What does it take to shape the future of a city? For Gilbert Ho, Executive Director and Group Co-CEO of CTF Services Limited, the answer lies in visionary leadership and a commitment to innovation.
During the 28 August talk in our “Dialogue with the General Committee” series, Gilbert highlighted the importance of exploring new economic drivers, particularly in education and healthcare, which are poised to become crucial pillars of growth. “We should always look ahead and create new things, instead of depending on traditional sectors and missing the good old days,’ he said.
Besides operating schools in Hong Kong, the Group is nurturing the next generation through internship, trainee and mentorship programmes, with plans in the pipeline to contribute more by expanding its education network, Gilbert revealed.
Regarding the healthcare sector, CTF Life, the Group’s insurance company, has achieved consecutive years of double-digit growth amid a highly competitive and saturated market. The strategy? Leveraging the CTF brand to attract Mainland clients, while offering policyholders discounts on lifestyle experiences within the organization’s extensive business network.
This aligns with the Group’s effort to build a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem comprising various businesses that complement each other and expand their offerings. “As a multi-disciplinary conglomerate, we need to consider the connections between different parts of our diverse business portfolio, spanning from infrastructure and real estate to jewellery and logistics,” he noted.
A forward-looking vision is essential for guiding strategic decisions on future development. For instance, the Group divested from industrial plants in Mainland China to prioritize its ESG commitments. Instead of focusing on short-term gains, it is crucial to analyze broader economic trends anticipated over the next decade.
Expressing confidence in Hong Kong’s long-term economic outlook, Gilbert highlighted Kai Tak Sports Park as a key example of infrastructure that enhances Hong Kong’s global competitiveness and stimulates the economy. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which has effectively promoted the development of the MICE industry, is another proof of the impact of such ambitious projects.
He also underscored the transformative potential of technology, particularly in the areas of automation in construction work and artificial intelligence. “We do not know how AI will change businesses yet, but we have to embrace changes and learn about new trends,” he remarked, a sentiment that resonates with Hong Kong’s spirit of adaptability and progress.