Global success; Michael Tien winner of Worcester Academy distinguished alumnus award.

Byline: Daisy Wiggins

Michael Tien is, to put it simply, a global success. Tien, founder of the G2000 Group, a global apparel company, has strong ties to Worcester. He is a 1968 graduate of Worcester Academy, and received the school's distinguished alumnus award in May.

A native of Hong Kong, Tien was sent to the United States by his parents during the turmoil of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. He spent his senior year at Worcester Academy, and went on to receive a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Cornell University, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Tien founded the G2000 Group in 1980. Today the company has more than 800 outlets in the Middle and Far East, selling modern clothes for men and women designed for urban living. In addition to running the apparel company, Tien has served as chairman of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corp. in Hong Kong, and in January was appointed to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Much of his free time is devoted to community work in his native Hong Kong.

Tien has fond memories of his time spent in the Worcester area. In an interview via e-mail, Worcester Living asked him about those days and more.

What do you like most about New England?

The trees and their colors in the fall.

What did you do for fun when you attended Worcester Academy?

(I shot) pool at a second-floor downtown pool hall.

Best Worcester Academy memory?

Winning a tennis tournament against a strong New England rival with my pivotal match as the sixth player on the team.

Worst Worcester Academy memory?

I arrived in Boston during Thanksgiving and was caught up in the first

blizzard of my life with no transportation. I waited at a street corner and eventually friends came and picked me up. I almost got frostbite.

Do you prefer being in an urban or a rural area?

Urban. It keeps my adrenaline running.

Would you rather live in China or the United States?

China - for business development - it's

easier if one is from the dominant race. Not to imply that the U.S. is discriminating - it's the least of all Western countries.

Who is your hero?

A classmate called Horace Collins, the first African-American friend I ever had. (He is) compassionate, helpful, articulate - leadership material.

What was the greatest source of inspiration for your company, the G2000 group?

My passion for the fashion industry, particularly color and fabric.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To influence others regarding some fundamental belief of mine that reflects my core value, such as never resolving conflicts through bloodshed.

Do you have any interesting hobbies or passions?

Golf - the only sport that mirrors life. Cool-headedness + planning + execution + "accepting results as God's will."

What's your favorite piece of clothing?

A handkerchief. I'm allergic and sneeze unexpectedly.

Favorite place in the world to visit?

Island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

What are your plans for the future?

Continue to plug along everyday, making whatever contribution I can to everything and everybody around me.

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: Photography by Tom Rettig

CUTLINE: (1) Michael Tien is founder of the G2000 Group, a global apparel company. (2) Michael Tien received Worcester Academy's distinguished alumnus award last spring.