IT and Business Collaboration Accelerates Corporate Digital Innovation

Full Article in Chinese

• Master of Science in Business Information Systems
• Head of Digital Innovation of Cathay Pacific

"Collaboration between digital development and business is often fraught with challenges. Enterprises need a role that is well-versed in both business and IT domains to help 'translate' each other's language, thereby accelerating the company's digital transformation," said Gordon CHU, Head of Digital Innovation of Cathay Pacific. As a graduate of the Master of Science in Business Information Systems program at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), he described the program as equipping him to serve as a bridge—understanding business operations while mastering practical IT skills—effectively enabling companies to benefit from digital innovation.

Reflecting on his personal journey in digital innovation, Gordon candidly shared that his fascination began in primary school when he first used computer software to share creative content, finding it both novel and engaging, especially when receiving feedback from others. His passion deepened through his love for playing video games, leading him to major in Information Systems during his university studies in the U.S. "After graduating and working for a local company, I realized that IT and business departments seemed to speak two different languages, and there needed to be a bridge to facilitate communication between them."

He explained that sensing his own potential to take on such a managerial role motivated him to return to Hong Kong for further studies, ultimately choosing CityUHK's program for its blend of cutting-edge IT and business elements. "The CityUHK curriculum comprehensively covers diverse subjects like cybersecurity, data applications, and strategic management. One particularly memorable influence was Prof. Maris Martinsons, then Associate Professor of Management, whose teachings in business management greatly helped me understand how to translate a company's core resources into actionable plans."

Gordon also mentioned that the program also trained him in systemic thinking, enabling him to approach problems from multiple perspectives while enhancing his leadership skills—key to effective stakeholder management.

When discussing the role of a Head of Digital Innovation at a large airline like Cathay Pacific, Gordon cited his experience, emphasizing that the core responsibility lies in understanding business needs while integrating practical new technologies from the market. "We actively promote a series of innovation initiatives within Cathay, including platforms that foster a culture of innovation, such as the annual 'Cathay Hackathon.' Paired with AI tools and design processes, we encourage colleagues across departments to brainstorm innovative solutions, ensuring even non-technical staff can participate."

"Feasible ideas are then developed into real-world applications with Cathay's support. For example, a colleague once suggested enhancing a reverse vending machine—which offers instant rewards—by incorporating Cathay's unique touch, upgrading it to exchange recycled bottles for Asia Miles." He noted that this one-of-a-kind machine remains at Cathay City and is highly popular among employees.

To further embed a spirit of continuous innovation into the company's DNA, Gordon stressed the importance of encouraging employees to adopt a "growth mindset" and an "experimental ethos," where the process itself—regardless of success—is seen as a learning opportunity. Cathay also regularly hosts "Demo Days," inviting teams to share insights from both successful and failed innovations, fostering a healthier culture of innovation company-wide.

Gordon advised that modern enterprises increasingly prioritize digital innovation, requiring employees to adopt exploratory approaches beyond fixed roles. At Cathay, he sets innovation goals and timelines for his team, continuously refining efforts with business outcomes as the ultimate metric. "Thus, I value hiring critical thinkers who can execute innovation goals under management guidance while articulating their decisions. Aspiring leaders in aviation should cultivate strong self-direction, analytical skills, and proactive innovation to grow alongside their organizations."

（Published at 18 June 2025）