Irene Chen CEO of AsiaWorld-EXPO, Hong Kong offers some career tips for young women looking to make a career in the MICE industry.
How 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, 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.
