Jacquen Kwok: Building a Socially Responsible Healthcare Enterprise

Full Article in Chinese

• Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer, UMP Healthcare Group
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Studies

In the 1990s, Hong Kong's public hospitals were overcrowded, sparking a societal focus on private healthcare. Jacquen Kwok, a graduate in International Business from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), joined UMP Healthcare Group, founded by ten doctors. Leveraging her business acumen and innovative mindset, she collaborated with insurers and corporations to offer affordable, high-quality medical services. Today, UMP Healthcare Group has grown into one of Hong Kong's largest integrated healthcare platforms, providing citizens with diverse medical options.

"I’ve always been passionate about business," Jacquen noted, explaining her decision to pursue International Business at CityUHK. "The program offered tracks in China and Japan trade. I chose China, foreseeing its growth." Beyond traditional subjects like law and finance, the curriculum emphasized "culture and communication." Initially puzzled, Jacquen later realized the importance of cross-cultural communication in fostering collaboration. Her education not only gave her early insights into mainland markets but also laid a solid foundation for her career.

In the early 1990s, Hong Kong's public healthcare system was under immense pressure, and private healthcare was seen as a vital supplement. Fresh out of university, Jacquen seized an opportunity to join a group of ten doctors planning to establish a medical network. They sought someone skilled in administration to optimize resource use and manage collaborations with various organizations, allowing doctors to focus on patient care.

"Having a doctor as a father, I understood their mindset and challenges. Doctors prefer to focus on patients, leaving management to professionals," Jacquen said. Her industry insight helped build trust with doctors, enabling effective communication and balancing quality with cost through a people-oriented approach.

With over 30 years at UMP, Jacquen has driven the group from its inception to a successful IPO. She continually pursued self-improvement, earning a master’s in healthcare management and a law degree from Peking University. Her passion for progress led the group to pioneer Hong Kong’s first medical bill scanning system and innovate electronic services.

"Transitioning from business to healthcare was a unique opportunity, but it wasn’t without challenges. As responsibilities grew, I stayed focused," Jacquen advised aspiring healthcare managers to prioritize passion and dedication over rapid career advancement. "Gaining trust and realizing your value in your role is success." Guided by this belief, Jacquen remains committed to making private healthcare more accessible, leading the group as a trustworthy, forward-thinking enterprise.

（Published at 10 March 2025）