Dialogue with Women Chief Executives 2023: Turning Adversity into Positivity

This year, the event featured five panellists including Ms. Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Ms. Helena Chen, Managing Director (Hong Kong and Macau) of Mastercard, Ms. Amy Cho, Former CEO, Hong Kong and Deputy Head, Asia Pacific of Schroders, Ms. Angela Liu, MD, China CEO of Barclays Corporate and Investment Bank, and Ms. Harshika Patel, CEO, Hong Kong and Head of Strategy, Asia Pacific of J.P. Morgan. Guests of the event included Ms. Angel Ng, Head of Asia, Citi Global Wealth of CITI and Professor Andy Wong, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid of CUHK.

From left: Dr. Fred Ku, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) of CUHK Business School, Ms. Amy Cho, Former CEO, Hong Kong and Deputy Head, Asia Pacific of Schroders, Ms. Helena Chen, Managing Director (Hong Kong and Macau) of Mastercard, Ms. Harshika Patel, CEO, Hong Kong and Head of Strategy, Asia Pacific of J.P. Morgan, Ms. Angel Ng, Head of Asia, Citi Global Wealth of CITI, Ms. Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Ms. Angela Liu, MD, China CEO of Barclays Corporate and Investment Bank) and Professor Andy Wong, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid of CUHK.

Dr. Fred Ku, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), moderated the event and expressed gratitude to the panel of outstanding women chief executives in his welcoming remarks. “It is precisely during times of adversity that positivity becomes more critical than ever before, especially for our future leaders. With this in mind, we have chosen the theme ‘The Next Generation of Leaders: Turning Adversity into Positivity’ for this year’s dialogue.”

Dr. Fred Ku, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) welcomed all participants to the Dialogue with Women Chief Executives.

In their sharing, the women chief executives reflected on their life journeys and adversities encountered in their professional careers. They encouraged students to learn from their mistakes while continuously maintaining a positive approach to learning.

Ms. Angel Ng represented the panellists and encouraged students to take ownership of their path. “Hopefully you are all here for a purpose and that purpose is to take ownership of your path and design where and how you get there.”

Ms. Angel Ng, Head of Asia, Citi Global Wealth of CITI, encouraged students to keep their minds open.

With over 17 years of experience in the banking industry, Ms. Angela Liu encouraged students to be open-minded and have a positive mindset. “When we encounter adversities or a problem in life, by nature we assume other people as an enemy. Take the step to find kindness instead and don’t be afraid of seeking help from other people.”

Ms. Angela Liu, MD, China CEO of Barclays Corporate and Investment Bank, encouraged students to learn from mistakes.

Ms. Harshika Patel spoke passionately about her journey in managing large international teams along with the challenges faced in creating organisational change within the corporation. “If you believe in something, even if everyone thinks it is wrong, speak up. Don’t look back on your failures as failings. Look at them as an opportunity for growth.”

Ms. Harshika Patel, CEO, Hong Kong and Head of Strategy, Asia Pacific of J.P. Morgan shared her experience in creating change in large corporations.

Ms. Diana Cesar provided a unique perspective on the importance of education in enabling women to thrive in the workplace and encouraged students to continuously develop their leadership skills as it is an essential quality in an industry leader. “Always strive for excellence and find ways to get better in all your life endeavours. Values like integrity, humility, and a can-do attitude shouldn’t be limited to leaders; they are qualities that everyone should uphold in life.”

Ms. Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, highlighted the importance of education.

Ms. Amy Cho advised the participants to take charge of their life path, have an open mindset for change, and find the opportunity in every way they can. “Take charge of your life path, but always have an open mindset for change. Continue to explore your strength, mission and passion, you will find new opportunities you could never have dreamt of.”

Ms. Amy Cho (right), Former CEO, Hong Kong, and Deputy Head, Asia Pacific of Schroders, advised students to remain resilient in the face of adversity.

Ms. Helena Chen (middle), Managing Director (Hong Kong and Macau) of Mastercard, reflected on the adversities she faced and how to overcome them.

During the Q&A session, the students were actively engaged and they posed thought-provoking questions on career development, which allowed the panellists to gain valuable insights into the perspectives of today’s youth in return. The dialogue was filled with inspiring stories of the panellists and a vibe of resilience of young people despite the pandemic challenges over the past few years.