Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung: Striking a balance between law, reason and sentiment

Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung is a solicitor, who was appointed as member to the Hospital Authority (HA) Board in December last year, has served on a wide range of public bodies over the years governing education, healthcare, housing and liquor licensing. Whatever her role, she consistently upholds a guiding principle that balances law, reason and sentiment. “You have to consider the law and logic, but also the feelings and needs of the public.”

Tennessy is an enthusiastic supporter of public service driven by her curiosity and a desire to contribute to the society. She believes that the more you understand an organisation, the more you realise how little you knew before. She can now better understand the HA through her role on the HA Board, of which corporate governance, effective resource allocation, and internal and external communication are the issues she particularly concerns.

With her legal background, Tennessy has extensive experiences in interpreting legislation and rules, ensuring the legality and fairness of procedures, handling disputes, and managing appeal mechanisms. This expertise allows her to contribute to functional committees such as the Public Complaints Committee, Staff Appeals Committee and Audit and Risk Committee. She believes that public resources should be used wisely and to meet society’s evolving needs. “The HA has a responsibility to ensure public funds are well utilised,” she argues. “Avoiding waste and ensuring effective allocation are the keys to that mission.”

Transparency is crucial as the HA embarks on a year of reform, Tennessy stresses. “Staff feedback must be communicated upwards, and both staff and members of the public should understand what HA is doing and why,” she explains. “This helps reduce misunderstanding.” Tennessy cites the ongoing public healthcare fees and charges reform as an example, saying that HA should provide the public with practical, easy-to-understand information to show its sincerity and build trust. “We cannot only stick to the law and figures. We need to strike a balance. Sentiment is equally important. We need to understand the need and feelings of the people we serve.”

Table tennis and tenacity

Tennessy is passionate about sports. She believes it helps to build her mental resilience as well as providing a break from daily routines. She was enthusiastic about golf and tennis. Yet, for the past seven or eight years, she is devoted to table tennis. She practises twice a week and takes part in competitions organised by the Hong Kong, China Table Tennis Association. Tennessy says she is fascinated by the game’s pace and competitive nature. It is not just about technique – composure is just as important. “Whether you are winning or losing, you need to stay calm,” she reflects.

Whether on the table tennis court or in her working life, Tennessy believes in giving your best in what you are doing. “As the saying goes, ‘Man proposes, God disposes.’ You can’t control the outcome, but you must give your all.”

Profile of Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung

• Chairperson of the Liquor Licensing Board
• Member of the Council of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
• Member of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Council
• Motto: Stay positive and do your best in what you are responsible for