Katherine Cheung (right), and Kelly Tsim, president and executive vice president of the Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Association respectively, announce the names of the winners of the 4th Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Awards at a press briefing in Hong Kong, Oct 31, 2022. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – Thirty-six high-achieving women have been named winners of this year’s Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Awards.

The Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Association announced the names of the winners at a press briefing on Monday. An awards presentation ceremony will be held on Nov 11. 

The awards are a recognition of the societal contributions of accomplished female entrepreneurs, and aim to empower women to chart their career course and to raise social consciousness concerning “gender equality and diversity”. 

The awards acknowledge female high achievers who are visionary, gritty, and intrepid enough to be their own boss and who have given more than their fair share of inputs into a range of sectors, including arts and culture, philanthropy, sustainability, and technology and innovation, to name a few. 

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Thirty-six women will be awarded this year in eight categories. The Art & Culture Entrepreneur Award commends females with creative artistic ideas who are actively engaged in promoting the development of art and culture. The Business Excellence Award salutes business founders and leaders who have made distinguished achievements. 

We are also endeavoring to instill the notion of ‘diversity’ — the 36 awarded women excel in a variety of realms — and ‘inclusivity’, which is also a part and parcel of a progressive and forward-looking society.

Katherine Cheung, President, GBWEA

The Greater China Business Award recognizes women entrepreneurs who have contributed to, and built social influence in, the Greater Bay Area. The Philanthropy Award honors female leaders demonstrating superior leadership who take an active part in public welfare services. The Power of Next Award recognizes women who are successful in continuing the culture of their family businesses. 

The Sustainability Award goes to outstanding females who lead in and achieve sustainable development. The Technology Innovation Award and the Z35 Award commend female leaders in innovation-driven and forward-looking industries.

There’s a deep-rooted stereotype in many societies that men should hold the reins and take the driver’s seat, and are more enterprising and driven than their women counterparts. While gender equality has notably improved over the past decades thanks to campaigns for women rights and the painstakingly concerted efforts of female advocates as well as of women high achievers, the old stereotype and prejudices are still present. 

With a vision to challenge the stereotype, the Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneur Awards aim to help establish a level playing field for women: “by giving outstanding women due recognition for their contribution to society, we look to celebrate ‘women leadership’ and empower women to go for their aspirations,” said Katherine Cheung, president of GBWEA. 

“We are also endeavoring to instill the notion of ‘diversity’ — the 36 awarded women excel in a variety of realms — and ‘inclusivity’, which is also a part and parcel of a progressive and forward-looking society.”

The awards are supported by a prominent panel of judges who are seasoned and insightful leaders. Among them are Bernard Chan, undersecretary for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau; Maggie Chan, president of the All-China Women’s Federation Hong Kong Delegates Association Limited; and Pansy Ho, chairperson of the Hong Kong Federation of Women. 

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On the upcoming awards presentation day, a launch ceremony for a young entrepreneur cultivation program initiated by the association will also take place — a testament to the association’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship among the young generation. 

Established in 2012, GBWEA was the first trade organization in Hong Kong to aim at bringing together businesswomen from diverse occupations. Founding members were women entrepreneurs and senior women executives actively engaged in local industries, businesses, professional and service sectors, who care for the business environment in Hong Kong, their own career development, and the exploration of further opportunities within Greater China.