During my visit to the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, I had the great pleasure of meeting Ms. Sophia Chong, who has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), effective October 1, 2025.
Having the opportunity to meet with Ms. Chong during such a pivotal moment in her career is an honor, and it further highlights the strong role that Hong Kong continues to play as a global hub for trade, commerce, and innovation.
A Leader for a New Chapter at HKTDC
The HKTDC’s Chairman, Professor Frederick Ma, praised Ms. Chong as “an innovative, resolute and wise leader” who has consistently worked with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance Hong Kong’s commercial influence on the world stage. With her appointment, Ms. Chong will succeed Ms. Margaret Fong, who retires after a career marked by remarkable leadership and significant contributions to strengthening Hong Kong’s global connections.
Professor Ma expressed his confidence that Ms. Chong will carry forward the Council’s enterprising spirit, continuing to consolidate Hong Kong’s status as a premier trading hub while unlocking new opportunities for businesses worldwide.
Sophia Chong’s Vision
In her statement as Executive Director (designate), Ms. Chong emphasized the weight of responsibility and the importance of agility in a rapidly changing global economy:
“Together with the HKTDC team, I will continue to keep pace with the times and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a global hub, drive transformation through innovation and fully connect the local, mainland and international business communities. This will create broader business opportunities for enterprises and inject inexhaustible impetus into Hong Kong’s economy.”
This vision aligns perfectly with the Council’s mission of building bridges across markets, supporting enterprises, and fostering innovation-driven growth.
A Distinguished Career at HKTDC
Ms. Chong brings over 30 years of dedicated service to the HKTDC, during which she has held senior roles in exhibitions, e-commerce, publications, and regional promotion. Some of her key achievements include:
Transforming HKTDC exhibitions into world-leading sourcing and marketing platforms.
Driving digital commerce innovation, connecting global buyers with SMEs.
Strengthening Hong Kong’s creative industries (film, design, IT, licensing).
Serving as Regional Director for Southern China, deepening trade ties across Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian.
Her academic background includes an honors degree in Arts from the University of Hong Kong and executive training at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
A Personal Note
As someone passionate about the global watch and jewelry industry and its intersection with trade and culture, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to meet Ms. Chong at the start of her new chapter. Her leadership and vision embody the dynamism of Hong Kong as a connector between markets, industries, and people.
👉 Learn more about The HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair.
