We were delighted to host a special dialogue featuring Agnes Chan, BBS, as she calls time on her tenure as Chairman of the HKGCC. She reflected on her term sharing valuable insights into the leadership required to lead the Chamber through a challenging period of global uncertainty, while advancing its role as the city’s Voice of Business.
Chairman Chan brings a distinguished 40-year long association with Ernst & Young, having joined the firm in Australia in 1986 before returning to Hong Kong five years later. She explained how her extensive work experience influenced her transformational work at the Chamber, of which she has been an active member since the early 1990s.
From setting early strategic priorities to actively steering the Chamber through its milestone 165th anniversary celebrations, she emphasised the importance of resilience and forward-thinking leadership as critical to navigating an evolving landscape.
“I’ve learned that leadership does require a lot of sacrifice, but on the other hand, it also gives you a purpose and a sense of fulfilment when you overcome difficult hurdles to deliver meaningful outcomes”, the Chairman said, also acknowledging the support of her family as a constant source of motivation while she dedicated herself to the role.
In navigating a challenging geopolitical era, Chairman Chan’s visionary leadership has significantly expanded the Chamber’s global and domestic impact. She expertly promoted international exchange through high-profile delegations and landmark MoUs, empowered businesses to seamlessly align with national strategies, and steadfastly advocated for the business community through constructive policy lobbying with the Government.
General Committee members engaged with the Chairman on her reflections on the tenure, paying tribute to the tremendous efforts in fortifying the Chamber’s contribution on the international front.
As she looks ahead to the next chapter, she shared that she plans to “take a good rest” – a well-earned break after two years of dedicated service and more than three decades of association with the Chamber, leaving behind a lasting legacy.