IVAN WONG
Managing Director
UA Cinema Circuit
What does your company do?
UA Cinema Circuit was founded by Lark International Group in 1985. Its first movie house was opened in Sha Tin, taking the lead in introducing the American multiplex movie theatre to Hong Kong and also Asia. UA Cinemas now operates about 20 premier cinemas with 120 screens in prime locations in China, Hong Kong and Macau. We are pioneers in adopting innovative high-end projection technology and equipment.
What sort of brands are associated with your company?
As well as its exhibition circuit, UA Cinemas was the first to introduce private VIP theatres – Director’s Club (2001) and Phoenix Club (2009) – and in 2007 it introduced the exclusive IMAX theatre, bringing the world’s most immersive movie experience to Hong Kong. We have a loyalty programme, the UA Loyalty Club, and since 2002 we have run UA Films, which distributes many award-winning quality international and local films. UA CineHub presents themed film festivals and distributes selected art films, independent movies and operas in high-definition. There is also UA POP, a one-stop shop in cinemas for a range of movie merchandise. UA Cinemas also has Hong Kong’s first D-BOX VIP Theatre.
What activities do you have planned for your shadows?
As well as showing them how the Hong Kong operation is run, we intend to bring them on a site visit to China, which will involve meeting the China team.
What do you hope your shadows will get out of the programme?
We hope they will experience high-level business engagements and observe the back-end operations of a cinema. We will also provide participants with professional development opportunities, including meaningful business discussions, exposure to senior leadership, and a broader understanding of the industry environment.
What leadership skills or lessons are you personally hoping to impart?
I will help the shadows explore personal-development pathways and grow the right attitude towards work. This will foster mutual learning, mutual respect and team spirit, and will create a value proposition for them. It will teach them how to react quickly to opportunities, to communicate viewpoints and find consensus and the middle ground, and maintain a good work-life balance.
What skills and experiences are you looking for in applicants? What would really impress you?
We are looking for candidates who can bring new, innovative ideas to UA Cinemas. They should be able to observe the business from a fresh perspective and, using their innovative mindsets, suggest areas that might be enhanced. We also expect them to take initiative and make suggestions to different business units.
What is the job market like for graduates in your industry?
The cinema industry is broad and dynamic, welcoming talents from all disciplines. It is always looking for candidates with creative mindsets to adapt to a fast-changing business environment.
