Women in Leadership
Uplifting advice
IRENE CHAN CEO OF ASIAWORLD-EXPO , HONG KONG OFFERS SOME CAREER TIPS FOR YOUNG WOMEN LOOKING TO MAKE A CAREER IN THE MICE INDUSTRY
H ow did you move into the meetings industry and what kind of challenges did women face then in Hong Kong in our industry ? I began my journey with the Airport Authority Hong Kong ( AAHK ) in 2007 , where I was responsible for overseeing passenger services , retail management and customer relations . I was appointed as the CEO of AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited by AAHK , its sole shareholder .
Transitioning to AsiaWorld-Expo in 2018 marked a significant shift in my career . One of the initial hurdles was not gender-related but rather the challenge of acquainting myself with the industry ’ s unique dynamics and market demands .
Historically , the MICE industry involved long and irregular hours , with shift patterns that seemed more accommodating to men . This was coupled with the perception that event planning and management were better suited to traits typically associated with men – such as the ability to mobilise a labour-intensive workforce , make decisive judgments and sustain physical stamina . This was underpinned by the societal expectation that women should prioritise stable hours at home for family care .
In recent years , however , I have observed a positive shift with more women assuming managerial and leadership roles . The detail-oriented approach , combined with decisive judgments that many women bring to the table , has proven invaluable ,
Irene Chan
demonstrating why an increasing number of women are thriving as leaders in this field .
Today , it is about competence , irrespective of gender .
What have been your strategies that have enabled you to get to the top of your profession and what advice would you pass on to young women starting out on a career today in the meetings industry ? Success is achievable for everyone , regardless of gender , as long as there is a commitment to continuous learning , staying open-minded and being inquisitive . Women can bring additional value by elevating the sense of understanding and affection in their roles .
Young professionals should seize every opportunity for professional development and speak up in meetings : a proactive approach helps in managing teams , negotiating and presenting your vision to stakeholders .
Networking has been a cornerstone of my success . This opens doors to opportunities and fosters a supportive environment . By encouraging a culture of meritocracy , where performance and outcomes are the primary metrics , gender becomes irrelevant .
I have also helped foster a supportive environment for other women in the industry . Success is not just about reaching the top but also about uplifting others as you climb .
How does AWE today help develop its female staff and prepare them for leadership roles ? At AsiaWorld-Expo , we are committed to implementing more family-friendly policies and offering greater scheduling flexibility .
At AsiaWorld-Expo , 21 % of our male staff and 23 % of our female staff hold managerial and senior executive positions . We conduct regular training sessions on diversity and inclusion to ensure that our work environment supports and encourages the unique contributions of every team member .
How can the wider meetings industry help women climb that career ladder faster ? First , there needs to be a concerted effort to dismantle persistent gender stereotypes and biases that have historically held women back . The perception that leadership qualities like decisiveness and the ability to thrive under pressure are inherently ‘ masculine ’ must be actively challenged ... and the industry should work to enhance the visibility and representation of women in leadership roles .
By prioritising gender equity , the industry can unlock tremendous untapped potential and pave the way for a more diverse and successful future . n
38 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 134