Fuelling economic change with leadership and creativity

Martin Sigmund (MBA 2010)
VP of Medium Power Transformers Europe – Lead Factory Linz, Siemens Energy Austria GmbH
Linz, Austria

Ming Deng (IBBA 2012)
Principal, Boston Consulting Group
Tokyo, Japan

David Lim (HRE 2022)
Sales Executive, JW Marriott Hotel
Seoul, South Korea

---

Q1. Could you briefly describe your current job scope or responsibilities?

• Martin: My responsibilities encompass leading the Linz (Austria) manufacturing plant, overseeing cluster functions, and managing the two additional manufacturing plants located in Dresden (Germany) and Trento (Italy). Our transformer products play a crucial role in driving the global energy transition.
• Ming: My team specialises in advising principal investors and private equity firms across the entire deal lifecycle—from market assessment and due diligence to post-merger integration, strategic direction, and exit planning. Additionally, I support corporate clients in the formulation and execution of their in-house M&A strategies, with a particular emphasis on the complexities of cross-border transactions.
• David: I oversee sales operations and contract management of the public sector business at the hotel. My role involves implementing effective sales and marketing strategies to secure contracts and executing revenue management plans to achieve quarterly and annual budget targets, relying on strong coordination across departments to ensure success.

Q2. Please describe your residing location in three words.

• Martin: Beautiful, relaxed, friendly. Linz, the third-largest city in Austria with about 210,000 residents, is nestled among hills and bisected by the Danube River. It seamlessly blends its role as an industrial hub with a thriving cultural scene, creating a dynamic living environment. I particularly enjoy inline speed skating and cycling along the picturesque paths by the Danube River and the Mill Quarter.
• Ming: Sophisticated, peaceful, organised. Tokyo embodies a sophisticated, serene and meticulously organised essence. The city reveals its true depth not merely through its celebrated cuisine, impeccable services or natural beauty, but through the presence of profound thinkers and individuals who call it home. A subtle delicacy and tranquillity permeate life here—an understated richness that one can appreciate only through the experience of this remarkable city.
• David: Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is dynamic, modern, and forward-thinking. It is renowned for its economic success, high levels of education, numerous corporate headquarters, and world-class digital infrastructure, all contributing to its status as a global innovation hub.

Q3. Which industry do you see as having strong business potential in your residing location and why?

• Martin: Linz boasts a diverse and robust economic landscape, with well-developed industries and technological innovation sectors, underpinned by leading companies like Voestalpine AG in steel and technology, Siemens Energy in transformers, KEBA AG in automation, and Dynatrace in software intelligence. In addition to these established companies, Linz is known for its vibrant startup culture, further cementing its reputation as a hub for industrial and technological growth.
• Ming: Japan has embarked on a positive economic trajectory after decades of stagnation, drawing a surge of investor interest. Professional services—from consulting and financial advisory to real estate and hospitality—are thriving, bolstered by this influx. Simultaneously, Japan’s traditionally robust sectors, such as precision manufacturing and healthcare, continue to demonstrate their enduring strength in this revitalised economic environment.
• David: The hotel industry in Seoul is more vibrant than ever. Demand for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) business has surged, as local companies have resumed corporate events with enthusiasm post-COVID. Additionally, the global popularity of K-culture has attracted numerous international companies and associations to choose Seoul as their event destination. This trend is reflected in record-breaking revenue achievements at our property since its opening.

Q4. What is the one thing you miss the most during your study at CUHK Business School?

• Martin: I loved my time studying in Hong Kong and being in Asia. One thing I miss the most is the vibrant atmosphere and the unique experiences the city offers. I look forward to returning, hiking on Lamma Island, and enjoying its famous cuisine—a perfect combination of nature and gastronomy.
• Ming: I really miss the evenings by the pool, whether in quiet solitude or in the easy company of friends, and the afternoons spent in the main library, with the soft rhythm of rain outside. There is a certain unparalleled beauty in the simplicity and freedom of student life. It remains one of the most cherished periods in my life.
• David: I fondly remember gathering with friends over sodas and drinks in front of the Pavilion of Harmony at New Asia College, enjoying the stunning view and relaxed atmosphere. I also miss hosting friends in my dorm to cook together—simple moments that were deeply cherished.

Thinking of advancing yourself in the next normal? Explore what’s in your future with CUHK Business School’s programmes.

Learn more

The interviews first appeared in CUHK Business School Alumni Website, abridged with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office.