Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen believes in professionalism and the value of people

Wards packed with patients, corridors bustling with people, and healthcare professionals moving swiftly from room to room, almost jogging to make every second count. This scene made a profound impression on the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the MTR Corporation, Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen, who joined the Board of the Hospital Authority (HA) in April. “If I were to sum up my feelings toward the HA in two words, it would be ‘profound respect’,” he remarks.

Dr Auyeung, who became MTR Chairman in 2019 after more than 40 years in the insurance industry, sees similarities between the healthcare and public transport sectors: Both require rigorous management and close collaboration among teams, he concludes. “The MTR transports millions of passengers every day. It may sound simple, but behind it lies a complex system of analysis, execution, and coordination to ensure everyone arrives safely,” he explains. “Hospitals operate in the same way. Take surgery as an example: Every step must be meticulously executed, from pre-operative assessments, surgeons’ skills, and team synergy to maintaining a sterile environment in the operating theatre.”

Harnessing technology, putting patients first

Hong Kong’s public healthcare system shoulders about 90% of the city’s inpatient services, and Dr Auyeung is particularly concerned about the pressures faced by frontline staff amid the challenges of an ageing population and a growing number of chronic patients. He is pleased that the HA is recruiting healthcare professionals to ease the burden and ensure that services remain sustainable and of high quality. Dr Auyeung applauds the HA’s willingness to embrace innovation and technology. “The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to help draft medical reports is a good example. It not only saves time and manpower but also frees up doctors to concentrate on patient care and interaction with patients, rather than being overwhelmed by paperwork,” he argues. “Whether in healthcare, transport, or other industries, AI is the way forward. I hope hospitals can further harness technology to support healthcare teams.”

One of Dr Auyeung’s favourite weekend pastimes is watching English Premier League. As an Arsenal supporter, he is not drawn to the sport by any particular player but by the rhythm of attack and defence, team coordination, and tactical execution. “A football team has 11 players—strikers, defenders, a goalkeeper and more. Rather than individual performance, what matters most is the coordination among different positions for the team to reach the full potential and make it a good match,” he says. He values teamwork and believes every role is important—just like within the HA with its workforce of over 90,000 doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative staff, and supporting staff. “Each person performs their duties and contributes to the smooth running of healthcare services,” Dr Auyeung reflects.

Dr Auyeung confesses with a smile that he has a habit of reading management books in his spare time. He firmly believes that, whether in a professional role or public service, one should maintain a spirit of lifelong learning. “No matter the position, you are bound to face new challenges and unfamiliar problems,” he says. “As a new member of the HA Board, I see myself as a sponge—constantly absorbing knowledge and hoping to contribute to the Hong Kong healthcare system.”

Profile of Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen

• Chairman of the Board of Directors of the MTR Corporation
• Board member of Bo Charity Foundation (Food Angel)
• Convenor of the Advisory Committee of the Jockey Club Community eHealth Care Project
• Motto: Learning never ends