Editor’s note: ISACA’s Career Catalyst Stories showcase how members have been supported by ISACA throughout all stages of their careers. Today, we profile Freeman Ng, Principal Consultant at iSystems Security Limited. Find out more about ISACA membership here.
Freeman Ng’s career transition introduced an unforeseen problem – as a fledgling entrepreneur, he no longer was a known professional commodity.
“For 15 years, I worked as an IT manager at a prominent Hong Kong bank, where my professional identity was tied to the institution’s prestige,” Freeman said. “My role afforded me recognition — clients trusted my expertise, colleagues sought my counsel and industry peers respected my insights. Yet, when I co-founded a cybersecurity consulting firm, I encountered an unexpected truth: institutional reputation does not automatically translate to entrepreneurial credibility.
“Despite relentless effort, our firm struggled to win business contracts. Clients who once valued my bank-affiliated expertise now questioned my independent capabilities. The harsh reality was clear: without the bank’s emblem on my business card, I had to redefine my professional value.”
It was a new phase in his career journey, and he soon found an important ally in ISACA.
Freeman and ISACA: early career
A key turning point arrived when a colleague invited him to a seminar hosted by ISACA’s China Hong Kong Chapter 15 years ago.
“The session illuminated a critical gap in my strategy in the cybersecurity arena – trust is not merely earned through experience but validated through globally recognized credentials,” Freeman said. “As one speaker in the seminar aptly noted, ‘Certifications are the universal language of competence in a borderless digital world.’ This revelation reshaped my approach.”
It also prompted Freeman to pursue ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) credential. Attaining CISM not only instilled confidence in Freeman, but also allowed him to more effectively articulate his firm’s value proposition. Seeing major value from certification, he later added the CISA, CRISC and CDPSE credentials to his professional repertoire.
“The impact was transformative,” Freeman said. “Government departments and commercial entities, once hesitant to engage an unproven consultant in a start-up, began viewing us through the lens of ISACA’s rigorous standards. These certifications became keystones in winning tenders, including a landmark contract to assess cybersecurity resilience for a major public-sector digital transformation initiative.”
With newfound expertise and credibility through his certifications, Freeman’s entrepreneurial vision became easier to execute.
What’s happening now?
Freeman is Principal Consultant at iSystems Security Limited, where he specializes in providing comprehensive information security services to clients.
He said the firm’s growth continues to be fueled by the credibility that comes with ISACA credentials. He looks to hire candidates with ISACA certifications while also encouraging employees to pursue them.
“Today, our firm thrives not on past affiliations but on demonstrated expertise,” Freeman said. “ISACA’s credentials did more than open doors — they redefined how clients perceive value in an industry where trust is paramount. To professionals navigating similar transitions, I offer this insight: Certifications are more than accolades; they are strategic tools that bridge the gap between capability and credibility.”
Certification is only part of Freeman’s career journey with ISACA. Freeman also serves as a board director with the ISACA China Hong Kong Chapter, where he works to support local chapter members on their own professional journeys. He considers the ability to give back to the local ISACA community just as he has benefited during his career to be the most meaningful part of his relationship with ISACA.
“This symbiotic relationship not only enriches my professional life but also allows me to make a positive impact on the broader IT community in Hong Kong and beyond,” he said.
What’s next for Freeman?
As Freeman looks forward to the future, he rattles off an extensive list that underscores how his future career plans will be intertwined with his relationship with ISACA: attending webinars and trainings; pursuing additional credentials; utilizing the ISACA China Hong Kong Chapter for local networking and to continue growing his leadership capabilities.
Like many in the field, he is especially mindful of how emerging technology will continue to impact roles in cybersecurity and related fields. And he knows where he will turn to keep pace with the coming changes.
“ISACA, its certifications and supportive communities are the way to go,” he said.
