The Diversity and Equal Opportunities Unit, together with School of Business and Management and School of Engineering, at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology would like to invite you to an upcoming Woman CEO event.   

The fireside chat will feature Ms. Jeanette MAO, Chief Executive Officer, HK Express Airways and HKUST alumna, who will share her leadership journey and the value of diversity and inclusion in senior leadership as well as in the workplace, and what does it look like in practice.  The fireside chat will be moderated by Ms. Helen CHEN, Head of External and Alumni Relations, School of Business and Management, HKUST. 

Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, will also deliver welcome remarks.

Date and time: 12:30-1:45 p.m., September 23, 2025 (Event registration starts at 12 p.m.; Light food and beverages will be provided.)  

Venue: G/F Main Hall, Shaw Auditorium, HKUST Campus, Clear Water Bay (Location & Transport) 

Language: English  

Audience: Open to all HKUST staff, students and alumni

How to register: Please register early to reserve your seat here with your HKUST email to be part of the conversation.

This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the “Personal Enrichment & Community Service” category under the "Self-directed Experience" of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1 hour and 15 minutes, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10 mins.

Staff members who are based in Kwun Tong office are encouraged to indicate whether you would need shuttle bus service. One-way shuttle bus service will be arranged if we receive sufficient number of registrants who would like to travel from Kwun Tong office to HKUST campus for the event.

Welcome remarks

Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST

Nancy is a world-renowned neuroscientist. She is currently the President of HKUST and the Morningside Professor of Life Science. Taking office in October 2022, she is the first female president of a publicly funded university in Hong Kong.

Professor Ip’s professional achievements are internationally recognized by prestigious organizations. She has been elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the World Academy of Sciences, and the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. Additionally, she has received numerous awards and honors including the National Natural Science Awards, the L’OREAL-UNESCO for Women in Science Award, and being named one of the 10 Science Stars of China by Nature.  In addition to conducting pioneering neuroscience research, she plays a significant role in shaping research policy on a global level. She has served on many boards and advisory committees of universities and prominent professional organizations, including the Leadership Group of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, World Dementia Council, Microsoft Research Asia, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. She also actively serves on local committees, such as the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers, to help steer the strategic development of Hong Kong.

Speaker

Ms. Jeanette MAO, Chief Executive Officer, HK Express Airways and HKUST alumna

Jeanette was appointed HK Express CEO, Hong Kong’s low-cost carrier, in April 2023. An effective leader with extensive experience, Jeanette oversees the airline’s operational decisions and strategic direction. As CEO, she will be responsible for the overall direction of the low-cost carrier’s operations, and enhancing the quality of customer service to ensure HK Express continues to deliver a safe and affordable travel experience on each of its flights.

Having worked with the Cathay Pacific Group for over 20 years, Jeanette holds valuable insights across different aspects of the aviation business, ranging not only from passenger travel to cargo business, but also from inflight products to service delivery. Prior to joining HK Express, Jeanette was the General Manager Inflight Service Delivery of Cathay Pacific from 2019 to 2023. She was responsible for leading the inflight service team to deliver excellent services on board for all customers of the airline. Jeanette has led various transformational initiatives with strong operational expertise in upholding the highest safety standards and providing exceptional customer service experience.

She started her career as a Management Trainee in 2002 with the Cathay Pacific Group, and later held leadership positions across Services and Operations, Cargo, International Affairs, Customer Experience and Inflight Products, Sales and Distribution.

Jeanette holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Finance from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She is passionate about travel and exploring diverse cultures. Jeanette is committed to leveraging her extensive experience and passion for aviation to lead HK Express towards an even brighter future.

Moderator

Ms. Helen CHEN, Head of External and Alumni Relations, School of Business and Management, HKUST

Helen is the Head of External and Alumni Relations at HKUST Business School, where she spearheads initiatives to enhance the School's external presence and connectivity. With a strong focus on expanding relationships and collaborations with the global business community and alumni, she develops strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the School's network.

Before her current role, Helen served as the Head of Strategic Development at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, where she managed external partnerships and fundraising activities. With over 20 years of experience in the financial industry across Hong Kong, Japan, and China, she has also held a faculty position at Hitotsubashi University ICS in Japan.

Helen is actively involved in community affairs. She is a Senior Advisor and former President (2012-2014) of the Columbia University Alumni Association in Hong Kong. Additionally, she served as President (2020-2022) of the Zonta Club of Victoria and was a Board Director (2020-2022) at the Centre for Heritage Arts & Textile (CHAT). She is also a member of the Board of Governors at the Bai Xian Asia Institute.

Helen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Oriental Studies from Barnard College and her Master's in International Affairs from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.