Ma’s father, William, is a private man who prefers to let his business acumen speak for itself, but one subject makes him light up: his children. “I am press-shy, but if it’s with my son, I’ll do an interview,” says the father of three. “Justin has been interested in the hotel industry since he was a young boy and I have always supported him in pursuing his goals. About ten years ago, we saw an opportunity to invest in the hotel industry and he began working with me. He’s done a great job so far, and his hard work and dedication make me proud, whether that’s for the business or our family.”

Property development runs in the Ma DNA. William’s father, Ma Kam-chan, founded Tai Sang Land Development in 1973, specialising in property investment, rental and development, as well as estate management and hotel operations. When William was in his early 20s, he joined the company as a clerk, climbing the ranks to become its current chairman and CEO. Though the founder died in the Eighties, his life lessons are ones that William still holds dear. “My father is always on my mind. All the things we did together and all the memories are still with me. I learnt a lot from him and his lessons have been useful to me throughout my life,” he says.

Volunteering time to the community is also important to the family: William previously served on the board of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation, among other initiatives. “Giving back has given me good insight into what is truly important in life. Making money brings happiness but to give back to the community is even more satisfying,” he says. He is also a member of a number of social clubs, including the Hong Kong and Macau Jockey Clubs, the Hong Kong Golf Club and the Hong Kong Gun Club. “I work hard and play hard,” the 67-year old says. “I like golf, tennis, water skiing and even cooking.”

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From sustaining a successful business to having a healthy social life to his philanthropy, William’s drive to do it all is a trait that Justin admires—and one he inherited, too. “My father has always encouraged me to be myself and be a person of my word. I admire the way he’s able to sustain a business while always making sure that our values are upheld in the company and in the family. After I started the Yulan Group, I realised this is not an easy thing to do,” Justin says.

The pair’s strong father-son bond is evident. “I am not only Justin’s father, but I’m also one of his closest friends,” William says. “We talk about everything: watches, cars, sports and movies. It’s not easy to work together as father and son. When Justin joined the company, I told him that there would be a lot of conflict and arguments; after all, that’s what business is like. But I learnt that the most important thing is to leave all of that in the office and never bring it home.” Justin agrees: “It’s natural to have some conflict—especially when working with family—but we understand and respect each other so much that we always find a healthy resolution.”

As for what’s next, Justin says his ambitions lie far beyond what he has already accomplished. “I always like to try and do new and unconventional things; hospitality doesn’t just mean hotels. Maybe it’s food and beverage establishments, serviced apartments, senior living, beach clubs or campsites,” he says. “When the opportunity comes, we will definitely take it.”

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