Mauricio LOZANO

From Classroom to Chamber: Serving Society with Self Network and Resources

Mr Mauricio Lozano is a graduate of 2011 in Master of Science in International Banking and Finance (MIBF). Influenced by the former Vice-President of Lingnan University, he joined the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (MexCham HK) and has served as Chairman and President in the past decade. Today he is a Branch Manager and Wealth Manager who provides financial and insurance services for expatriates and foreign corporates in Hong Kong and Asia.

Stepping onto the land of Hong Kong
Mauricio was originally from Tijuana and San Diego, the border between Mexico and the US. When he finished his bachelor degree in 2010, he faced a challenging job market in San Diego as the city had not fully recovered from the 2008 financial crisis. As he explored different possibilities for work or postgraduate studies, he learned about Lingnan University from his professor and decided to apply for a master's program there. Eventually, he managed to obtain a scholarship to study in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of his journey. Mauricio shared a humorous memory: due to his unusual height, the bed in the apartment he rented was not long enough. To accommodate, he had to rest his feet on the window ledge whenever he lay down.

One of the biggest rewards studying in Lingnan to him was meeting Professor Jesús Seade Kuri, the former Vice-President of Lingnan University and Chair Professor of Economics. “I thought there was no Mexicans here. But when I went to class on the first day… Oh wow, the professor is Mexican!” Serving as the Chief Negotiator for Mexico for all Free Trade Agreements and being the Founding Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Prof. Seade not only imparted professional knowledge in class, but also acted as a role model, demonstrating a passion for work and devotion to his country. Introduced by Prof. Seade, Mauricio joined the MexCham HK in 2012 after he decided to stay in Hong Kong. “It was aspirational and motivational to have him as my professor. He Inspired me the idea of serving the country. That’s why I joined the Mexican chamber - to help connect the Mexicans and support their businesses in Hong Kong.”

Leadership and Networking with MexCham HK
Over the years at MexCham HK, Mauricio has held several key positions, including Treasurer, Vice-President, President, and Chairman. "The Chairman acts as the face of the Chamber, obligated to attend all diplomatic events as a representative, and meet with various chamber representatives and government officials regularly," he explains. "Given the tight-knit community of expatriates, particularly Mexicans, newcomers often reach out to me. I then connect them with potential job opportunities or refer them to relevant contacts." However, Mauricio notes that the more entrenched he became in his roles, the more challenging it was to step away from these responsibilities. "We host annual elections open to all, but over time, competition has waned, and people have come to associate me closely with these roles." During the turnover of committee members amid Covid, he found himself compelled to return and reassume the chairman position after having stepped down.

Despite the significant responsibilities and workload that came with his roles in the Chamber, Mauricio regards his experiences as profoundly rewarding and enjoyable. "The most significant benefit has been the network… Engaging in meetings with high-profile individuals such as ambassadors, CEOs from various firms, and renowned Mexican personalities I'd only heard about or seen in the news was incredibly fascinating! Now, I boast connections virtually everywhere in the world." Through his tenure, Mauricio has gained extensive insights into chamber operations, event planning and execution, and public speaking. Although he has stepped down from the positions of President and Chairman, he continues to serve as a Director of the chamber and a member of the Executive Committee.

Discovering Hong Kong's Multifaceted Strengths
Despite an initial plan to return to the US after completing his master's program at Lingnan University, Mauricio chose to remain in Hong Kong, captivated by its myriad advantages: unparalleled safety and security, efficient transportation, high quality of life, low tax rates, and bureaucratic efficiency. "These are aspects that locals might sometimes overlook, simply because they haven't experienced the contrary elsewhere," he reflects. Post-graduation, Mauricio embarked on a career with FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited (formerly known as ING), a move that opened new doors and introduced him to a diverse array of individuals. To provide comprehensive wealth management and insurance services, he obtained various licenses, including CFP Certification, general Insurance, long term life insurance, investment linked life insurance, and MPF intermediary. "I can address all their insurance needs—be it for companies, public liability, bonds, cars… anything!" His "one-stop-shop" approach has attracted clients globally. "Most Mexicans in Hong Kong have become my clients, along with others from Latin America, Europe, and even Africa!" Despite being on call 24/7, Mauricio relishes the exposure and flexibility his career affords him.

Leading MexCham HK through a decade of challenges, especially during Covid, was a testament to Mauricio's resilience. "The pandemic essentially nullified the benefits of membership due to the absence of activities and networking opportunities. As President, it was my duty to sustain the chamber's vitality and avert bankruptcy." The subsequent years saw some members depart due to various concerns, possibly leading to a less vibrant market and community. However, Mauricio has observed a recent resurgence in people returning to the city. Even those not physically residing in Hong Kong maintain their business interests and obligations here. "Their investments and companies are here; they pay taxes here… Everything has simply transitioned online." This shift reinforces Mauricio's optimistic outlook on Hong Kong's business landscape.

Advising the Youth to Make New Friends and Build a Robust Social Network
Mauricio has maintained a strong connection with the Lingnan community since his graduation. He has participated in alumni events and has been invited multiple times to share his insights with MIBF students. His primary piece of advice for young Lingnanians is to engage more in networking, which he considers the "biggest attraction in Hong Kong." He points out, “In Hong Kong, meeting new people is remarkably easy. In contrast, in Mexico, the concern for safety hampers social interactions. The fear of not knowing someone might lead to being robbed or kidnapped, so people tend to stick with family or close friends. Similarly, in the US, networking is often limited to colleagues or neighbors… perhaps it's different in New York or San Francisco, but certainly not in places like Los Angeles, where the dreadful traffic discourages social engagements.”

When discussing how to initiate conversations with strangers, Mauricio shares his approach: "I often start by inquiring about the meaning behind their names or offering a compliment on their attire. I'm an avid reader of news and a fan of geography, which helps me know a bit about many countries. Mentioning something specific about their country can be appreciated, fostering trust and allowing for deeper conversations." He also encourages students from mainland China and abroad to interact more with local residents. "I urge them to make the effort. There's no need to be shy—just reach out and connect!" he advises. "Ultimately, the relationships you build now could become incredibly meaningful over the next 5, 10, or even 20 years."