Clement Wong Ah Sui: The Art of Reinvention
Clement Wong Ah Sui: The Art of Reinvention
Clement Wong Ah Sui has carved out an unconventional path driven by curiosity, values, and an unquenchable desire to share. From aviation to education, and from gastronomy to luxury, he embodies the spirit of reinvention.
"We must constantly renew ourselves. The world changes rapidly, and we must adapt while staying true to our values," he asserts. Starting his career at Air Mauritius at 19, he eventually became the director of Keats College, navigating various professional realms along the way. Now at 54, he reflects on a journey marked by diverse experiences.
In 1988, fresh out of high school, he joined Air Mauritius as a Cargo Officer. "Back then, it was a demanding yet exciting job. I learned discipline, precision, and most importantly, the essence of service," he recalls. Over more than a decade, he rose through the ranks to become Senior Procurement Officer in 1999, overseeing purchasing and logistics.
In 2004, faced with his father's illness, who was the director of Keats College, he decided to leave Air Mauritius to support him. "My father has always been my role model. When he fell ill, it was only natural for me to take over," he says.
He then ventured into the education sector, first as Assistant Manager and gradually as Manager, striving to understand students' needs and modernize certain practices. "Education cannot remain stagnant. It must evolve with the world, especially with technology," he emphasizes.
Under his leadership, Keats College introduced Food and Nutrition courses accessible to both boys and girls. "We wanted to break stereotypes. Cooking and nutrition are not gender-specific; they are life skills," he explains. Computer science and technology also form the core of his educational strategy. "Computer science is the language of the future. At Keats College, we wanted our students to be prepared for this digital world," he adds.
These efforts paid off. Last year, the college produced a top student. "It's a reward for the collective effort, the commitment of our teachers, and the motivation of our students," comments Clement Wong Ah Sui.
In addition to his educational roles, he has developed entrepreneurial projects, knowing that entrepreneurship has always been in his blood. "Even as a child, I thought about creating, developing, and building something sustainable."
His latest venture? A bistro-style restaurant that combines the warmth of a bistro with gastronomic finesse. "I wanted to create a place where people can enjoy good food in a cozy atmosphere, without pretension but with quality," he says with a smile.
His analytical mindset and managerial training also led him to establish a company specializing in auditing businesses generating over Rs 100 million in annual profit for converting financial data into XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language), a digital format now required for compliance and transparency. "Many companies were not ready for this transition. We provided a practical and compliant solution, guiding them step by step," he clarifies.
He also oversees the Mauritian franchise of the Luxury Network, an international platform for connecting the luxury sector. "The idea is to create synergies between local and international businesses, develop strategic partnerships, and give Mauritius a place on the global luxury map," he explains. "Luxury is not just about money. It’s about excellence, experience, and added value," he likes to remind.
Behind all these activities, Clement Wong Ah Sui emphasizes the importance of values and humanity. "I’ve always believed that ambition and humility must go hand in hand." For him, success only matters if it contributes to collective growth. "Every student, every employee, every collaborator has potential. My role is to help them express it."
He also highlights the balance between professional and personal life. "The secret is discipline and passion. When you love what you do, work becomes a joy rather than a burden."
Today, Clement Wong Ah Sui looks back on his journey with gratitude. He has managed to build an unusual path characterized by perseverance and boldness. "Every stage of my life has taught me something. At Air Mauritius, I learned discipline. At Keats College, I learned about transmission. In business, I learned creativity," he sums up.
Always attentive to changes, he continues with his projects and insists: "Success is not about what we accumulate; it’s about what we share. And I want to keep sharing."