"Once you're here, you don't want to leave." That shared sentiment from Danish Chamber Chair Anita Vogel and Finnish Chamber Executive Director Marica Barrett neatly captures what keeps them in Hong Kong—one for nearly two decades, the other for four years and counting.
From the jaw-dropping Victoria Harbour skyline to the city's ability to bounce back quickly after typhoons, both Nordic business leaders describe Hong Kong as a place defined by efficiency, resilience, and a strong sense of community. In an interview with Hong Kong Wen Wei Po, Vogel and Barrett spoke about why they first came, the culture gaps they had to navigate, how family life adapts in a high-density city, the fast pace of work, and what they see ahead in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Arriving in Hong Kong: a contract, a transfer, and a first impression that stuck
Vogel first came to Hong Kong in 2007 for work in watch manufacturing and retail. She said a single business contract brought her to the city at a time when Shenzhen produced the vast majority of the world's watches—making Hong Kong the ideal base for staying close to the industry's pulse. She and her husband arrived with two backpacks and moved into a small flat in Lai Chi Kok. Nearly 20 years later, she has married and raised a family in Hong Kong.
Barrett moved to Hong Kong four years ago due to her husband's job relocation. She described the move as "an interesting adventure," adding that the couple had lived overseas before and looked forward to starting a new chapter. She soon found a role with the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and has held the position for two years.
Both recalled being struck by the city's energy. Vogel said Hong Kong's skyline, diversity, and infrastructure made her fall in love with the place almost immediately. She also singled out the city's "bounce-back" capability—how quickly daily life and business operations return to normal after extreme weather.
Barrett's first impression was simpler: "It's hot." But she quickly warmed to Hong Kong's mild winters, which she said feel like spring back in the Nordics. She also pointed to Hong Kong's diversity not only in daily life but also in business—industries move fast, options are plentiful, and she found herself appreciating the city more as time went on.
Culture shock in daily life: hospitality, space, and raising kids in a dense city
Both leaders said some of the biggest adjustments came from everyday cultural differences.
Vogel shared a story that puzzled her for years. In Denmark, inviting friends to your home is a strong symbol of closeness. In Hong Kong, however, limited living space means people often prefer meeting outside for a meal. She later realized it was not emotional distance but the practical reality of compact housing.
Barrett spoke about the learning curve of going out with children in Hong Kong. She has two kids and was used to using a double stroller in Northern Europe—something that is simply difficult to maneuver in Hong Kong. She also said children's more energetic behavior in public sometimes requires extra attention to local etiquette so as not to disturb others.
Workplace pace: flat management meets "instant reply" expectations
The pair also contrasted Nordic work culture—often flatter and more protective of personal time—with Hong Kong's faster tempo.
Vogel said she brought a more "flat management" style into her Hong Kong workplace, encouraging staff to communicate directly with managers or even the boss. She believes strong communication helps retain talent and reduce turnover. She also noted that job-hopping can be common in Hong Kong, sometimes driven by relatively small pay increases, whereas she places greater value on long-term professional development.
Barrett highlighted Hong Kong's "instant" work culture: messages after office hours and an expectation of quick replies. In the Nordics, she said, many people avoid sending emails late in the day because they assume others won't respond outside working hours—and they respect that boundary.
Chambers as bridges: connecting Nordic firms with Hong Kong and the GBA
The Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has around 50 members, while the Danish Chamber counts about 100 members among some 400 Danish residents in the city. Both chambers organize networking and business events and work closely with other Nordic chambers.
Vogel said Danish companies place high value on Hong Kong's rule of law and simple tax regime. She added that if the GBA can further leverage Hong Kong's legal strengths, it could attract more Danish small and medium-sized enterprises. She also observed that the "GBA" concept used to feel vague to many Nordics but has become clearer in recent years as policies and cross-border convenience improve. In her view, Hong Kong's gateway role has not faded—rather, it has deepened as the region develops.
Looking ahead: staying, settling, and the Hong Kong spirit
After 20 years in Hong Kong, Vogel said it is hard to imagine moving back to Denmark, and she expects to stay as long as work remains stable. At the same time, she noted that expatriates lack the kind of extended-family safety net they might have at home; losing a job in an expensive city can quickly become difficult. She suggested that for those aiming to settle long-term, buying property—if possible—can significantly increase the chance of staying.
Barrett said her family is very happy in Hong Kong and has no short-term plan to leave. What began as a two-year plan has turned into four years, and she remains deeply attached to the city.
Barrett summed up her Hong Kong experience with two words: "hospitality" and "community," saying neighborhood warmth and social connection have become essential to her life. Vogel chose "home" and "come"—Hong Kong is now her home, and she welcomes others to come and experience it. She also offered a Cantonese "ga yau" ("keep going"), which she said represents the spirit of Hong Kong: always moving forward.
Both said they would readily recommend friends to live and work in Hong Kong. Vogel joked she would hesitate only because it is "too good a place" to share. But, they agreed, Hong Kong's opportunities—and its unique charm—are best understood in person.
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