Identity has become a major discussion point in Asia, with each of its cities acting as a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. Patrick Tsang channelled this diversity of thought into his chairmanship of the global family office Tsangs Group and the Hong Kong Ambassadors Club (HKAC), and it drives him in his role as the host of the Anything is Possible podcast.

A 14th-generation Hong Konger, Tsang’s grandfather opened Chinese restaurants in the North West of England in the 1960s and was the first person to open a Chinese restaurant in both Belfast, UK and Dublin, Ireland. Growing up and studying in the UK, Tsang felt like an outsider due to his ethnicity. When he came to Hong Kong for a career in law, he expected this would change and he would find a sense of belonging among other Chinese. That was not the case.

Discovering that his European upbringing meant he was also equally othered in Asia, Tsang turned his difference into a strength, utilising his appreciation of varied perspectives and experiences in his new role at the family business and in his founding of the HKAC. Tsang also began hosting a podcast that celebrated stories of interesting and determined people overcoming the odds.

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In the latest episode of Gen.T’s Crazy Smart Asia podcast, Tsang talks about growing up in Belfast during the troubles, moving from law to investment, the potential of Hong Kong 3.0 and the importance of telling positive stories.

Here are a few excerpts from the conversation. Click the audio player below to listen to the full episode or subscribe via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.