From the era of typewriters to the rise of artificial intelligence, Trevina Suen has seen it all at the Chamber. As the Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO, her four-decade career is a masterclass in adaptability, loyalty and excellence.
Trevina first joined the Chamber as a secretary after undertaking a business and secretarial course in the United Kingdom – it instilled a discipline that has supported her through HKGCC’s transformation. "Back then, you had to know shorthand and type at lightning speed – skills that aren’t taught anymore," she recalled. "Even now, I cannot abide a badly formatted letter!”
One significant change she cherishes is the adoption of the new Chamber logo to mark the HKGCC’s 140th Anniversary celebrations, including a commemorative ball as well as the Distinguished Speakers Series. The revamped logo was launched on 22 February 2001 by then-HKGCC Chairman CC Tung and then-Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, who was the guest speaker during the series.
Among other changes was the evolution of employee policies over time. "When I started, only male staff received health coverage for their spouses," she said. "Some years later, that was remedied in an effort to provide equal opportunities.”
The onset of the digital age erased some traditions she took pride in, such as the use of shorthand, but she doesn’t miss labouring over a typewriter. However, some things remain timeless. "Punctuality and time management are non-negotiable," she advises newcomers to the Chamber. "They shape everything and will impact your career."
Asked how she handles high-pressure moments, Trevina extols the virtue of teamwork, explaining that she can always rely on her colleagues to pull together. However, even the best teams face unexpected situations, as seen during the HKGCC’s Ningbo business mission in the early 2000s.
"I went along as the photographer," she revealed. "Then, halfway through, someone accidentally deleted all the photos. We spent the last day taking twice as many photos. Somehow, no one found out – until now, that is!”
What stands out most are the people she has met along the way. " I have built good relationships with bosses, colleagues and members, and many are still friends today," she said, adding that she still exchanges Christmas cards with Ian Christie, who was Chamber Director from 1988-1997.
What is one thing she would like to see at the Chamber in the future?
“A clubhouse for members and employees, with convention and recreation facilities, would be a wonderful addition to an excellent organization that has kept pace with the times throughout its 164-year history,” she said.
After four decades on the job, her enthusiasm hasn’t dimmed in the slightest. The secret?
“Love your job and care about what you do. When you take pride in your work, every task feels rewarding."
WHAT FORMER CHAMBER LEADERS SAY
Ian Christie, Chamber Director (1988-1997)
“Trevina was my Personal Assistant for nine years while I was Director. I owe her a deep sense of gratitude for giving me unrivalled help and support. I could not have wished for a more efficient, intelligent and friendly assistant. As the Chamber expanded, Trevina took on a greater workload and responsibilities, which made my life so much easier. She knew how to handle me as well! To me, she was irreplaceable, and I see that the Chamber has taken a similar view for the last three decades.”
Paul Cheng, Chairman (1992-1994)
“HKGCC is indeed fortunate to have Trevina's dedicated support all these years. She has certainly been the stabilizer who has kept the Chamber on course as Hong Kong’s leading business organization.”
Anthony Nightingale, Chairman (2003-2005)
“I remember Trevina well from my years on the General Committee, Chairman’s Committee and as Chairman. She was always very efficient, quick in her responses, helpful and cheerful. The Chamber has been very fortunate to have her dedicated service over so long a period."