This is part 5 of our series of profiling professionals of Chinese descent in the financial services sector in South Africa. It showcases the contribution of these professionals in the South African economy. What's your name and age? Erwin Pon – 46 years old What has been your experience? I have over 20 years’ of experience working in Corporate and Investment Banking with over 12 years at Rand Merchant Bank. I have also worked at Absa Barclays, Discovery and the International Bank of Southern Africa (a JV between BNP Paribas and Dresdner Bank). What do you do? I am the Head of Asia at Rand Merchant Bank and FirstRand Bank. I am primarily based here in South Africa but I do have an office in Shanghai with a team there that helps me manage my Asian clients. Whilst being the regional Head, I have a number of different areas that I look after, ranging from project and infrastructure financing, structured trade, general corporate financing to advisory and M&A services. Your area of expertise? My areas of expertise has really been focused around financial institutions, trade, investments and project finance. What is your place of birth? Johannesburg South Africa When did you immigrate to South Africa? What brought you here? I am a fourth generation Chinese South African. My ancestors came to South Africa from Guangdong China in the late 1890’s. My great grand-father was a trader. My Grand-father was the principal of the Chinese school and my grandmother was a teacher there. Eventually they started their own business in the 1940’s called Sui Hing Hong. Where did you study, and your qualifications? I have an MBA in Strategic Management and did my undergrad Bachelor of Commerce degree at Wits University. Why did you choose your line of studies? My family has a history of being entrepreneurial so I have always been interested in business and how things work. How did you get into the financial services sector? I had always small part-time side jobs from high school, ranging from working at Woolworths to conducting surveys at the airport . But for my very first formal job, I approached a job agency immediately after finishing university and I informed them of the areas I was interested in- financial services being my main choice. What are your hobbies and interests in your spare time? I love travelling, playing golf, basketball, league of legends as well as spending as much time with my kids and family as possible. I am also the Chairman of the Chinese Association (TCA) where I try my best to assist, represent as well as promote our Chinese community and culture to the broader South African communities. With all this, most of my “spare time” is filled. How do you see the future of South Africa? No one would doubt that there are currently so many challenges facing us here in South Africa. We have a combination of socio-economic issues that if are not urgently addressed, will have the potential of causing even more harm to our economy and people in South Africa. But there are most definitely some green shoots and some positive things that are happening. And whilst we very often believe that its always the job of someone else to “fix” and that we can’t really do anything, the truth is that we can. South Africa has so much potential and I sincerely believe that we are the gateway to the rest of Southern Africa. We need to use and harness this opportunity and really work on creating something amazing for our future generations. What advice or encouragement do you have for university students who want to enter the financial services sector? The financial services sector is extremely broad but holds a plethora of opportunities for people. There are the “old school” (CA, Economics, Finance, CFA, Actuary etc..) type jobs and roles but there is also the “new world” of opportunities with new technologies such as Fintech, blockchain, new forms of currencies, data science and crypto payments etc… I am super excited about what the future holds for this industry. In a few years’ time, it may not be the same as it is now, but it is exciting! It’s definitely not an easy environment and there are many challenges and competitors out there. But at the same time, there are so many possibilities waiting for someone with the right attitude, motivation, ambition and courage to grab hold of and make a real success! It’s a fascinating time and an interesting industry for those who are looking for a challenge!
1 Comment
Dazzle
9/2/2021 03:49:49 pm
Good day I would like to kindly contact Mr. Pong as I currently provide a service that might be of great value to the Chinese community living in South Africa.
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