Q&A with Founding YEC Chairman Oscar Chow
"YEC Has Done a Lot of Good Work to Help People in Need"
As founding Chairman of YEC, what was your vision when launching the club?
The aim was to strengthen fellowship among YEC members and develop the next generation of business leaders through valuable events and activities. These cover four aspects: education and information, community and charity, membership and fellowship, and lifestyle and recreation. Our events continue to add value to the professional development of young executives while promoting corporate social responsibility. Our members must also establish camaraderie by broadening their networks through the Club’s networking and recreational activities.
The club has gone from strength to strength since its launch. In your view, what are its most significant achievements?
CSR has always been a central area of focus. Through the years, YEC has organized many activities to help the vulnerable and poor. One series that strongly impressed me was “A Day with Food Angel.” YEC members assisted in preparing and serving hot meals for underprivileged children and the elderly.
We also worked to spread awareness about preventing food waste. During the Bread Run, members collected surplus fresh bread from bakeries before closing time instead of dumping it into a landfill. They packed all the food for next-day distribution to the homeless, refugee support centres, and children’s homes.
In 2015, two dedicated YEC teams took part in the Oxfam Trailwalker, walking the 100km MacLehose Trail to raise over HK$200,000 for charity. Other community-focused YEC events include blood donation drives.
Looking ahead, what are your expectations for the club?
YEC has done a lot of good work helping people in need. I hope we can keep the momentum going. The next big event is the fourth edition of the Pitch Perfect Programme (2025). As always, it will nurture a new generation of leaders, equip them with the skills to launch successful careers and contribute to making Hong Kong a future-ready city.
The YEC has come a long way since 2014, and I congratulate everyone on the 10th anniversary. Best of luck for the future!
Mentoring Future Leaders
For Eric Fok, Founding YEC Vice Chairman, serving YEC has been rewarding in many ways.
“Mentoring and supporting Hong Kong youths remains one of my core missions, as they represent the future of our community,” said Fok, adding that his most memorable experience was launching the Pitch Perfect Programme in 2021, where he guided students in preparing for their careers.
“I met many students and fresh graduates during YEC’s activities, which helped me better understand their needs,” said Former YEC Chairman Elsa Wong. “It is a privilege to share my knowledge and experiences, thereby helping them embark on their careers.”
Promoting International Collaboration
Newly elected Chairman Victor Lam said YEC aims to enhance the Chamber’s programmes by offering events tailored for young members that promote exchange, raise social awareness and contribute to the community.
“Going forward, we will explore more initiatives that will encourage youngsters to explore markets such as the Mainland and ASEAN,” said Lam.
“With the Chamber leveraging on Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector to grow business networks and attract investment, YEC is striving to foster deepen connections with overseas markets as well as cities in the Greater Bay Area. The idea is to grow new links and strengthen existing ones with foreign counterparts in various sectors. This will also help facilitate knowledge-sharing and insightful exchanges among our young professionals, while promoting better integration,” he added.
A Night to Remember
As co-chairman of the Ball Organizing Committee, former YEC Chairman Olivia Kung is looking forward to the club’s anniversary dinner on 6 September at Ocean Park Marriott. The highlight of the evening will be a modern dance by the Hong Kong Ballet. Kung, who took ballet lessons as a child, has dreamed of making the dance form more accessible since she watched the Russian Ballet perform in St. Petersburg years ago.
“The ball will also include a performance by the talented students from the Jean M. Wong School of Ballet,” she said. “I look forward to seeing you there!”
YEC – MILESTONES
2014
PIONEERING SPIRIT: Official launch of HKGCC’s Young Executives Club. From left, founding members Eric Fok, Oscar Chow, Elsa Wong and Joseph Chan.
2015
ON THE RIGHT TRACK: YEC teams participated in the Oxfam Trailwalker 2015 to complete the 100km MacLehose Trail within the 48-hour time limit.
2016
SETTING SAIL: YEC members enjoyed a happy hour aboard the Aqua Luna, Victoria Harbour. The event helped raised funds for the Chamber Oxfam Trailwalker team.
2017
BUSINESS AS USUAL: YEC organized a three-day visit to Shenzhen in collaboration with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), to understand the opportunities and challenges presented by "The Rise of China's Innovation."
2018
FUTURE FORWARD: YEC partnered with HKU SPACE Executive Academy (SEA) on an executive study tour of San Francisco to learn about the latest developments in Silicon Valley.
2019
NIGHT AT THE OPERA: The YEC’s 5th anniversary was marked with an opera-themed dinner celebration.
2021
GUIDING LIGHT: Launch of the Pitch Perfect Programme, an all-round training initiative and competition for undergraduate students in Hong Kong.
2022
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: To help reduce food waste and alleviate hunger, YEC members participated in a Bread Run in collaboration with Feeding Hong Kong.
2023
GROWING CONNECTIONS:
YEC organized a mission to Ho Chi Minh City, offering members the chance to learn about the latest developments and opportunities in the Vietnamese capital.
2024
ART BEAT: YEC members took part in the Tour Around Hong Kong Charity Walk at The Peak, a flagship fundraising event by Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong.