Vivian Siu, Director at UBS Investment Bank and Formula 4 Racer

As this year's JESSICA Woman in Sport Award winner, Vivian Siu, UBS Director and winner of Hong Kong's first gold in the 2023 FIA Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship, stands out for her versatility, resilience, and relentless pursuit of success despite the tremendous adversity she faced in life. From the high-stakes trading floors of UBS to the exhilarating curves of Macau's street tracks, her journey exemplifies a woman who turns challenges into opportunities, effortlessly connecting the realms of finance and motorsport like a seasoned pro. Vivian's story is not just about achieving success in male-dominated arenas; it's about redefining what is possible and inspiring us to chase our passions with tenacity and courage. Through her eyes, we explore the essence of pushing boundaries and the profound impact of staying resilient against all odds.

"It is important that people have role models that look like them… I hope that by showing that I can have fun, you can too."

Written by: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos by: Raymond Chan

Venue: Maserati Experience Centre Hong Kong

Rising from Adversity: Vivian's Defiant March to Academic Prestige

Vivian begins with a contemplative tone, reflecting on a tumultuous past that shaped her formative years. "I came from quite a dark place when I was younger... Both my parents passed away... I was a high school dropout for a few years," she shares, revealing the deep losses that often derail futures before they begin. Despite these early adversities, Vivian's journey diverged from potential despair, fueled by a determination to honor her late mother's memory and forge a future that would make her proud.

A profound commitment anchored her resolve: "I wasn't sure about my future... One thing I was certain of is that I didn't want to disappoint her, even in her absence." This promise propelled her to seize opportunities with an invigorated spirit. "I studied hard. I studied so hard. Every day I studied. Every opportunity I had; I was studying."

Vivian's academic path from obtaining a GED to attending an Ivy League university exemplifies her dedication. "I took the GED... I studied really hard at community college... and one day, I decided that I'm just going to apply for my dream school Columbia University and see how it goes..." To her astonishment, her relentless efforts paid off with an acceptance that would forever alter her life's direction. Her educational milestones were marked by resilience and a steadfast commitment to excellence, overcoming initial setbacks.

"It was a long and arduous journey where I felt like giving up several times, but I persisted," she admits, highlighting both the challenges she faced and the fortitude she cultivated. Vivian's story embodies a powerful truth about resilience: it's not just about enduring but thriving in the face of adversity. In keeping her promise, Vivian's achievements extended beyond academic accolades; she transformed her grief into a potent motivator for her life's endeavors. "Because when she passed, I wasn't a model student at the time. I was quite a rebel. So, I just wanted not to disappoint her."

Her unyielding approach to overcoming life's obstacles is captured in her personal mantra: "Just keep swimming. Just keep going. You just got to tough it out." Her perseverance is more than rhetoric; it vividly manifests in her daily life, particularly during her academic and professional pursuits. "I study all the time. It is so important to keep improving yourself." Vivian continued to describe that her efforts were not merely for good grades but became a steadfast commitment to excel. A path that prioritizes continuing self-improvement against all odds and makes every moment count toward achieving her goals.

Charting New Territories: Vivian Siu's Conquest of the Finance Realm

Vivian's journey in the financial sector, particularly her tenure at UBS, exemplifies the resilience and boldness that characterized her personal challenges. Stepping into the fiercely competitive world of finance, she transformed each obstacle into a foundation for significant professional achievements. "It was also a long journey getting a job at UBS... I was bartending for half a year in Hong Kong until I found the job at UBS," she recalls, reflecting on a period marked by uncertainty rather than the stability of a burgeoning career.

On her decision to move back to Hong Kong, Vivian asserts, "Hong Kong is such a great city. There's not any other place like it. I was born here, and it is great to come back to a place that is familiar but also so vibrant. There is always something happening here. It is important to be somewhere that makes you happy." After two decades in New York, her diverse experiences and insights add a unique depth to her professional perspective. Vivian candidly shares the significant adversities she faced: "I didn't have a place to stay... I had to do 40 interviews at one point until I found the job," reflecting on not only her personal and financial struggles but also her unyielding determination. Her thoughts on Hong Kong also emphasize her alignment with the city's dynamic and diverse professional environment: "Hong Kong, I feel like it's more efficient, it's more diverse, and you meet more interesting people. It's a more concentrated circle." This setting not only served as a backdrop for her professional endeavors but also acted as a catalyst for her growth, offering a landscape that prizes efficiency and diversity.

Starting at UBS as a graduate trainee/first-year analyst, Vivian climbed the corporate ladder to her current role as Director at Hedge Fund Origination Sales. Her strategic actions and persistence enabled her to carve a niche in a field that many aspire to but few achieve. One theme was persistent: her story is a compelling inspiration for those fascinated by career development. She demonstrated that with tenacity and strategic insight, one can ascend to and surpass the professional heights they aspire to.

Defying Conventions: Vivian Siu's Bold Leap into Motorsports

Vivian's ambition extends far beyond her role as a Director. Breaking new ground, she also became the first woman and LGBT woman to complete the F4 race in Macau. Her foray into motorsports showcases the extraordinary possibilities that arise from stepping beyond one's comfort zone and taking a risk—embodied in her journey, and she stands as a symbol of courage against the odds. The global slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Vivian's pivot into this unexpected arena. "What really planted the seed in my head was that we lost so much time during the pandemic... I wanted to do something new." Vivian recounts, highlighting a significant shift towards embracing new challenges and pursuing her passions in the face of uncertainty. "I met my current team, T-1 Racing... I just hopped into a Formula car because they gave me the opportunity."

Within just six months, Vivian found herself competing at one of the world's most renowned racing events, the Macau Grand Prix. "I did not expect things to end up like they did," she shares, her rapid ascent from novice to competitor underscoring her adaptability and zest for new experiences.

Vivian's presence in motorsports, a field still dominated primarily by men, shines a light on the ongoing challenges of diversity and inclusion. "It was mostly men... There aren't many female drivers… As far as I am aware, there are no other LGBT drivers in Asia either, too," she notes, pointing out the significant diversity gaps. Yet, her participation is not only about personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration for broader change, encouraging more women and LGBT individuals to explore less traditional paths. "I never felt like I was treated differently because of my gender or sexuality… I think other women or LGBT people will be very welcome to the sport."

"It is important that people have role models that look like them… For other LGBT people especially, many fear discrimination, especially in typically male-dominated fields, so I am very happy to share my experience publicly. I hope that by showing that I can have fun, you can too."

While Vivian acknowledges her pioneering status, she humbly reflects on her influence: "It's a lot of firsts for myself just participating in the sport, so I think it's a good opportunity for me to represent, even though that was not the initial intention. I don't consider myself a role model… at least, I never really thought about it."

In embodying her mantra: "Just keep going. You just got to tough it out," Vivian's approach to life offers a powerful narrative of resilience—not just enduring but actively conquering life's challenges. Her experiences remind us that resilience, like a steady current, propels us forward, shifting tides in our favor even amid the most daunting circumstances.