【Extraordinary Business School Alumni】 Pilot Edmund Kong (MSc in Business Economics 2004): The Sky is the Limit

Throughout its storied history, CUHK Business School has been grooming a great number of talents, with even alumni leaving their trace in the sky. In this episode, we have invited Edmund Kong (MSc in Business Economics 2004), a commercial airline pilot, to share his journey in pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot. How did the training at the Business School in the past help work as captain? Does the TV drama “Triumph in the Skies” accurately depict the life of a pilot? Let’s watch the video together.

Edmund has a strong presence in the CUHK community: he graduated in Physics in 2002, just to come back to study a master’s programme in Business Economics at CUHK Business School. The decision, made in a perplexed moment when he was uncertain about his career development, was opportune and informed. Informed in the sense that students from Business School enjoy broader career paths, coupled with the impression his fellow hostel residents from Business School have made. ‘They were fun to be with, and as bubbly in life as they were diligent academically,’ Edmund says.

Edmund enrols in the master’s programme of CUHK Business School after graduation from CUHK in Physics.

After graduation from CUHK Business School, Edmund worked in the banking industry. Spurred by his passion for flying, he searched high and low for cadet training programmes. He even obtained the Recreational Pilot Licence in Australia. Finally, his efforts paid off – he was admitted to the 18-month cadet pilot programme of Singapore Airlines in 2006. In 2019, Edmund was promoted to Captain of Airbus A320.

Edmund embarks on a high-flying career in 2006 when he enrols in a cadet pilot programme.

Looking back, it was taxing to be a part-time student, but Edmund is grateful for the eye-opening experience, particularly in areas such as global economy and interpersonal skills that prove to be instrumental in the everyday work of a pilot. ‘I work with a roster of cabin crew members. The composition is changing, with different co-pilots and flight attendants. I owe my robust communication skills to CUHK Business School.’

Does “Triumph in the Skies” reflect the reality of pilot’s life?

In Hong Kong, the popular impression of an airline pilot is heavily moulded by the TV drama series Triumph in the Skies. Yet Edmund says half of it is just myth. ‘The first season presents a faithful impression of our job duties, but the life after hours in the drama is largely fictitious. Like all other professionals, we are ordinary people when we take off our uniforms. We don’t always hang out with flight attendants at bars. I like hiking and jogging better. During the pandemic, I went often to the great outdoors with my daughter.’

Why Does Pilot Wear Sunglasses?

Edmund makes no bones that he only wears sunglasses at work.

If a hair bun is emblematic of flight attendants, then the signature of pilots must be sunglasses. During the interview, we asked Edmund to pose for photos with sunglasses on. He maintains that it looks pretentious with sunglasses on when commuting, but he does need a pair of shades for work.

Imagine you are in the cockpit 30,000 feet above the ground, where sunlight comes right through the windshields. It will not cause sunburn as those are UV protection glasses (but the arms redden and feel hot), Edmund says, but you need sunglasses to prevent your vision from being blurred by bright sunshine, notably when you are filling forms or making decisions on flight controls. That is why pilots are often seen with sunglasses on – to protect their sights.

Edmund says you will not be tanned in the cockpit because the windshields are coated with UV-blocking materials.

Edmund reminds all alumni to stay hydrated during the flight because optimal humidity is key to good quality of sleep and the in-flight humidity hovers around 20% only – you need to replenish a lot to stay comfortable.

CUHK Business School has a proud network of over 40,000 alumni in 49 countries. To explore our inspiring alumni stories, please click here.