In this edition of Tatler’s Secrets of Success series—the all-access pass to the city’s most notable business magnates and entrepreneurs—managing partner of MCL Financial Group and managing director of Chow Enterprise Group, Evan Chow, reveals his recipe for success
Working at Tatler, you meet all kinds of people—I’m talking about the one-percenters of Asia, with the accompanying spectrum of colourful personalities. And occasionally, you might get to meet those who are not only incredibly accomplished, but kind-hearted to boot. Enter Evan Chow: cool, calm and collected, and will embrace you like an old friend every time.
After obtaining his degree from Brown University and earning a coveted spot in the Phi Beta Kappa honour society in applied mathematics, economics and organisational studies, Chow returned to Hong Kong and founded Chow Enterprise Group, a private family office focusing on real estate and private equity. Then in 2009, Chow acquired and repositioned MCL Financial Group and evolved it into a leading financial services platform.
Aside from that, he also serves on the board of a number of well-known companies, including Bonnie Chan Woo’s Icicle Group, David Pun’s Evisu, and the Cupping Room Group and Imagiro Concepts—with his hand in in marketing, apparel and the dining industry, among others.
Then there’s the non-profits he works with. Chow serves on the boards of the Young Presidents’ Organization, Centum Charitas Foundation and the Inspiring HK Sports Foundation, and he is on the executive committee of the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children.
With number crunching all day, comes an intense desire for creativity and it is within the arts that Chow has found a way to express this side of himself. An active collector and patron of contemporary art, Chow serves on the board of governors at the Hong Kong Arts Center, and is on the board of trustees of the New Museum, New York and the Asia Pacific Committee for the Centre Pompidou Paris, and is part of the founding patrons’ group at M+ Museum in Hong Kong.
Chow hopes to promote contemporary arts and culture in Hong Kong on a world stage and actively teaches younger generations about the importance of cultural legacy. Here he discusses his path to success and why making the world a better place is his top priority.
Describe what you do in one sentence.
I run a boutique asset management company with a focus on real estate investment, growth consumer, retail and other asset classes.
How does your business make a difference?
We only create value but provide the most aligned and suitable risk-adjusted returns for our stakeholders and partners.
What do you put your success down to?
Dedication, hard work and integrity.
What are the top three ingredients for a successful business?
Setting a clear vision, adapting and adjusting to market conditions, and working with the right colleagues and partners to execute it.