Onboard from Honduras: Castillo in China, in CUHK

Castillo Figueroa Arnaldo, Minister of Economic Development of the Republic of Honduras and alumnus of CUHK EMBA.

The answer to the question often asked of Castillo Figueroa Arnaldoas to why he chose to come to Taiwan first and then Hong Kong is a simple ‘I love Chinese culture’. Castillo is now the Minister of Economic Development of the Republic of Honduras.

The reason why he chose to enroll inCUHK EMBA? He answered, ‘I Ching! CUHK EMBA is the only EMBA programme in Hong Kong that incorporates I Ching teachings in its curriculum, and that’s why I was attracted to it.’

He was pleased with his learning progress because of the compact EMBA curriculum, ‘Classes were usually on weekends and the number of classes was more than that in similar programmes. I had ample opportunities to network with my classmates.’ CUHK EMBA divided students into groups of five. Castillo found himself in a group of executives from banking, civil engineering, etc., which had expanded his vision and horizon.

‘We had classes in a convenient location in Central. Everything was conducive to learning.’ He was impressed with the CUHK students he met. ‘The study body was made up of many nationalities and industries, each with distinctive talent. It’s truly a benefit to have studied with such a fine sample.’

Castillo has lived in Hong Kong for a number of years and can speak and write Chinese. This has given him an edge in his career. Last year he was appointed by the president of Honduras to be a consultant to investing in Asia. In February he was promoted to Minister of Economic Development. He thought that with the rapid rise of China as an economic power, foreigners who know Chinese like him would enjoy an edge.

‘There are increasing opportunities for collaboration between China and my country. My ability to communicate in Chinese has made that much easier,’ he said. Honduras had earlier accepted from China a loan of two hundred million US dollars to build a hydroelectric plant. He expected the facility to open by the end of next year and give a boost to his country’s utility infrastructure.

As Minister of Economic Development, Castillo oversees 14 departments and his responsibilities range from management to tourism to economic affairs. ‘Basically, all overseas dealings are within my portfolio,’ he said. Honduras’s chief exports are gold, silver and iron ore and its export partners include China, the US, Canada and Italy. His job requires his frequent trips to these and many more countries.

Such an important portfolio has not diminished his humility. He said, ‘I cannot wait to see the fruits of my work so that people’s lives can be changed for the better. ‘How comfortable is he with being a high official? He quipped, ‘I never thought I was a politician but now

Frequent travels have not diminished Castillo’s memory of his student days at CUHK. Whenever he passed by Hong Kong, he would find time to reunite with his classmates. ‘I am fortunate to have met such good classmates from different walks of life. It’s rewarding to share our experiences.’I’d have to make certain adjustments. You’ve got to be practical about it.’

This article was originally published in No. 86, CUHK Alumni Magazine in June 2016. Please click here to read more.