transfer to Hong Kong with work. Living an island life in Curaçao was great, however after five years there my husband and I felt we were ready for a new adventure. We’d spent a few months living in Singapore back in 1998 and were excited to get back to Asia.
Which part of Hong Kong do you call home?
We live in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island – very convenient with easy access to all public transport – trams, buses and the MTR.
What’s the one thing I shouldn’t miss if visiting the area?
Hong Kong has so much more to offer than skyscrapers and shopping malls – there are also great hiking trails and spectacular beaches. A hike along Dragon’s Back or up to Lion Rock are great ways to spend an afternoon.
I’m new to the area, can you recommend somewhere for:
A business lunch – so many places to choose from! Din Tai Fung is a popular choice for a casual business lunch – their signature Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings are a must-try.
An evening out – our local is the White Stag in Wan Chai. Not to be missed!
A weekend getaway – Macao. Less than an hour on the ferry from Hong Kong or you can now go by bus on the new Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge. The casinos and hotels there are unbelievable.
Describe the local professional community in three words.
Dynamic, innovative, diverse.
What are the best things about living and working in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a great place to live and work – it’s a very vibrant and safe city. Whether you are here on your own or with your family there are so many different experiences on offer.
Hong Kong also hosts the best annual Rugby Sevens Tournament – which this year took place in the new Kai Tak stadium - thanks to a lot of hard work from fellow ICAS CA John Sharkey and his team!
What are the biggest challenges?
High rents and small apartments!
What advice would you give to another CA considering an opportunity in Hong Kong?
Definitely give it a go! Hong Kong is truly a cultural melting pot with a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, which can enhance your personal and professional growth. Once you are here it’s a difficult place to leave due to everything it has to offer. Low taxation is also an advantage!
There’s a large and welcoming Scottish expat community in Hong Kong and getting involved with some of the activities is a great way to meet new people and build relationships. Through my own involvement with The Hong Kong St. Andrew’s Society, Hong Kong Scottish Rugby Club and ICAS in Hong Kong, I’ve met many life-long friends and acquaintances.
What made you decide to get involved and become an ICAS Ambassador?
Ken Morrison, the previous ICAS Hong Kong Ambassador asked me to take over from him - he asked so politely it was very difficult to say no! Both Ken and I have had the privilege of being Chieftains of the Hong Kong St. Andrew’s Society (along with several other Scottish CAs), so he felt I was an ideal fit to take over.
What have been the biggest takeaways for you personally and professionally?
Having attended many of the previous ICAS events in Hong Kong organised by Ken, I was keen to keep the community going. Unfortunately, Covid hit soon after, so it was a couple of years before we had our next event. The ICAS communities are a great way meet and network with other CAs – whether you are new to Hong Kong or have been here for many years.
