Inspiring women are champions of hope

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Each year, a group of inspirational Hong Kong women champion the cause of others in the community through the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation Women of Hope (WOH) Awards.

The nominees are already busy people with demanding careers or businesses to run, in tandem with their family responsibilities.

Yet, these women acknowledge that life is not equal for all in Hong Kong. On public hospital waiting lists, for instance, there are parents who can’t access timely cancer treatment for their sick children, and women who face an agonising wait for vital breast cancer screening.

And so, these inspiring women – the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation Women of Hope – make room in their hearts to stand up for social justice in health care. Through their efforts, and those of all who support the awards in various ways, hope springs for underprivileged cancer patients in Hong Kong, and those who care for them.

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation (HKAHF) initiated the Women of Hope awards in 2014 as a means of both honouring women of influence in our society, and raising money for its Adventist Cancer Fund.

The Fund provides free scans, as well as diagnosis and treatment services, for underprivileged cancer patients. It helps with early diagnosis and/or spread of cancer in the body using PET/CT and MRI scans; provides screening for women who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer; and supports targeted treatment for cancer patients referred by the Hospital Authority.

There are eight categories in this unique campaign: Art and Culture; Champion for a Better Life; Children’s Advocate; Eco-Warrior; Entrepreneur; Global Champion; Health Advocate; and Power and Influence. Winners are selected by public voting, and honoured at the annual award fundraiser luncheon. All funds raised at the event are directed to the Adventist Cancer Fund.

Jo Soo-Tang, Chairman, HKAHF Board of Governors (Stubbs Road), paid tribute to the current outstanding Women of Hope nominees from different walks of life for whom votes poured in from around the world.

“These women are passionate individuals who do so much already for their industry, in businesses and for NGOs,” Ms Soo-Tang said. “We are most grateful for their willingness to be our Women of Hope, contributing to the vital work of HKAHF’s charity initiatives.”

Health Advocate Dr Ava Kwong is widely acknowledged for her research work on breast cancer genetics in Chinese and Asian populations. Dr Kwong is Chief of Breast Surgery at the Tung Wah Hospital Breast Centre, and Director of Breast Center of University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital.

Children’s Advocate Emily Ngan is a dedicated educator and childcare worker who operates the Kingston brand in Hong Kong, has led many philanthropy projects to empower and educate children.

Winnie H.L. Cheung, 2018’s Champion for a Better Life, drew on her own personal challenges to establish a self-help wellness platform, UpPotential.com, to help others cope with anxiety, stress, and life pressures.

Global Champion Olga Roh has also made it in the world’s fashion capitals – her luxury fashion brand ROHMIR counts royalty and celebrities among its followers.

Entrepreneur Corina Larpin has built an international jewellery label boasting an A-list following that includes the likes of Elton John, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga, and Penelope Cruz.

Eco Warrior Justine Kwok established BK Atelier, an innovative brand of ethical, vegan pet products, as well as creating Flow, an organic farm and experience centre in Zhongshan, China.

The 2018 Art & Culture award recipient, Daphne King, has curated a number of landmark exhibitions in her role as Director of Alisan Fine Arts, as well as self-publishing a book on the gallery’s history.

2018’s Power & Influence recipient, Katherine Yip Ribeiro, founding partner of Pacific Alliance Group and VinaCapital Group, has a track record in founding and investing in companies which are leaders in their respective industries.

All current and previous Women of Hope join an elite alumni of tireless givers who are successful in their field, yet dig ever deeper to contribute to society by working toward empowerment.

Nominations for the 2019 awards open in March, with the eight recipients will be announced at the sixth annual Women of Hope fundraiser luncheon to be held on 17 May 2019 at the JW Marriott Ballroom.

For more information about the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation Women of Hope Awards, please visit http://www.hkahf.org.hk/woh/

Credits: Winners' photographs taken at Mott 32 by Studio Zag & Vivia la Vida, hair and make-up specialists emmanuel f.; Jane Ramsay clothing; and stylists Nadia Harilela and Lydia Carlson.