Second Dialogue Session with Women Chief Executives: Positivity in the Worst of Times

The second session with WCE panellists Mrs. Helen Kan (Executive Director & Alternate Chief Executive Officer, China CITIC Bank International Limited) (third from the left), Ms. Claire Lim (Chief Executive Officer, TransUnion Hong Kong) (third from the right), and Mrs. Christine Ip (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, United Overseas Bank Limited (Greater China)) (second from the left). Professor Andy Wong (Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, CUHK Business School) (second from the right) and student moderators Nicholas Ng (International Business & Chinese Enterprise, Year 4) (first on the left) and Bosco Luk (Global Business Studies, Year 3) (first on the right).

The second “Dialogue with Women CEOs” was successful held on 18 March 2021. The dialogue panel featured three women CEOs, including Mrs. Helen Kan (Executive Director & Alternate Chief Executive Officer, China CITIC Bank International Limited), Ms. Claire Lim (Chief Executive Officer, TransUnion Hong Kong), and Mrs. Christine Ip (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, United Overseas Bank Limited (Greater China)). Over 320 secondary school students, teachers, Integrated BBA students and public members attended the dialogue session.

The session kicked off with a brief and warm welcome speech by Professor Andy Wong (Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, CUHK Business School). Subsequently, the student moderators Bosco Luk (Global Business Studies, Year 3) and Nicholas Ng (International Business & Chinese Enterprise, Year 4) spearheaded the discussion regarding the theme of the dialogue session – “Positivity in the worst of times” with our distinguished guests.

The roads were not always smooth for the three CEOs. One could hardly imagine any of the speakers used to have stage fright, difficulties in mastering English, or problems in adapting to new schools in their childhood. Instead of being constrained and limited by these obstacles, the three CEOs managed to overcome these challenges step by step through positivity, hard work and perseverance. These key points undoubtedly led to the success in their career.

Understandably, roads are not forever bumpy throughout one’s life journey. In times of unprecedented situations, all three CEOs agreed that we should always face them with faith and hope. Instead of worrying about the unpredictable future, it is of utmost importance that we live in the present and bring out the best version of ourselves.

The WCE programme was established in partnership with a group of women chief executives from the financial services industry in Hong Kong, to empower the next generation through the exchange of views on business and social issues. Each dialogue event features a panel of female CEOs who discuss wide-ranging topics including leadership, soft skills, career development, diversity and inclusion.

Since the programme’s first launch in 2018, more than 1,000 secondary school students, teachers and principals, as well as female chief executives and professionals from various financial institutions have participated in the dialogue series.

Ms. Claire Lim (Chief Executive Officer, TransUnion Hong Kong) on the left and Professor Andy Wong (Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, CUHK Business School) on the right. Professor Wong greeted the audiences warmly at the beginning of the dialogue session.

Mrs. Helen Kan (Executive Director & Alternate Chief Executive Officer, China CITIC Bank International Limited) on the left and Ms. Claire Lim (Chief Executive Officer, TransUnion Hong Kong) on the right. Helen sharing her childhood experience enthusiastically with the audiences.

Mrs. Christine Ip (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, United Overseas Bank Limited (Greater China)) explaining how having a positive mindset helped her in overcoming challenges.

The online event was a success and joined by 320 secondary students, teachers, school principals, and IBBA students. Other women CEOs also joined the session to show their support for the dialogue session. 

A group photo with all the three women CEOs, Professor Andy Wong and the student moderators taken at the end of the dialogue session.