Chen Wang

Chen Wang came to New Zealand from China 17 years ago for “a better education and a different life experience”. He has positively achieved both.

Graduating with an MBA from the University of Auckland at the end of 2020, Chen achieved his ultimate goal to explore new opportunities and new territories. “There is a saying that life is a journey, not a destination. Along the journey, we make new friends, new experiences and new discoveries, that were never known to us before.”

Chen’s biggest takeaway from the MBA experience? “Projects worth working on, with people worth working with” – a line from MBA lecturer Chris Johnson. This philosophy governs how Chen makes a lot of business decisions today. His favourite subject, not surprisingly: Organisational Studies: Coaching for Change, by Chris Johnson. “Chris Johnson,” he says, “is down-to-earth, pragmatic and sociable – a very interesting and experienced lecturer to have.” Chen feels that the university’s MBA programme could be enhanced further with more community / society engagement. “More engagement with the local community will truly serve the purpose of higher education.”

Chen, at the age of 33, is currently managing director of Homeland Construction, offering he says “a one-stop solution for clients wanting to build and / or invest in the property market”. He also heads up Julong Design, where the focus is on architectural design and subdivision.

His biggest achievement has been client satisfaction and team building. “People are the greatest assets. I am grateful to have built trusted relations with my clients, suppliers and employees. Through ups and downs, we share happiness and sadness together. So I believe my biggest achievement has been to know and work with the people around me.”

Lockdown, however, has pushed Chen and his team to change their way of working. Since the onset of Covid, he has adopted a more technology focus, particularly with zoom meetings and centralised management software.

Chen has come a long way since his first job as a kitchenhand in a local restaurant. Barack Obama is his role model. “A very inspirational figure. The positive influence and perception he has had on people who know him, has changed a generation of youth, to believe in the power of dreams.”

Asked about his next career goal, Chen says: “I have always been interested in politics, even from an early age. I believe through being a role model, I can inspire the younger generation to change society in a positive way. So, politics is always on the back of my mind.”

Meanwhile, Chen has enthusiastically taken up the role of vice-chair of the University of Auckland MBA Alumni board. When not working, Chen enjoys family time with his wife and children (a seven-year-old son and two daughters aged five and three). “It is an enjoyable experience,” he says, “to grow with them together.”

Written by AMBAA Chair, Lorraine Thomson.