Introduction
Objectives
The Hong Kong Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association (HKWPEA) was established as a non-profit organization in September 1996 by a group of local women professionals and entrepreneurs. They have come together with the following objectives: to develop a strong support network, to create practical and innovative learning and business opportunities for themselves and for others, to promote high professional standards, and to respond to consultations of the HKSAR Government on various policy issues. Based in Hong Kong, the Association reaches out and establishes relationship with counterparts in Mainland China and abroad.
HKWPEA has over 90 members. It is honored to have Mrs. Anson Chan, GBM, JP, as Patron; Ms. Elsie Leung, JP, as Honorary Adviser; Ms. Annie Wu, JP, as Honorary President; and Ms. Marina Wong as Chartered President. An Executive Committee, currently chaired by President Caroline Mak, steers the Association’s programs and activities. The President is supported by her fellow Vice Presidents (3), Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Directors. Reporting to the Executive Committee are 9 working committees which initiate and coordinate the various activities. These committees are: Public Affairs, Fellowship, International & Local Liaison, Legal, Mainland Liaison, Membership, Services, Women Business Start-Up and Public Relations.
Over the years, HKWPEA has launched a number of meaningful programs and organized an impressive array of activities. Among the more notable programs are:
(婦女創業支援計劃),—a social service project to help less fortunate and unemployed women create self-employment by starting their own businesses. Launched in 2002, the Scheme is in its 2nd Phase where the emphasis is on starting cooperative businesses (婦女合作創業計劃).
(中國商管實戰經驗分享研討會系列)—an annual series, launched in 2003, covers a wide range of topics presented by business leaders who have accumulated a wealth of hands-on experience in China. A total of over 900 participants have attended these seminars.Other activities organized by the Association include:
- Fellowship functions for members and their families and friends are organized on a regular basis to provide opportunities for fellowship building and networking.
- Trips to the Chinese Mainland to meet important government and trade promotion officials and to visit places of interest. Cities visited include Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangmen, Qingdao, and Holhot (Inner Mongolia).
- Public seminars are organized on a wide range of topics as part of HKWPEA’s service to its members and to the community. The purpose is to provide access to diversified business intelligence, enhance professionalism, and help create business opportunities. These seminars are well supported by our target audience. Recent seminars have covered topics such as: investment opportunities for SMEs in Mainland China, equal opportunities for women, and business opportunities for SMEs in environmental protection industry.
- Participation in international women forums overseas. Recent forums attended include: “The 8th APEC Women’s Leader Network Meeting” in Chiangmai, July/August 2003; “The Global Summit of Women” in Seoul, in May 2004.
- Responses to HKSAR Government on public policy issues through submission of position papers.
For details of the programs mentioned above, please visit Activity Highlights and Newsletters pages.
Membership of HKWPEA is by member referral only. Confirmation of membership will be subject to final approval of the Board. Prospective members are encouraged to spend time getting to know the Association and its members, and to give members opportunity to know them. The following are the minimum requirements that the Association would like to see in candidates. They should:
- subscribe to the Association’s mission and objectives,
- uphold high professional integrity,
- possess the following working experience,
- have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience (for professionals) or;
- occupy a managerial position for a minimal of 5 years (for business executives) or;
- founded and run own company for at least 3 years (for entrepreneurs),
- be willing to contribute time and resource, and participate in committee work and fellowship gatherings, and
- be sponsored by at least 2 HKWPEA members (proposed by one and seconded by another).
