The 2022-2024 biennium for Zonta Club of Hong Kong started with our 50th-anniversary celebrations and what more to sustain this special milestone than with our continued commitment to bringing inspiring and thought-provoking Programs to fellow Zontians? Our Programs shall present today’s influential and inspiring speakers to address current societal developments in innovation, trends, culture, and climate issues and perhaps with a gender lens where we can make a difference.
1. ‘When Fashion is Not Just Fashion” (Ms. Angelica Cheung, 27 Sept 2022)
In a closed-door dialogue, Ms. Angelica Cheung, Venture Partner of Sequoia Capital China, and the former Editor in Chief of Vogue China inaugurated our biennium’s Program with our Program Chair, Ms. Lui Tong, and the topic was “When Fashion is Not Just Fashion”. We explored Ms. Cheung’s journey from a law student to launching Vogue China, how China’s fashion industry has been reshaping since the rise of consumption in China, where she sees the industry is heading and her thoughts on sustainable consumption. We discussed how are today’s designers influencing the fashion industry, and what are some successes. It was an overwhelming turnout by fellow and sister Club Zontians and District representatives.
2. ‘Global Economic and Financial Market Outlook” (Dr. Jacky Tang, 25 October 2022)
In the midst of the crazy state that inflation and interest rates keep growing, geo-political changes and supply chain impacts, we were privileged to have Dr. Jacky Tang, Managing Director, Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs, a seasoned advisor, and economist who joined our Program and shared a vivid insight on the “Global Economic and Financial Market Outlook”. We explored from macroscopic to microscopic implications on the equity market, currency, recession severity, and how the 2023 geo-locational economic and financial market look. Sister Zontians from ZCHK and sister Clubs joined in virtually for a fascinating discussion with Dr. Tang’s captivating analysis. To view the recorded session online, please click here.
3. “A Path To Build A Better World for Women and Girls” (Prof. Gillian Choa, 29 Nov 2022)
Gender equality matters in the arts. It determines the degree to which men and women fulfil their own right to artistic expression through self- representation, telling their own stories, and making an individual contribution to the cultural and creative landscape.
ZCHK’s very own Sister Zontian, Prof. Gillian Choa, the first female and the first homegrown President of The Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts, shared with us how she inspires Hong Kong through art.
It was Prof Choa’s passion for ballet that led to performing arts, and stage design, which gradually evolved into a career path. Her multifaceted roles in teaching at the academy inevitably involve much administrative work. By Jan 2021, she had taken charge of Hong Kong’s leading performing arts academy, the HKAPA. A fresh study impressively showed 79% of HKAPA’s graduates have secured a professional job upon graduation, a higher statistic than any comparative institution. Yet there are still challenges for women and girls today in pursuing their dream. Members joined in and discussed how, in a male dominant society, it takes more than one’s capability to reach the top and thrive. So, we must find ways to support fellow females, just like our male counterparts support each other.
4. “Psychological Health & Useful Tips for a Strong Mind” (Prof. Tatia Lee, 28 Feb 2023)
Life constantly embraces us with challenges in life. Pandemic and living in a digital world making many lives in a constant on. Whether you are facing stress from work, family, health and financial instability, or fear about the future, or simply anxious about work challenges, now is the time to face it positively!
Zonta Club of Hong Kong were privileged to have Prof. Tatia Mei-Chun Lee, Chair Professor of Psychological Science and Clinical Psychology and May Endowed Professor of Neuropsychology at The University of Hong Kong, a visiting professor of King’s College London, share how this complex brain and psychological health matter.
One in 10 Hong Konger are depressed according to studies. This number is over 4 fold compared to our neighbouring cities. Prof. Lee explained in a layman way how depression is an aggression turning inwards and one of the factors is loneliness, including feeling lonely amongst the crowd. It was staggering to learn that 40% middle aged adults and elderly suffer chronic loneliness. A useful tip is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise physically and our neuroplasticity to achieve a healthy mind. Our full house couldn’t resonate with her more when she quoted
Han Selye “It’s not stress that kills us, it’s how we react to it “. It was such an inspiring talk and the lively Q&A session couldn’t address all the interest, many were asking for a sequel already.
5. “Eating Green, How can we take the charge to make a difference” by Mr. James Chang
On March 28th, 2023, Mr. James Chang, the Founder and CEO of Geb Impact Technology, Hong Kong’s first biotech firm to cultivate microalgae for its abundant plant-based protein shared an insightful presentation on “Eating Green – How We Can Take The Charge To Make a Difference” followed by a vivid Q&A discussion.
Asia hosts 60% of the world’s population, yet it only bears 20% of the world’s agricultural land. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world is facing, and eating green helps in contributing to environmental change. Alternative protein is an important part of the future food toolbox if we are to build a stronger and more resilient regional food system. James shared how the microalgae is a sustainable source of high-quality protein that has become to revolutionize the traditional vegetarian food market and a life-changer in supplementing nutrition for dieters, elderly and malnutrition populations. No wonder governments around the globe are committing more funds and resources in the green food sector.
6. “How to maintain mental health through stress management and techniques. ” (Dr. May Lam, 27 Jun 2023)
Life in Hong Kong has always been known for its fast pace and high cost. The recent social tragedies have made many Hong Kong people realize the importance of emotional and mental health, made more poignant after a year of destructive riots followed by more than three years of the challenging pandemic when most of us feel so helpless and stressed. Maintaining our mental health and stability cannot be more important as we reset ourselves in 2023.
Dr Lin Meiling May, a psychiatrist, and President of the Hong Kong Emotional Health Association shared with fellow Zontians how to maintain mental health through stress management and techniques.
7. ‘ How And Where To Allocate When Interest Rates Are Rising And Hk Property Prices Are Falling?? ” (Mr. Eric Wong, 26 Sept 2023)
With global central banks raising interest rates to multi-decade highs, and governments facing record high debts, some starting to go bankrupt (e.g. Birmingham), is this the end of the rate increase cycle, or just the beginning?
In a private dialogue, Mr. Eric Wong (王震宇) the Founder and Managing Director of private equity/family office firm Bricks & Mortar Management Ltd, shared with fellow and sister Club Zontians and District representatives. the topic “How And Where To Allocate When Interest Rates Are Rising And HK Property Prices Are Falling?”. Mr. Wong enlightened us with his expertise in physical property investments across the world to take advantage of differing property cycles in different markets. We explored how should we position ourselves now given HK home prices are falling and geopolitics are worsening around Europe (Ukraine) and Asia (Taiwan Straits). What are the macro factors that will safeguard our capital and where does that mean we should allocate in the coming years? There was so much food for thought to take home we must arrange a sequel in the foreseeable future.
8. “北上消费 怎样付款” Paying in China” (Ms. Hilda Zhu, 31 Oct 2023)
Paying In Mainland China Has Never Been More Seamless And Rewarding.
Mainland China leads in the world’s digital wallet payments. There are Alipay, WeChat Pay, BOCPay, digital RMB, and more. Since the border reopened, “Going North” for consumption become a new trend.
According to HK Immigration Department, over 4.68M people visited HK in July alone. Residents “Go North”, equivalent to +150,000 HK people “Going North” every day, with an estimated consumption amount of HKD 4B (approximately RMB 3.7B). What are some of the eWallet options one can use to enjoy a seamless and rewarding payment experience when in Mainland China?
On the eve of Hong Kong Fintech Week, The Zonta Club of Hong Kong was privileged to have Ms. Hilda Zhu, Assistant General Manager, Payment Business of BOC Credit Card (International) Limited kickstart an enlightening talk on payments.
The key takeaways include equipping with all the key B2C eWallet payment options for China and Hong Kong such as AliPay, WeChat Pay, and BOCPay. One must know accessibility could still have disruption at times while the ecosystem working itself diligently to reach 互联互通. Last, but not least, make sure to learn about the rewards from each method and have fun with savings when traveling to China.
9. ‘From the Perspective of Gender Inequality to the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Against Women and Intervention” (Mr. Pit-mo Lau, 28 Nov 2023)
The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence serves as a critical international platform to advocate for the cessation of violence against women and girls. This year, the United Nations has framed the 16 Days under the theme “UNiTE! Invest To Prevent Violence against Women & Girls,” accompanied by the compelling hashtag #NoExcuse. Highlighting the gravity of this issue, the Zonta Club of Hong Kong has enlisted the expertise of Mr. Pit-mo Lau, R.S.W., B.S.S., an Accredited Emerge Group Leader from the CEASE Crisis Center, as our speaker. His insights guide our collective efforts to combat intimate partner violence.
In Hong Kong, women face significant gender disparities in the workplace, including lower pay and fewer opportunities for leadership roles. These disparities are just a tidbit leading to an imbalance in equality and power. The conventions of family values exert an influence on one’s conduct within relationships, while socialization and prescribed gender roles emerge as primary contributors to inequality in personal relationships. Mr. Lau indicates that the “Power in Gender, Power in Control” paradigm is a key driver of family and intimate partner violence. Beyond women, intimate partner violence (IPV) affects diverse demographics, including children, young romances, individuals with mental or hearing challenges, and men. The CEASE Crisis Centre plays a vital role, offering a 24-hour hotline and intervention services for victims of domestic violence, elderly abuse, and sexual violence, with the Sky Club Club providing a gender-inclusive haven.
As we strive to raise awareness, the Zonta Club of Hong Kong remains hopeful that our advocacy drive will amplify support in these pivotal areas, fostering a society where violence has no place, and equality prevails. #ZontaSaysNo
10. ‘Hong Kong Tourism: Towards New Horizons” (Ms. Becky Ip, 30 Jan 2024)
Hong Kong, like many major cities around the world, has been actively revitalizing its tourism traffic since the world exited from the pandemic. We were privileged Ms. Becky Ip, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board come to share her insights on what the HKTB has implemented to turn “Hong Kong as a Destination: Undiminished Appeal”. We were particularly impressed with its commitment to extend the service to anyone and everyone to make the HKTB the first point of contact when they plan to visit Hong Kong, whether for private or business purposes. With the support from HK SAR Government, visitors can come and experience our rebounding with enhanced vitality and newness through the city’s festivals, mega-events, arts, and cuisine with peace of mind as the city’s unique East-meets-West appeal continues to fuel interest among travelers from around the world.
11. ‘Why Cybersecurity Matters” (Ms. Eva Kwok Cheung, 27 Feb 2024)
In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is more than just a buzzword where the practice of defending computing devices, servers, systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks also encompasses various contexts, including business operations, mobile computing, and disaster recovery. It’s a critical necessity. To celebrate 2024 Rose Day, and Women Helping Women, our new member Eva Kwok, Senior Managing Director of FTI Consulting shared “How to Safeguard Our Digital Lives”. In layman’s terms, Eva engagingly took us through case studies that went beyond one’s imagination, and tips on protecting our identities, securing our data, and navigating the web safely while staying alert. Now we can take our learning on the common online threats and feel more equipped with essential cybersecurity practices.
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