Tiffany Chui Lok I and Florence Ho Ho Ching, two local residents and previously civil servants currently holding positions at the United Nations (UN), spoke about their work at the UN in an online interview with local reporters recently.
Chui currently serves at the UN-Habitat Programme Management Office in Kenya, whereas Ho, a Junior Professional Officer at the UN Secretariat, is set to transition to a new role as a Human Resources Project Manager at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna starting next January.
Chui worked in the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) before seizing the opportunity to work at the UN, driven by her aspiration to engage with an international organisation and broaden her global perspective. Recently, she has transitioned from a junior professional officer to an official staff member. Chui noted that the transition had posed significant challenges for her due to intense competition within the UN, but was fortunate enough to be able to overcome the difficulties with meticulous planning, and finally got the official staff member position.
“In the United Nations, networking and self-promotion across departments are crucial for successful career development. We frequently engage with others, learning from them during informal coffee breaks, and strive to leave a positive impression. This culture of interaction is integral to our work here.” Through persistent efforts, Chui successfully secured her current position and expressed gratitude to the Chinese team at the United Nations for their invaluable assistance.
Adapting to the dynamic and diverse environment of the United Nations, which starkly contrasts with her experiences in Macao, Chui emphasised the importance of active engagement and the wealth of perspectives derived from diverse cultures. She highlighted the collaborative nature of amalgamating various viewpoints into unified strategies as both enlightening and fulfilling, underscoring the valuable lessons she has learned throughout this process.
Similarly, Ho stressed the unique approach of the UN towards addressing different issues, focusing not solely on outcomes but also on understanding the root causes of problems. She underscored the significance of fostering communication, welcoming diverse ideas, and considering multiple perspectives to arrive at effective solutions.
Reflecting on the role of China within the UN, Chui commended the country’s leadership in economic and social development, serving as an example for other countries striving to overcome poverty. She expressed pride in witnessing China’s influential presence on the global stage and acknowledged the opportunities it has provided for personal growth.
Ho underlined that she is perceived as a representative not only of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) but also of China. She pointed out that it is both her duty and privilege to exemplify her best self and exhibit the finest Chinese traits to individuals at the United Nations, who similarly act as representatives of their respective nations. Ho noted that her actions shape perceptions of the Macao SAR and China, therefore underscoring the importance of demonstrating excellence and responsibility in her role within the United Nations.
Both Chui and Ho expressed gratitude for the backing provided by the Office of the Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region and the local government, acknowledging the pivotal role of representing China on the global stage. Chui said, “I am also pleasantly surprised by the fact that many of our colleagues are familiar with Macao. This recognition signifies Macao’s increasing international renown, attributed to its recent economic achievements and rich cultural heritage.”
These file photos show Florance Ho Ho Ching posing at different United Nations landmarks. – Photos provided by Ho
This undated photo shows Tiffany Chui Lok I posing with Permanent Representative of People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Fu Cong. – Photos provided by Chui
