Year of the Horse – CUHK Business School alumni in full stride

The Year of the Horse is almost upon us, galloping in with fresh momentum and possibility. To mark the occasion, we spotlight four alumni whose journeys are, in different ways, linked to “horse” — from racetracks to the road, from passions that span continents to identities rooted in culture. Together, their stories reflect the drive and hope that define this new year, setting the pace for a spirited beginning.

Amy Chan (EMBA 2014): Nurturing racing talents, from the saddle up

For Amy, working with horses is ultimately about working with people. As headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School and head of Racing Talent Training at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, she dedicates her days to nurturing racing talent — guiding young jockeys and industry professionals from their very first steps in the saddle.

A former professional badminton player representing Hong Kong, Amy understands the discipline, pressure, and perseverance required to grow as an athlete. She brings that same empathy and structure into horse racing, shaping training pathways that support both riders and the wider racing community.

What she treasures most is seeing her apprentices gain confidence and skill. “One recent highlight was witnessing a female apprentice achieve her first win in Hong Kong after years of rigorous training. It was a proud moment for the entire team and a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent inclusively.”

This Lunar New Year, much like every day at the School, horses remain at the centre, with apprentices paying tribute through festive stable visits. Looking ahead, Amy shares that 2026 will see expanded international exchange programmes to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. “Just like in racing, progress comes from perseverance and teamwork — so let’s keep striving forward together,” she says, wishing fellow CUHK Business School alumni a new year filled with strength, speed, and success.

Amy (second row, second from left) celebrates Lunar New year with her apprentices

Ferdinand Tsang (IBBA 2017): Marathons, mountains, and momentum

Marathons do not just carry the word “horse” in Chinese (“馬”拉松) — they also share one key quality with these noble animals: endurance. Ultra-marathoner Ferdinand has discovered this firsthand, progressing from casual 10K runs around campus to grueling races of 250 km and beyond. He sees running as a way to explore the world, push personal limits, and grow through every challenge.

Nicknamed “Monster”, Ferdinand has tackled landmark events — from the 250 km Sahara Ultra Marathon to multiple podium finishes in Hong Kong’s local mountain races. “The longer the distance, the harder it feels,” he reflects, “but completing it brings an even greater sense of satisfaction.” Marathon, he says, teaches him to embrace each moment — the pain and the joy alike — while keeping an eye on the bigger goal.

His proudest moment came in 2022, when he represented Hong Kong at the World Mountain Running Championships. As he gears up for the new year, with high-altitude training in Yunnan and Europe to secure his 2027 spot, Ferdinand encourages fellow alumni runners to embrace both city and trail races — from the Six Major Marathons in cities like Tokyo and New York to Hong Kong’s Oxfam Trailwalker — to experience running in all its richness.

“May the New Year propel all CUHK Business School alumni forward with energy and drive, whether on the road or in life,” he wishes.

Proud to represent Hong Kong, Ferdinand looks ahead to earning another chance on the world stage in 2027

Wong Tsz-wai (FMBA 2015): A passion for horses across continents

Tsz-wai, managing equestrian projects across countries, embodies a lifelong passion for horses. His story with horses begins in childhood, growing up around Hong Kong’s long-standing horse racing culture, and continues across the open pastures of Australia while studying there, where a love for riding first took root. “Every time I’m on a horse, there’s a sense of freedom and exhilaration, like being on top of the world,” he recalls. He is especially drawn to thoroughbreds, the fastest of horses: “When they run at full speed, all four hooves off the ground, their movements are elegant — it’s like witnessing pure effort and focus striving toward a goal.”

During the pandemic, Tsz-wai partnered with a seasoned friend to purchase his first yearling. The intensity of the auction, the well-orchestrated process, and the dedication of fellow bidders left a lasting impression on him. Adding to the experience, witnessing a foal being born from the mare he personally selected was unforgettable, deepening his passion for breeding and nurturing horses. Today, he runs an equestrian centre in Qianhai, Shenzhen and cultivates purebreds in Australia, promoting horsemanship through hands-on, experiential activities.

Tsz-wai at the yearling auction in Australia

He envisions the Year of the Horse as a time to celebrate the bond between people and horses and plans to expand breeding operations while introducing more family-focused activities in the equestrian centre. “Wishing all CUHK Business School alumni success in all you do, and good health,” he says.

YY Chan (MBA 2023): Tradition as anchor, progress with balance

The Year of the Horse brings Malaysia to mind, with its Chinese name literally carries the character for “horse” (“馬”來西亞). Home to three major ethnic groups, including a sizeable ethnic Chinese community, the country is where tradition, culture, and modern life intersect, most strikingly during Lunar New Year. For YY, a Malaysian-born engineer now in Shenzhen, the season is a vivid reminder of her roots.

With ancestral ties to Guangdong and Fujian, YY’s family observes age-old Lunar New Year customs, most notably the worship of the Jade Emperor on the ninth day of the festive period, marking his birthday. Traditionally, households make ritual offerings as a form of respect. “Growing up with a STEM background, I dismissed these practices as superstition at first, but later came to appreciate them as acts of remembrance and gratitude,” YY reflects. “Even the sugarcane stalks on traditional Fujian altars tell a story, commemorating ancestors who survived war by hiding in the fields. These traditions remind us that we are standing on the shoulders of giants.”

YY’s family honours traditions with Lunar New Year offerings

Now based in Shenzhen, distance has become an anchor for YY. In an ever-shifting world, she sees Malaysia’s multicultural balance as a quiet strength — one that embraces diversity while striving for harmony. Looking ahead, YY sees a moment of momentum for her homeland: with Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon and the country deepening its role in the global semiconductor supply chain, she hopes the year brings progress rooted in balance. As the Year of the Horse approaches, she wishes everyone steady strides ahead, “And may you always ‘chi ma ma xiang’ (be healthy and enjoy life)!”

CUHK Business School has a proud network of over 45,000 alumni in 50 countries. To explore our inspiring alumni stories, please click here.