Recognising inspirational women in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is full of inspirational women, and a select group are recognised each year for their work benefiting women, children and the greater community through the Women of Hope (WOH) Awards.
Established by the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation in 2014, the awards not only recognise these women for their combined efforts to society—they also raise funds for the foundation's Cancer Fund to support underprivileged cancer patients in Hong Kong through an annual awards luncheon (taking place this year on Thursday, May 18 at the Aberdeen Marina Club; get your tickets here).
Photo: @hongkongtatler/Instagram
From eco-warriors to charity workers, entrepreneurs to equality champions, the 36 WOH nominees of 2017 are truly inspirational in so many ways. Ahead of the awards luncheon, we asked several of them to share what they loved most about their mothers in honour of Mother's Day.
Karen Mok
Photo: Courtesy of Karen Mok
Name: Karen Mok, singer and performer, ambassador for Unicef, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Animals Asia Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and Enlighten–Action for Epilepsy; supporter of FilmAid Asia
Nominated for: Global champion
What I love most about Mum: "I love her for giving me such a great environment to grow up in, and always encouraging me to chase my dreams."
See also: Karen Mok on the Tatler 500 list
Bonnae Gokson
Photo: Courtesy of Bonnae Gokson
Name: Bonnae Gokson, founder of SEVVA, Ms B's Cakery, C'est La B
Nominated for: Entrepreneur
What I love most about Mum: "My mother had so much glamour, flair & was a fabulous cook besides many other her talents. She taught me great values and exposed me to a very refined way of living."
See also: Bonnae Gokson on the Tatler 500 list
Belinda K00
Photo: Courtesy of Women of Hope 2017
Name: Belinda Koo, founder of XYZ
Nominated for: Entrepreneur
What I love most about Mum: "She is understanding and compassionate. Elegant and honest."
See also: A Day In The Life Of Belinda Koo
Jeanine Hsu
Photo: Courtesy of Women of Hope 2017
Name: Jeanine Hsu, founder of eco-friendly jewellery brand niin
Nominated for: Eco-warrior
What I love most about Mum: "The thing I love most about my mother is her incredible passion for people and life and generally having a good time... She does a great job at holding our huge patchwork family together, and we know we will have a laugh and be fed and watered well every time ;)"
See also: The Tatler 10 ft. Jeanine Hsu
Mahnaz Lee
Photo: Courtesy of Women of Hope 2017
Name: Mahnaz Lee, co-founder of Women Helping Women Hong Kong (WHWHK)
Nominated for: Champion for a better life
What I love most about Mum: "Her calmness and patience. When I was young she spent so much time with me teaching me the values and principles of life; teaching me to be independent, kind and a responsible person. Her love, attention and guidance made me who I am today. She is now 91 years old and still there for me with the best advice a daughter can ever ask for."
See also: A Day In The Life Of Mahnaz Lee
Joy Slosar
Photo: Courtesy of Joy Slosar
Name: Joy Slosar, director of LEAP (Life Education Activity Program); supporter of Youth Diabetes Action, Women Helping Women, Hong Kong Cancer Fund, Hong Kong Society for Protection of Children, Mother’s Choice, First Initiative Foundation and The Women’s Foundation.
Nominated for: Champion for a better life
What I love most about Mum: "What I love most about my mother is that she instilled in me the love of learning, because nowadays, I realise that learning keeps me growing."
Annie Ho Ting
Photo: Courtesy of Annie Ho Ting
Name: Annie Ho Ting, vice chairperson at the Children’s Medical Foundation (CMF)
Nominated for: Children's advocate
What I love most about Mum: "What I love the most about my mom is her eternal optimism—it always comes in handy for challenging situations."
See also: Annie Ho Ting x Van Cleef & Arpels' L'Ecole
As the official media partner of Women of Hope 2017, we'll be reporting live from the fourth annual Women of Hope (WOH) awards luncheon at the Aberdeen Marina Club on May 18, so follow us on Instagram @HongKongTatler for updates as they happen.
Find out more about the Women of Hope Awards 2017 at spreadhopehk.org.