In May 2008 a meeting was held at the South African Consulate in Hong Kong, with the South African women in business residing there. One of the outcomes was a general interest by some of the ladies present to assist with the exchange of internees from South African universities and companies to work in Hong Kong and to promote the interests of men, women and youth in the business communities between South Africa and Hong Kong
The focus of the SAWCC of Hong Kong is that of: supporting young people in business, supporting entrepreneurs, supporting men and women and bridging the South African and Chinese cultures.
This is the South African Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong and we are about managing, promoting and being accountable for the following projects under-pinning the focus:
- The internee exchange program between Hong Kong andSouth Africa
- A Bamboo project in theEastern Capeto establish bamboo in reducing environmental footprint and creating job opportunities
- Promoting South African contemporary art inChina.
- Connecting and stimulating business in Hong Kong and between Hong Kong/China andSouth Africathrough hosting business seminars to enrich the knowledge base across borders
- Providing support and assistance to businesses in terms of business registration, business scope, and business opportunities through linking the business communities of Hong Kong/China and SA
- Our CORE business of creating the correct environment for South African businesses within Hong Kong and coming to Hong Kong to flourish in a like minded community of international business people based in Hong Kong.
The Patron members are:
a. Dame Anson Chan (ex Legco Member)
b. Angelina Kwan (Managing Director Stratford upon Avon Finance Limited )
The SAWCC Executive Board:
a. Lizette Smook is the President – president@sawcchongkong.com
Lizette holds a B.Sc degree from Stellenbosch and a MBA from Henley Business School UK. As an authority on sustainable textiles, Lizette Smook is a frequent speaker at major international textile conferences. A published author (The Competitiveness of the China Textile Apparel Manufacturing Industry, 2003); Smook is frequently quoted in regional media for her key insights on the positioning of the Asian textile supply base in the global market. Lizette is the Founder and CEO of Innovasians Ltd in Hong Kong
b. Tarynn Hatton-Jones is responsible for Public Relations - tarynn@burntoringe.com
Tarynn is not your A-typical business woman. She studied marketing, landed up in banking and finally got bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. She has a passion for people, planet and effecting change. She runs two businesses, sits on the board of 3 international groups, and ultimately lives a busy life to the fullest.
c. Maxine Barnett is responsible for events - maxinebarnett@acoruscapital.com
Maxine Barnett (Founder and Managing Partner Acorus Capital). Ms Barnett is Managing Partner of Acorus Capital, a Private Equity fund specialising in Asia/Africa cross border investment. Prior to this she worked for 14 years in investment banking where she was senior derivatives trader at Nomura and Credit Suisse inAsia. She held a similar role at BNP Paribas inParisandLondon. Ms Barnett’s career has focused on South African, Eastern European and Asian emerging markets. She holds a B.A in Languages from UCT and is also an active member of the Women’s Foundation of HK.
d. Monique Tenderini is responsible for events - monique.tenderini@gmail.com
e. Gisela Landsmann is responsible for Public Relations - gisela@queensproperty.com
f. Yvette Robeck is responsible for Sponsorship and funding - yvette@houseofvonrobeck.com
g. South African Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau SAR – Tembi Tambo is the Honorary non-Executive Chairman
h. Zimbabwe Consul General to Hong Kong Paul Chikawa is Honorary Board Member (non-Executive) on African Affairs
Contact details are:
address: 18th Fl, Wing Hing Commercial Building, 16 Sutherland St, Sheung Wan OR e-mail: president@sawcchongkong.com
Tel: 27992332 or fax: 37533173
Social Media:
1. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/South-African-Womens-Chamber-of-Commerce-Hong-Kong/169631306440440?sk=wall
2. Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/SOUTH-AFRICAN-WOMENS-CHAMBER-COMMERCE-4071588?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
3. Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/saffesinasia
The Vision
To practically and effectively enrich the lives and understanding of the global business community for men and women and the youth of South Africa and the Hong Kong community in entrepreneurial fields for the betterment of their future.
Further to create a platform for the South African resident business community to interact with their counterparts from other countries in a forum that promotes sound business practices and allows for the expansion or initiation of business initiatives.
The Mission
The passion that informed the creation of this Chamber was the desire to enhance, promote and develop the entrepreneurial spirit in the, men, women and the youth ofSouth Africaand of Hong Kong Chinese.
Through connecting the hearts and minds of experienced and successful men and women in business and their environment to the potential of the youth from both countries, the Chamber believes we will play a large part in creating the new entrepreneur for the 21st century and beyond. The benefits of cross cultural interaction we believe cannot be overstated to play a significant role in the development of bi-lateral relationships that will extend far beyond the assistance received