Leading the Way

Hosted by St. Regis Hotel Macao and co-organized by the Australian and British Chambers of Commerce in celebration of International Women’s Day, the panel discussion “Women in Leadership”, was presented by a number of women working in various sectors and industries Macau, addressing the changes and challenges in business operations as a result of the pandemic.

 

The panel discussion included Christine Choi, president of the board of directors of the Architects Association of Macau and co-founder of JWCC; Hong Yan Wen, vice-president of human resources of Sands China; Juliet Risdon, of JML Properties, and Michelle Ho, president and CEO of Golden Burger (Macau), in a session moderated by Janet McNab, vice-president of the multi-property sector of the Sheraton Grand Macao and the St. Regis Macao.

 

“The event was about managing in the COVID-19 environment, and using the global UN theme for International Women’s Day, ‘Choose to Challenge’, because this pandemic has challenged all of us in our businesses, and it has meant that we have had to change the way we do things,” Janet McNab points out.  “And it was about celebrating the fact the women are looking to lead and that there are good strong women, not only in Macau but across the globe, and that this evolution is being supported by both men and women and that we are in a growth stage.”

 

“This panel wanted to showcase the diversity of women working in Macau and highlight the tradeoffs that they have to make in senior roles.  Feedback from the panelists is that they have a good support network with friends, family, helpers, that can allow them to do their jobs.”

 

“Ultimately, the conclusion was that it is all about balance and that no organization can really reach its full potential without a balance of executives, female and male. I think there is more and more acceptance of women, and I can say that in my case, for example, during my career, I have had many male mentors who are progressive,” Janet states, adding that it is natural that as women evolve in the job market, they will have to “juggle” to balance motherhood and careers. “We women bring qualities like empathy and a different dynamic and skill set that ultimately helps the business,” she points out.

 

Janet McNab also acknowledges that there are many women in leadership positions in Macau. “Given that it is an environment with a very strong tourism sector, it is natural that there are many women involved in leadership positions. Moreover, I think Macau supports this development and even provides opportunities,” she stresses, giving the examples of the panelists. “These four ladies on our panel are definitely paving the way and giving opportunities to younger women coming into their industries.”

 

A significant part of the funds raised at the event, along with a donation from BNU, were given to the Good Shepherd Sisters, who in addition to other services, support women victims of domestic violence.

 

“We are very proud that our event was able to donate MOP40,000 to an organization like this, which provides support to disadvantaged women,” Janet notes. 

 

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