Leader in Government Health who managed Hong Kong’s Covid-19 response.

Heston Kwong's career path presented a significant choice between medicine and engineering. Ultimately driven by a desire to help people, Heston (MBA 1998) chose medicine, earning his degree from the University of Hong Kong. He quickly realized the importance of specialized skills in public health and epidemiology, leading him to further studies. He completed a Masters in Public Health at the National University of Singapore and a Masters in Health Planning at the University of New South Wales. Heston also pursued an MBA at Murdoch University, enriching his exposure to the business world and expanding his professional network.

Heston’s first significant challenge came in 1997 with an outbreak of avian influenza in Hong Kong. As a Subject Officer in Epidemiology, he played a crucial role in tracking the source of infections and implementing interventions. His experience was further enriched by working alongside renowned epidemiologists from the United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

With the increasing importance of IT in public health, Heston pursued a Masters in eCommerce and Internet Computing from the University of Hong Kong. This decision proved timely during the SARS outbreak in 2002-2003. Heston was instrumental in developing an IT infrastructure for real-time data analysis, contact tracing, and outbreak management, which earned international recognition through the Stockholm Challenge Award.

Heston's expertise in public health preparedness was further demonstrated between 2013 and 2019, during which he and his team conducted nearly thirty exercises to prepare Hong Kong for potential outbreaks. These exercises involved multiple government departments and community sectors, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated response.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed the greatest challenge of Heston's career. His responsibilities included managing emergency responses, implementing quarantine measures, and overseeing the logistics of quarantine sites and vaccination programs. Heston’s team had to adapt quickly, sourcing quarantine accommodations and ensuring proper facilities for thousands of individuals.

Heston’s role also extended to the legal aspects of quarantine enforcement and social distancing measures. He was actively involved in preparing legislation for the control and prevention of communicable diseases, known as Chapter 599.

Throughout the pandemic, Heston leveraged his extensive network of retired professionals to manage various operations, ensuring effective responses. Despite the immense pressures, such as ensuring 10,000 residents in facilities he managed were fed and cared for, Heston maintained his physical and mental health through simple, daily morning walks, finding solace in the quiet moments.

He recently retired from his role as Assistant Director at the Department of Health, Hong Kong Government.