Third-generation family business leader implements vision to ensure a sparkling legacy
Emperor Watch and Jewellery chairperson draws upon her father’s teachings and insists on working her way up to establish solid leadership
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Third-generation leader of watch and jewellery business adds sparkle to family legacy
Recognition is something that is universally sought after, but for those who have to carry on the legacy of a family business, the odds are stacked against them. Such is the story of Cindy Yeung, the third-generation chairperson of Emperor Watch and Jewellery.
Now a part of Emperor Group, which is involved in a host of sectors ranging from real estate to entertainment, the Hong Kong company traces its origins back to 1942, when Yeung’s grandfather opened Shing On Kee Watch Shop on Shanghai Street.
“I was also born on Shanghai Street. I was very happy when I was a child, seeing the whole family working together,” Yeung recalls. But leading the business was never on her mind until her father, Albert Yeung, made the decision more than 30 years ago that he would hand it over to her.
“I told my father, ‘If you really want me to join [the company], how about letting me study gemology first?’,” she says. “I pursued an advanced [Gemological Institute of America] course where I gained technical expertise and the practical skills to evaluate gemstones.”
But even with that certification under her belt, Cindy Yeung knew she still needed hands-on experience, so she insisted on starting in a junior position at an Emperor Watch and Jewellery shop. “Although I was not as experienced, I kept learning. That way, people will respect you,” she says.
However, she continued to feel like she was living in her father’s shadow. “The first 10 years were very challenging because I was introduced as someone’s daughter,” she says. “I was not myself.”
When it was finally time for Yeung to take the helm, she believed there was only one way to prove herself: by implementing her vision to guide the company into its next chapter. “There were moments of tension because my approach to business was sometimes different from my father’s,” she says. “I think it’s natural that we would have differences of opinion from time to time.”
One of Yeung’s most significant moves in her leadership role has been developing the company’s own signature jewellery collections. “The jewellery market has evolved significantly, with distinct preferences across generations,” she says, pointing out that younger customers are drawn to stylish, lightweight and story-driven designs, while middle-aged shoppers prioritise quality and long-term value, with a preference for fine gold or gemstone-embedded jewellery.
“To engage these different segments, we leverage data analytics and membership systems to tailor product offerings based on regional and demographic preferences,” she says. “Additionally, we strengthen our social media presence, partner with [influencers] and enhance digital marketing to build a more youthful and dynamic brand image.”
The results speak for themselves. The company has been consistently profitable with Yeung as chairperson, and its retail presence has grown to more than 90 shops in Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, Malaysia and Singapore.
Through the adoption of a franchise model, the company plans to open another 600 shops across mainland China within five years. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We attracted over 400 franchise shops on the very first day we announced our expansion plan in Shenzhen in May,” Yeung says.
She remains grateful for the values her family instilled in her. “From my father and my grandfather, I learned invaluable principles – the importance of punctuality, to never give up no matter what challenges arise, and to always work diligently,” she says. “These are not just rules for business, but fundamental values for life. I am truly grateful for these teachings, as they have shaped both my character and my approach to leading the company.”
Check out the video to hear Cindy Yeung share more memories of her leadership journey. This story is the second of a three-part series, “Carrying on a legacy”, produced by Morning Studio in partnership with UOB Private Bank.
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