Meet Erwin Pon

Erwin Pon is a 4th generation Chinese South African with his ancestral roots in Guangdong, China. He is the Chairman of The Chinese Association (TCA) as well as serving as the vice Chairman of the All African China Peaceful Reunification Association and advisor to the African Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2007 Erwin was selected by the Chinese government as an "Eminent Overseas Chinese Youth" and was invited to represent South Africa in Beijing. In 2011, Erwin was again selected to lead a delegation of outstanding overseas Chinese youth from South Africa at the Beijing World Overseas Chinese Conference. In 2010, he represented the South African Chinese at the China National Day celebrations hosted by President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. In 2013, Erwin was selected as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Youth by the Guangdong Provisional Government for his contribution to the Chinese community in Africa. With over 15 years of experience in the banking industry, Erwin is the Business Development Director of East Asia and South East Asia for Rand Merchant Bank and is responsible for developing the Asian business as well as implementing Asian related strategies for the FirstRand group. His responsibilities cover a broad spectrum of areas involving mergers and acquisitions, trade finance, investments, structured products, currency and commodities hedging as well as general Asian advisory services to companies either entering the African market or for those looking to expand overseas into the Asian market. He has an MBA in strategic management as well as a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics and Finance from WITS University.

Read more about why Erwin is proud to be Chinese and proud to be South African.

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Name: Erwin Pon

Occupation: Business Development Director and Chairman of The Chinese Association (TCA)

1. Where were you born?

Johannesburg, South Africa

2. What school/college/university did you attend?

Franklin D Roosevelt Primary
Michael Mount Waldorf
Wits
Milpark Business School

3. What is your fondest childhood memory, growing up as a Chinese child?

I come from a very large family and the fondest moments are from the regular gatherings, all the wonderful food and at Christmas times, all the stacks of presents!

4. What is your favourite Chinese food?

4 Treasure Rice
Mon's Chinese soup

5. Where do you live?

Johannesburg

6. What work do you do?

Business Development Director and Head of East and South East Asia at Rand Merchant Bank.
I am also the Chairman of The Chinese Association (TCA)

7. What do you love about your job?

Investment banking is a very exciting industry. In particular, as I look after the East Asian market, I get to travel to the East a lot, experience many different cities and meet with many interesting people across a wide variety of businesses. I love the sense of accomplishment when concluding successful deals and transactions.
Within the TCA, I enjoy working and interacting with the many people in our community. I love promoting Chinese culture as well as assisting our community where ever I can.

8. What is your proudest achievement?

Being recognised by the Guangdong Provincial Government as the Top 10 Most Outstanding Youth in 2013 十大杰出青年. I was honoured to be selected out of the many overseas Chinese youth around the world and recognised for my contribution to our Chinese community. The awards ceremony itself was an amazing experience held in Macau with overseas Chinese attending from all around the world! One of highlights of the event (other than me receiving the award) was personally getting to meet some of the HK actors and singers that were performing at the ceremony – it is something I will not forget!

9. Why are you proud to be South African?

South Africa is my home. I was born here and my family has been here for four generations. South Africa has one of the best climates in the world, amazing scenery, wildlife and awesome people.

10. Why are you proud to be Chinese?

One of my favourite Chinese sayings is “ 飲水思源” which means when you drink the water, think of its source. Even though I am a fourth generation Chinese South African, I will never forget my roots. I will always be proud of where my ancestors came from and will always remember the challenges and hardship that they endured to get me to where I am today.
I am also proud of Chinese culture, which is rich and diverse. I love its history, the mythology, traditions as well as the many mythical folk stories (I loved watching Hong Kong TVB shows when growing up).

11. Name one Chinese tradition that you’d like future generations to continue with?

I would encourage future generations to always celebrate Chinese New Year. It is one of the most important festivals of our Chinese calendar. It is a time for being together with family and enjoying a custom and tradition this is, and will always be, a part of who we are.

12. What advice would you give to the Chinese youth today in South Africa?

Be proud! Be strong! We are all unique and we must embrace our heritage. Especially in this day and age where we are facing many obstacles and challenges in our path (intolerance against different races and cultures) but so long as we stay true to who we are, be proud of who we are, where we came from… no one can stop us in where we want to go and what we want to achieve.
I am always of the belief that being different and unique is a wonderful gift to have. Make the most of being different and use it to your competitive advantage.