Beyond Classroom Learning: Inspiring Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Honorable Sophie Leung Lau Yau-fun, GBS, JP
Chairman, Young Entrepreneurs Development Council (YDC)

Recent research released by the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong found that only 53% of polled Hong Kong students believe they can bounce back from adversity, compared with 73% and 78% of their cross-border counterparts polled in Guangzhou and Beijing.

Drawing from her experience in the Young Entrepreneurs Development Council (YDC), at this Chamber-Wide luncheon Mrs. Leung will share views on how to inspire entrepreneurial spirit - beyond formal classroom learning - to inculcate positive mindsets among students and help them develop into capable leaders and assets invaluable to society. Mrs. Leung has made it her life's work to foster exchanges within economic, educational and cultural circles, founding the private, non-profit YDC to foster entrepreneurial and leadership qualities and skills in Hong Kong, particularly among young people.

Sophie Leung is a director of Bay Apparel Ltd., one of the leading international apparel companies in Hong Kong and throughout the world, and of Golden Emblem Investment Co. Ltd. She is a deputy to the National People's Congress and a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and its panel on commerce and industry. Mrs. Leung has been a director of the Textile Council of Hong Kong since 1991, a founding member and honorary president of the Hong Kong Federation of Women and a committee member of the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organizations. She earned a B.S. in mathematics and computer science from the University of Illinois.