“We should always be considerate to others, respect our ancestors, aim for harmony and balance in all things, avoid extremes in behaviour and emotion, and live in peace and harmony, keeping in touch with the spiritual forces of the universe, including nature,” says Xu. This approach has deeply influenced her, both personally and professionally.

“Confucianism governs every relationship, including those of business,” she says. Xu is the founder of Areteos Family Office and recently set up the Global Group Lifestyle & Sports Club at her husband Johnny Hon’s boutique investment firm, the Global Group.

Global Group Lifestyle & Sports Club provides its members with access to world-class events. She has found that taking Confucianism’s principles into the workplace can play a role in improving the performance of the business.

“Confucianism preaches diligence, respect and consideration, and it also teaches people to use ritual to communicate. In short, it sets out the correct forms of behaviour in any given situation so as to preserve both harmony and face."

Confucianism preaches diligence, respect and consideration, and it also teaches people to use ritual to communicate

Xu’s approach to achieving a harmonious and happy life has no doubt encouraged her professional success—and has driven her decision to make charitable endeavours and socially responsible practices central to her businesses—as well as personally, helping her to nurture a happy home with her husband and three young daughters.

“Influenced by this faith, we are calm, considerate, united and respectful people, who have strong and close-knit families and help each other to overcome difficulties,” she says. And Xu is already passing on the principles that she has learnt to the next generation, encouraging her children to always behave with “love, justice, respect, wisdom and sincerity.”

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