Individual
Getting to Know Our New Board Director – Mr Foster Yim
Published on 29 March 2023
Elected to the Board of the HKSI Institute in December 2022, Mr Foster Yim is a barrister and an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) for two listed companies in Hong Kong. He is a Fellow of the HKSI Institute and an active supporter of the Institute’s talent grooming initiatives.
Q: Please tell us more about yourself.
A: I was called to the Bar in 2011 and have been practicing law in both criminal and civil litigations. My expertise also includes advisory work on pre-IPOs, as well as HKEX and SFC matters.
I have been serving as an INED for two listed companies in Hong Kong and had been working as Chairman of an investigation committee. In addition, my responsibilities include writing judgments and making decisions as the chair of the Appeal Tribunal under section 45 of the Building Ordinance, Cap. 123 and the Guardianship Board under section 59J(2) and (3) of the Mental Health Ordinance, Cap. 136.
Professional career aside, I love philosophy as well as pop culture entertainments!
Q: What is the typical day in the life of a barrister?
A: If there are no hearings scheduled, I would usually return to my Chambers at around 9:00am to 10:00am, attend clients’ meetings and work on civil cases. As a wise man from PwC once advised me, is to schedule most (if not all) of my business development meetings at breakfast or lunch hours, so that I can go back home in time for dinner!
Q: You wear many hats and have been active in a range of public and community service, as well as in education, finance and professional services. How do you juggle these multiple demanding roles?
A: For me, the challenge is more about detaching emotionally from a situation after the work has been done, rather than on time management. I recall a time when I served as a manager in a secondary school, I became mentally and emotionally attached to a crisis, even though I had done all that I could and should.
Q: You frequently speak and write on topics from bitcoin, crypto asset fraud to artificial intelligence in legal translation. What should our professional community be aware of in this digital age?
A: There is nothing new under the sun. No matter how the technologies advance or emerge, the fundamentals such as love, trust, and integrity remain essential. As long as we don’t forget these basics and not being technophobic, I don’t think there will be any issue.
Q: What appeals to you about board service at the HKSI Institute, and what would you like to accomplish during your term as Board Director?
A: I know some of the board directors well, and we share common goals of improving the financial landscape in Hong Kong and being socially responsible, especially towards the youth. Specifically, I am keen to share my professional knowledge with colleagues in the financial industry and contribute to the growth and success of our field.
Mr Foster Yim is an active contributor to multiple academic journals and is a frequent industry speaker.