Tedde Tsang

What’s your area of expertise?
In my work, I focus on two areas:

1. Stimulating key business sectors through initiatives to increase entrepreneurship
2. Engaging with the international business community to attract companies and talent to NYC

How long have you worked at NYCEDC?
1 year, 4 months.

Why do you work at NYCEDC? What motivates you?
I work at NYCEDC because I believe that the work we do improves the lives of all New Yorkers and serves as a model for improving economic conditions in metropolitan areas around the world.

What is your favorite project you’ve worked on?
As a project manager in the Center for Economic Transformation, I’ve had the privilege of working on many innovative and fun projects that have helped to strengthen NYC’s key economic sectors. If I had to pick one project in particular, I’d choose NYC Next Idea, the City’s annual global business plan competition. It was a pleasure to run the program and see so many inspired entrepreneurial ideas submitted by students from around the world. Even more gratifying was watching the development of students’ ideas throughout the competition, and then having the opportunity to meet the finalists from the Czech Republic, Canada, Singapore, India, and France when they visited NYC for the final round. The finalists were not just impressive but a lot of fun, and we made connections with each other that will last for many years to come.

What is one of your most memorable/funniest moments from working at NYCEDC?
The most memorable moment from working at NYCEDC is the time I visited NASDAQ with a group of foreign tech startups. We watched the closing bell being rung by the CEO of a Chinese online matchmaking website, who had brought along five successfully matched married couples dressed up in tuxedos and wedding gowns, several carrying babies in tow. As a group, they rang the bell in front of television cameras while red confetti fell from above. The studio audience cheered, and all the babies cried.

Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Oakland, CA.

Where do you live in the City? What do you love about your neighborhood?
I live in Park Slope, Brooklyn. What I love about the neighborhood is the great little pizza shop right around the corner, where I can pick up authentic Brooklyn pizza until 4 a.m. on any night of the week.

How do you get to work?
I ride the 2/3 train from Bergen Street.

What is your favorite lunch spot near NYCEDC?
My favorite lunch spot is definitely Sophie’s, but I have to go on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday because those are the only days they serve the oxtail stew.

What would people find you doing on the weekends?
On weekends, I’m either playing soccer on Pier 40 in the West Village or out on a photography walk in Park Slope or on The High Line. During long weekends, I like to go camping upstate or in New Jersey.

Mets or Yankees?
Go Red Bulls!

Who do you follow on Twitter?
@BronxZoosCobra

Why did you move to New York City? If you’re from here, why did you decide to stay?
I love the urbanism, culture, and people of New York City. It’s the best place to get involved in shaping the urban future of the United States, and to enjoy all the benefits that cities offer. But truthfully, I moved to New York City for a girl…

What’s your favorite place in the City?
Taqueria y Fonda la Mexicana, my favorite Mexican restaurant in Morningside Heights! Nothing is more comforting to me than walking into Taqueria, smelling the delicious scent of fresh tortillas and grilled chicken, and seeing the warm smiles on the faces of the staff.

Describe New York City in three words.
Something for everyone.

Describe NYCEDC is three words.
Economic game-changer.