In 2012, Syed Asim Hussain founded Black Sheep becoming one of the most prolific innovators at the forefront of Hong Kong’s ever-evolving culinary scene. Since then, he has revolutionised hospitality in the city, building almost 40 individual restaurant concepts with connected storytelling, creating an organisation that is centred around community building with a social conscience and bringing a sense of deep-rooted hospitality to everything within the Black Sheep worldview.

In addition to the awards and accolades accumulated that recognise Black Sheep’s work within the hospitality industry, Hussain has established community resources such as the Family Fund and partnerships with local NGOs to support those most in need in the city.

During COVID, he authored the team’s COVID-19 playbook which was shared as a free resource for anyone in an industry that was devastated by the pandemic, and became a spokesperson for the industry at large, locally and on a global scale. He has appeared in media such as Bloomberg, CNN, the BBC World Service, The Atlantic, Tatler Asia and the Financial Times and was invited by the government of Hong Kong to contribute his advice on reopening the industry within the city.

Outside of his day-to-day service in the restaurants, Hussain is passionate about serving his community both in Hong Kong and at home in Pakistan. He was named to the Foreign Minister’s Honours list for Young Overseas Pakistani Leaders and is the youngest board member for CARE Pakistan, a non-profit organisation on a mission to provide quality marketable education to the underprivileged children of Pakistan.

In Hong Kong, he was a guest lecturer at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel & Tourism Management before accepting an appointment on the school’s advisory committee and he works with the city’s Correctional Institute to offer young offenders the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Black Sheep kitchens. Hussain also leads the team’s efforts to volunteer and support the Sikh community, as a patron donor for the historic Wan Chai gurdwara.