OUR CHAIRWOMEN'S MESSAGE
Mrs. Lilian Li
“ THE ROAD NOT TAKEN “
I like this poem from Robert Frost very much. Remember why you choose the road, and when you get through it you will see you make difference. For me, I think life is not always planned. If we’re genuinely interested, we can always apply what we’ve learned. The Important thing is to choose where it align with your values. Mine are doing good and doing my best.
Leadership & Strategic Expertise
- 20+ years of leadership experience in ICT and Education industries
- Former Vice President of CFOCN
- EMBA, Kellogg–HKUST Executive Program
- Expertise in organizational effectiveness and talent acceleration
Founder & CEO, Asian Petrel Advisory
- Australian Ambassador’s Award for Women in Leadership (2021)
- Leader for Emerging Markets Award (2020)
Regional Impact & Market Reach
Lilian has successfully led and supported initiatives across China and Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Her ability to navigate diverse market conditions and institutional frameworks has enabled organizations to establish long-term presence, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and achieve measurable outcomes.
Institutional Partnerships
Throughout her career, Lilian has collaborated with leading organizations such as Royal Group, Canadia Group, CamTech University, Siem Reap Airport, Marriott Phnom Penh, Gold Zone Media, and Air Cambodia. These engagements reflect her strength in building trusted partnerships and supporting sustainable organizational growth across diverse industries.
Leadership Focus
As Founder & CEO of Asian Petrel Advisory, Lilian works closely with organizations, leaders, and institutions to deliver strategic advisory, training, and coaching services—helping clients strengthen decision-making, build capability, and navigate growth with confidence across Southeast Asia.
Storyline
Our CEO’s Story and Where our humble begin
Early 2000s
Our History — A Year by Year Journey
Lilian Li began her professional career in China in the early 2000s within the marketing industry. By the age of 24, she was already leading teams and managing operations across more than 40 branches. This early exposure shaped her leadership discipline, strategic thinking, and people-centered approach.
2006
Defining Move to Cambodia
In 2006, Lilian made a bold decision to relocate from China to Cambodia—entering a market that was still developing and largely unfamiliar. She transitioned into the telecommunications sector at a time when Cambodia’s national broadband network existed only as a blueprint.
2006 – 2015
Building National Digital Infrastructure
Lilian played a key role in Cambodia’s first national broadband fiber optic bidding project in 2006. Over the next decade, she contributed to the deployment of more than 20,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, connecting rural provinces with major cities.
2011
Regional Experience & Resilience
During this period, Lilian also worked extensively across the region, including Myanmar, where she conducted nearly 100 business trips between Naypyidaw and Yangon in a single year. Often one of the only foreign businesswomen present, she strengthened her cross-cultural leadership and negotiation experience.
2016 - 2020
Expansion into Education & Leadership
luding the FTTH Forum in 2019, and became increasingly engaged in shaping ethical and inclusive leadership across sectors.
She later served as Associate Vice President at CamTech University, bridging industry expertise with higher education and workforce development.
2020 - 2023
Global Perspective & Recognition
Following the COVID period, Lilian returned to Hong Kong to complete the Kellogg HKUST Executive MBA, deepening her global perspective on leadership and emerging markets.
Her impact earned international recognition, including the Leader for Emerging Markets Award and being named a finalist for the 2021 Australian Ambassador’s Award for Women’s Leadership.
2024
Strengthening Purpose - Driven Work
Lilian continued to expand her work across technology, education, and mentorship—focusing on sustainable growth, ethical leadership, and empowering future leaders, particularly women and young professionals.
2025 – Present
Purpose Driven Leadership
In 2025, Lilian founded Asian Petrel Advisory, continuing her mission to drive strategic growth, cross-border collaboration, and values-based leadership across Asia.